Sin Renounced

Scott Beyer
05/15/23 - Bulletin

“but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame…” (2 Corinthians 4:2)

            The word ‘renounce’ is more than just a refusal of sin; it is a declaration of rejected allegiance.  To follow Christ is more than simply attempting to commit less sins; it is a public declaration that your loyalties have changed, and you are no longer in support of a lifestyle that feeds the desires of the flesh.  You are now in the employ of the King.

            When we renounce sin, we gain both a freedom from its dark hold because we parade it out into the light for the perversion it is, and we also become unshackled from the shame… the shame of doing what we know in our heart of hearts is wrong and the guilt of slinking through life pretending we are something we aren’t.  Confession of our sins brings them into the light and lets us honestly own our Lord.  I once was bound and burdened, but now the temptation is out in the open, and I can be freed from it.

            When we renounce our allegiance to the things of shame, we announce that finally we are free.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

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