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the wage vs the gift

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

What sin(s) tempt you the most?

  • Maybe it’s gossip.
  • Maybe it’s covetousness.
  • Maybe it’s disobeying your parents.
  • Maybe it’s…

A few weeks ago in my sermon, we looked at the lies of temptation. Satan loves to make sin look great. He tries to make sin look like a blessing, but the truth is it’s a curse.

The result of sin, ultimately, is death.

It’s what we earn by our sinful actions. In terms of our actions in life, when we went to cash the paycheck for those actions, we wouldn’t like what we received.

It’s not always easy to recognize it, though, because it doesn’t happen right away. It’s kind of like drinking ocean water when your stranded and really thirsty. When you drink, it may feel good and you continue to live. However, you are really dehydrating yourself and will die, eventually.

However, the gift of God is eternal life.

Notice, eternal life isn’t a wage. We don’t earn it like we do death. It’s a gift. It comes from God at no cost to us. Jesus paid the cost. This is great since we couldn’t earn eternal life no matter how hard we tried.

Next time satan tempts you with a sin, try to look past the slick veneer to the death that lies underneath.

Heavenly Father,

Open my eyes to nature and consequences of sin that I might avoid it. Open my eyes to the truth that my sin condemns me that I might repent. Open my eyes to Your gift of eternal life through Jesus’ death and resurrection that I might believe, be forgiven, and live.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt