Page 32 - First Steps 2023

2. Let’s talk freedom—from
slavery. Magnify the Consequences
Before meeting Jesus, One lie we tell ourselves is that a
you were literally a slave of sin. sin here and there won’t have any long-

It had a grip on you that you lasting effect.
Not true. Any deliberate sin both
couldn’t break. erodes our relationship with God and with
That’s because sin is both other people. We suddenly have a secret
addictive and destructive. to hide, which compromises intimacy and
And without Jesus setting you torpedoes transparency.
free from sin, you have to rely When you’re tempted to sin, pause
on nothing more than self- to consider the consequences. Whether
you’re “caught” or not, there’s damage
discipline and willpower to do being done, friendships betrayed. You’re
what’s right. intentionally stepping away from following
Which—let’s be honest Jesus.
here—doesn’t always work out Don’t ignore consequences, magnify
so well. them. What’s the worst that could hap-
pen? Think about that—because it may
Don’t feel bad—everyone
well happen.
sins and no one has enough
willpower to always do the
right thing. Consider this passage describing what life was like for all of us
before we were set free by Jesus:

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved
by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy,
being hated and hating one another” (Titus 3:3).

Sound familiar?
Sin is momentary pleasure with eternal consequences. When you
were enslaved by sin, you lived for the present. Now that you’re following
Jesus, you’re living for the future—including a future in heaven.
But you still have to contend with sin. It’s still nipping at your heels,

trying to enslave you once again. Temptation is still a daily part of your
life. That’s true for you and every other Jesus-follower.
So how can you cope?

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