13. Our Struggle Against Sin

Jesus did not come to abolish the Old Testament Law but to “fill it full.” He did not soften the righteous requirements of the Law but instead dug deeper, right to the heart of the human condition, calling us to “be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus’ teachings in this part of Matthew 5 feel extreme to our modern ears, about gouging out our eyes and cutting off our hands if they cause us to sin. Clearly, these issues are important to Jesus and vital that we understand and apply. The stakes are high: heaven and hell. The struggle is real and Jesus exhorts His followers to enter that struggle with zeal. How do we battle effectively against sin like lust and pornography? First, it’s all about Jesus and the gospel, not will-power. Second, we must experience the love of Jesus and respond with love in kind. Finally, we need each other as we suit up in the full armor of God and honestly struggle against sin together! Read Romans 8 and Ephesians 6 as you prepare for worship this Sunday!

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