God confronts His people

James the brother of Jesus wrote to the church, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”

This is a beautiful summation of the human dilemma. You were created by God to worship and love Him in joyful submission to His rule and authority. However in the Garden Adam was tempted- not by God – not even by Satan per se, but by his own desire. It was this desire for autonomy (self-rule) that was completely antithetical (opposed) to his purpose in creation and, as God promised, it led to his death.

James, Jesus brother, reiterates this dilemma for the church. You have the under the grace of God an opportunity for blessing or death.  If your faith is genuine it will stand against trials and testing and will prove to be anchored to the Life(Jesus).  However, James warns us to never blame God for our failings, we like Adam are led astray by our desires, so when we sin it is because we wanted to sin.

We become blinded by our desire for autonomy so much so that we under the delusion of sin embrace death and meaninglessness. James adds this commentary at the end of his discussion:

“Do not be deceived, my brothers.”

Take this to heart and confess your sins before God and take refuge in Jesus!

Ask yourself these questions and confess as the Holy Spirit brings conviction.

Christians:
-Have my desires been for the tender rule of God over my life?
-How have I desired to rule myself?
-Have I tried to blame God, Satan, my wife, children, brother or… anyone else for MY sin?
-Have I viewed God’s rule in commands and prohibitions as tyrannical?

Skeptics/Agnostics:
-Have I dismissed God simply because I do not want to submit to His rule and authority? Jesus has said my yoke is easy and my burden is light. He tenderly says “Taste and see if God is good.” You will not be disappointed.

God mercifully forgives His people

In him [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he [has] lavished upon us. -Ephesians 1:7-8a

Jesus is a gracious king. He wishes for you submit to Him in order that he may lavish grace upon you. The first step is to confess and repent of your sin, you just did that, the second is just as difficult, receive the forgiveness of those confessed sins. Jesus declares to you, that if you have in faith confessed your sins, “All your sins are forgiven, go and sin no more!”

Congregation: THANKS BE TO GOD!