Session 7

What Your Sin Says About You

From Hebrews: A 24-Day Devotional

You just got caught. There’s a knot in your stomach. Your mom found out that you lied to her about where you were last night. Will you lie again or will you confess?

What if you could see how worried sick your mom was last night? Would it change your decision about whether or not to lie? Sin doesn’t just affect us; it affects everyone around us.

If we could see the way our sin hurts those who love us, we might pause before making the same decision again. The same is true of our relationship with God. When we think about God as our Father who loves us — instead of a cosmic being who’s out to get us — it changes our view of sinning against Him.

As Christians, we are held to a higher standard because we know the truth of God’s Word. Hebrews 10:26 says, “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sin is left.”

When we sin, we have “insulted the Spirit of grace” (Hebrews 10:29). God paid a high price for us to be able to experience a relationship with Him. It cost Him the life of His only Son. Every time we don’t give into temptation, we’re honoring Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

We might not be able to escape temptation, but we can overcome it. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, He shows us how to make better decisions in the face of temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises this: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Reflect:

• The best way to grow closer to Jesus is by spending time with Him. What are some daily changes you can make to keep your focus on Jesus?
• In what areas of your life do you need to be more disciplined?