August 30, 2020

GRACE THAT IS GREATER THAN ALL OUR SIN
August 30, 2020
David Nasser

It is reported that in the back of the Bible belonging to William Borden (of the Borden family fortune) was written “No Regrets.” Can anyone in this group say this about their life? Explain why or why not.

Open:

This morning, Liberty University’s Campus Pastor, David Nasser, brought us a message that shows where sin can lead us, how we can be filled with shame for our actions, and how great God’s grace is. It can overcome any “weight that so easily besets us.” As LU goes through weeks of turmoil and rebuilding, we who call ourselves children of God must act as Jesus acted while He was on this earth: with love for the sinner, knowing that we, too, commit sin every day, proving the reason Christ had to die on a cruel cross: because no one, no one, is exempt from sin.

Key Verse: Romans 5:20b: But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.

SIN IS STRONG

  • Read Romans 3:23. Who does this verse say has sinned? Does God categorize sin into small ones and big ones? If you say yes, back up your answer with chapter and verse.
  • What is the meaning of “sin”? Do you set boundaries for your children? Why? Does God have the right to set boundaries for His children? What are some of them?
  • Read 1 John 2:15-17. How does sin enter a person’s life? Where are you letting down your guard for sin to enter?
  • Read James 1:12-15. What is the sequence of events that shows the strength of sin’s hold on a person who doesn’t repent?
  • Read Romans 7:18-20. While we have a choice NOT to sin, why do we do it sometimes without thinking?

SHAME IS GREAT

  • Read Psalm 44:15. How are the words of this psalm a picture of what we go through for times we have failed God?
  • Pastor Nasser quoted Jeremy Pierre who said, “Shame is a privilege. Remember that the next time you experience it. It shows that God values you enough to beckon you to the righteousness that He alone can provide.” What did Mr. Pierre mean?
  • Read Psalm 83:16. What is the Psalmist asking God to give these whom he has in mind?
  • What were the two types of reactions that were the result of Liberty’s news this past week? Can you share which one you felt?

JESUS IS GREATER

  • Read Colossians 2:13. What was our condition before Christ saved us? What is our condition now?
  • Read Psalm 51:1. What did David beg God for? Read Jeremiah 31:19. What was hoped for after repentance?
  • Read 1 John 1:9 and Philippians 3:20-21. How are we restored to fellowship with God?

Close:

This past week on social media, it was so comforting to read the thousands of posts from people who were praying for Liberty University’s family of students, their parents, alumni, and the Falwell family. One such post had more than a hundred prayers offered, with only one dissenter.

We don’t expect everyone to love a large Christian university. At the same time, we know that those who are celebrating the news of the fall of a leader of such a prestigious school would rejoice at news that any Christian college or university would go through what LU has and is. We can’t expect sinners to act like Christians, but we certainly can expect Christians to act like Christians!

David Nasser said he had seen two types of those who call themselves Christians these past couple of weeks: the ones who are grieving over the pain that has befallen our beautiful university and the family name associated with it, and then there are those who celebrate the news of a fall of a brother in Christ—especially one who is in a high position of leadership. This second group now justifies any wrongs in their own lifestyle (which now doesn’t seem quite so big to them). Let’s be truthful here: the ones who are grieving for their school, praying God will have mercy on it, that He will have compassion on those who are hurting so deeply, praying heavily for the families involved and asking for comfort, wisdom, and grace, and who are asking God for miracles, are in a right relationship with Him. Speculation as to the salvation of those who are celebrating what has happened is not going to happen in this closing statement. But above all, God has given us a commandment in Galatians 6:1 that “if a man [or woman] is caught in any trespass,  you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, each one looking to yourself, lest you, too, be tempted.” Love all of those you come into contact with, and leave their salvation in God’s hands. Forgiveness has already have been granted at the Cross. But above all, abstain from every form [or appearance] of evil (1 Thess. 5:22). Let us in truth and love be Champions for Christ.