Sinsation Part 2 - Daily Devotional April 29th, 2010

Bible Reading - Numbers 6, Psalm 40-41, Song of Solomon 4, Hebrews 4

Sinsation Part 2

Hebrews 4:14-16, says, "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, " yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need".

This weekend we will be launching our series "Sinsation". As I study for this series I am brought back to the simple reality that the only thing that can separate us from God is sin. Knowing this is half the battle when it comes to getting closer to God. When we understand this we can now begin to battle with the knowledge and authority that Jesus is our advocate and that he was tempted in every aspect we were but had victory in every area. This gives us a great confidence and hope because He is battling with us and for us so that we can overcome the temptations in our lives.

I am convinced that every time we overcome a temptation in our lives we are actually closer to God then when we faced the temptation and when we grow closer to God the more we can overcome the next thing that comes our way. Verse 16 of Hebrews 4 is so encouraging because it tells us that because Jesus is our advocate who has overcome temptation that we can with confidence draw closer to the throne of mercy and grace or in other words draw near to God. How are we to draw near to God? - With CONFIDENCE!!! When we are afraid to draw near to God or we avoid drawing near to God it is not because we think God is a bad person but it is usually because we have sin in our lives and that sin is making us timid and shy and keeps us from drawing near to the throne of God.

Today we need to take accept the fact that Jesus through the cross has defeated sin and as we receive Him as our advocate we to can defeat sin. As we defeat the temptation and sin that comes our way than we literally draw closer to Him. The simple reality is this, if we are not close to God than we have sin in our lives. Let's get that sin out and draw near to Him once again.

Tomorrows Bible Reading - Numbers 7, Psalm 42-43, Song of Solomon 5, Hebrews 5

Dream Big
Ben