Gifted - Part 3

Introduction

Recently found out that a high profile Christian leader has been living a lie

  • Lied about his cancer – since then whole heap of other stuff

His Web of deception left people in a a state of shock – disbelief and a wide range of other emotions

Unfortunately this is not the first time something like this has happened

  • It won't be the last
  • It is never pleasant

Whenever something like this happens always leaves a lot of people asking a lot of questions

1. Why does it happen – SIN

  • Sin – miss the mark (archer)
  • People are bad by nature – all born into sin
  • Jesus – took our sin nailed it to the cross
  • Gave us the power to dealt with the sinful nature
  • As believers we have to exercise our authority on a daily basis

Rom 12:1 NIV Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship.

  • Put on your new self

Eph 4:22-27 NIV You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; (23) to be made new in the attitude of your minds; (24) and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (25) Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. (26) "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, (27) and do not give the devil a foothold.

2. How does it happen – GRADUALLY

  • Over a period of time
  • Just because you get away with something – doesn't make it right
  • E.g. Pornography – huge problem (death row – all addicted)
  • Sin is crouching at the door

Gen 4:4-7 NIV But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, (5) but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. (6) Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? (7) If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

  • Opportune time

Luk 4:13 NIV When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

3. What happens now

Consequence for his action

Ecc 8:11 NIV When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.

  • God is a God of justice – let's not forget that
  • Discipline at a church and civil level
  • Don’t judge or you to will be judged = heart issue

What happens to the individuals is not our responsibility, but what we do is

We should respond in the following ways….

  1. Learn from it – wake up call to all of us
  2. Keep your heart pure
    • Extend grace – there but the grace of God go I
    • Forgiveness – unforgiveness never helped anyone
  3. Watch what you say
    • Shouldn’t enjoy being bearers of bad news
  4. Don’t become cynical – about healing etc.
  5. Stay accountable
    • Open and honest
    • With someone who can help you

Conclusion

  • Pray for the situation