Thou Art The Man.
Pastor Alex Adegboye
Text: 2 Sam 12:1-25
For many people, their response after they are caught in sin, is very disappointing because they are so bordered by the fact that they have been caught by man. They do not understand the full import of what they have done,and they will rather try to cover up their tracks.
Many of us know that we should stop, but we find it very difficult to stop. How do you stop committing sin? Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery to go and sin no more, but we know very well that, that instruction is not enough. If the instruction were enough, she probably would not have been caught. And if she was caught and not told ‘how’ to stop committing sin, the tendency is that she will be caught in it again and again.
Deliverance from sin does not happen accidentally. Even though Christ has redeemed us, you will be delivered as a deliberate effort that is put in place on your part. Many have tried to stop, in fact, they said they will stop, but somehow they still continue.
It is not only important to tell the woman to stop her sin, it is important to know ‘how.’ The Bible is full of the same instruction that people should not sin. For example, the Bible says, he that stole, let him steal no more. The Bible says, he that lies should lie no more after you have given your life to Christ. The Bible is full of ‘thou shall not’, but people, particularly Christians, continue to sin.
The Bible teaches us ‘how’ to be able to deal with this monster in our private lives before it kills and destroys even generations yet unborn. There are three words in the Bible used to instruct us about this subject. They are: – Sin,Iniquity and Transgression.
Is 53:4-5 says, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
Sin is missing the mark or coming short of the expectation of God or man.
Transgression is breaking the established law.
Iniquity is the mother of them all. It is the root. It is the reason behind sin and transgression. Iniquity deals with the spiritual condition of the heart. It is when iniquity has dominion over you that you fall and continue in sin and transgression.
If Jesus, through His death, has paid for our sins, how is it then that we are still caught in it? Why are we still sick, eventhough by His stripes we were healed? The reason is very simple. We do not know how to appropriate what he has done for us or we have made it impossible for Him to help us against iniquity.
Iniquity is transferred from generation to generation. Many families are blasted because of iniquity. Many inherit iniquity and it is the reason behind the things that they do. The Bible in Gal 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.”
There is, for every sin, a need for thorough repentance. If you will have victory that blesses and extends to your coming generation, there is need for repentance. The Bible calls it godly sorrow that leads to repentance. 2 Cor 7:9-10 says, “Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation…” Judas Iscariot committed a sin and instead of repenting, he killed himself. Peter committed a more serious sin by denying the Lord and even cursed in Jesus’ presence, but he found a place for repentance.
I want to us to consider the experience of David, not only for the great things he did, but for the sin he committed. The beauty of his story is that, that was the only time he was caught in it and he was delivered because he never had himself caught in the same sin again according to the Holy Scriptures.
Nathan said to David, “Thou art the man.” You are responsible for your actions and you cannot run away from the consequences. What David went through is what I want to talk about. How he was solely restored, eventhough his family continues to suffer today as a result of what he did.
Why is it so difficult to stop sin?
1. Satan is so good and persistent at the job of deception. Heb 3:13.
2. Sin has a ready ally in the flesh. Rom 8:8.
3. Lack of conviction of the errors of your ways and the unwillingness to pay sacrifice.
How do you stop sin?
1. Acknowledge the sin. Ps 51:1-2.
2. Own up to somebody.
3. Ask God for forgiveness and cleansing in prayers. Heb 10:26, 1 Jn 1:9.
4. Take the Holy Communion. Heb 9:14.
5. Get the word of God that promises you forgiveness and victory over sin. Ps 130:4, Micah 7:18.
6. Put plans in place that will help you in the days of temptation. Rom 13:13.
7. Change your friends. 1 Cor 15:33.
