OUTLINE:

No Pity Parties
Even His “unanswered prayers” include a divine answer!

Your Will Be Done
We must find our peace from within, from Christ, the only one whose promise is true (Jn 14:27).

The Deceitfulness of Sin
The most dangerous aspects of sin are the ones we don’t readily identify as sin at all! It is their ability to “hide out” that makes them the most dangerous.

U.S. Navy Submarines
- Are among the most lethal instruments of war on Earth
- Are among the LEAST armored
- Depend wholly on stealth as defense mechanism

The Deceitfulness of Sin
The most dangerous aspects of sin are the ones we don’t readily identify as sin at all! It is their ability to “hide out” that makes them the most dangerous.

Sin is NEVER satisfied with equality.
It must DOMINATE (teshuqa).

The Nature of Sin
Sin is never satisfied with equality or some sort of “truce”. Sin’s intention is to dominate, nothing less. Since we stand in the Light, as believers, the only option it has is to masquerade as Light (2Co 11:14-15), to counterfeit it, to gain our attention.

The Nature of Sin
Conclusion:  the only way someone/something can simultaneously oppose you at heart and dominate you is to counterfeit that which you hold dear (e.g., your principles, aka the Word of Truth, the Light, itself). (Ala Ps 55:21)

1Co 6:12 [Amplified Classic]
Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power.

The Influence of Sin
If you’ve turned inward, focusing on self (goals, aspirations, desires, relationships, etc.) then sin has gained on you. Whenever our “undistracted devotion” (1Co 7:35) is interrupted, it is a telltale sign that sin is gaining ground, experientially.

The Garden Scene
With the introduction of sin in the Garden comes a pivotal lesson for all of us. If our response to God is EVER anything but 100% submissive, but rather self-absorbed (focusing on pain, etc.), then we know that sin has gripped us.

The “Big” Question
“How do even well-intentioned believers get caught up in subjectivity, partiality, and the deceitfulness of sin?” (cp Pr 4:13-15)

The Simple Definition for Sin
Sin is any lack of conformity to God’s will, whether expressed actively or passively.