Thinking & Doing

Pastor Cory Herthel

Midland SDA Church

July 9, 2016

Key Texts: James 1:12-18, 4:17; Matthew 5:28; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Daniel 12:1-3; 1 John 3:4

SOP Reference: The Great Controversy, pg. 509.1

Introduction: It is often wondered when the enticing draw of something forbidden of God seems to be tickling the senses, wetting the tongue, or causing the heart to palpitate ever so slightly…if that sensation alone is indeed sin…?  I mean, Jesus said a man looking at a woman in lust is guilty of sin…right? (Matthew 5:28)

I. What Is Sin?

  A. Transgression of the Law (1 John 3:4)

    1. Transgress = An ACT that breaks the law

    2. Thinking about breaking a law and committing the act are different

      a. But what about what Jesus said – Matthew 5:28?

      b. Only God knows the heart…and that is why He can make that claim

      c. Acting out the event in our hearts is the same as follow-through because character traits are developed

      d. Feeling the sensation to sin…and resisting is temptation and that is different

  B. Thinking & Doing (James 1:12-15)

    1. Enduring temptation is a blessing (v. 12) – reveals where our heart is

    2. Temptation does NOT come from God (v. 13)

    3. Sin comes when one is led away by personal desire (v. 14-15)

      a. We need to retrain our desires

      b. This comes from seeking the heart of God for ourselves

II. Where Do We Stand?

  A. The Manner of Persons We Ought to Be (2 Peter 3:10-13)

    1. Christ is coming soon, how do we prepare?

    2. Are we easily led away or resilient to temptation?

    3. Looking upward is the key (v. 13)

  B. Thinking & Doing – A Test of Fidelity to God

    1. We should do as we know better (James 4:17)

    2. Surrendering mind, heart, will to God leads to victory

    3. We must be transformed to Christ, not conformed to the world…

SOP: “Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world; it never converts the world to Christ. Familiarity with sin will inevitably cause it to appear less repulsive. He who chooses to associate with the servants of Satan will soon cease to fear their master. When in the way of duty we are brought into trial, as was Daniel in the king’s court, we may be sure that God will protect us; but if we place ourselves under temptation we shall fall sooner or later.”