When others sin by walking out of God’s will, we should not ignore the way they suffer the consequences. We can learn a lot from the sins of others, especially what has been outlined in the Word of God. Yet we often fail to learn from others' sinful actions. I think people may use grace too loosely. It’s almost become a “get out of jail free card,” meaning you do the sin, but you’re exempt from the consequences.
"Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living." (Romans 6:15-16 NLT)
While grace is wrapped in God’s love, mercy, and compassion toward us there is a time of judgment, of God’s wrath. We cannot flagrantly sin and say, “I’m under grace.” Grace is extended based on our intimate relationship with God and a repentant heart. He extends grace to us to be saved and once saved He extends grace to us to walk in obedience to His Word. Grace is not to be played with or taken lightly.
God included in His Word examples of good and evil, blessings, and curses, and victory and consequences. He was strategic in what was included. Since He’s given us these examples we should learn from them and apply them to our lives.
His Word tells us clearly:
“These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.” (I Corinthians 10:11-12 NLT)
While we’ve been warned we should not, cannot, become arrogant because any of us can fall. We must remember sin is a choice. God always gives us a way of escape. We just have to choose it.
“For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.” (I Corinthians 10:11-12 AMPC)
We must remember that everything we do, or don’t do, begins with a choice. God always gives us choices. The thing we must do is seek Him to make the right choice.
“I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19 AMPC)
Be Encouraged! ❤
(From the Vault of LWM)