WBC Daily Devotions March 10-14

unchanging: Our Sinful Nature

Daily Devotions for March 10-14

"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Jeremiah 17:9

MONDAY, March 10

After taking a week off for our Local MissionsFest, I want to welcome you back to the "unchanging" series that is reminding us to stay rooted in the unchanging nature of God. In a real sense, we are affirming what we believe as followers of Christ. Yesterday, Pastor Rob reminded us that we are fallen and sinful people. As a result of sin, humanity was and is in need of a Savior. That Savior is Jesus. We are only weeks away from Easter, a time to celebrate the ultimate victory over sin. But for now, our devotionals will lead us to contemplate the reality of our sin. Take a few minutes and read Genesis 3. What did the serpent tell Eve about the tree and God's commands about it?

After eating from the tree, what did Adam and Eve do when they heard God's voice?

List some of the consequences of Adam and Eve's disobedience.

According to verses 21-24, how did Adam and Eve's situation change as a result of sin?

As you close in prayer today, ask God to remind you of how His heart is broken because of our sin.

TUESDAY, March 11

"He made his bed...now he's got to lie in it." I can still hear my dad saying this to my mom referring to some of my poor choices as a kid. Most of us have heard this and understand its meaning. We must pay the consequences for our actions. We saw yesterday that this was true for Adam and Eve. Their situation changed drastically as a result of sin. Now, before we get too comfortable with this being Adam and Eve's issue, read Romans 3:23. Take the time to write this verse down.

According to this verse, who sins and what do they miss as a result?

We all sin and are accountable to God. Unfortunately, we live in a culture that tends to categorize sin. We are often guilty of justifying or rationalizing our own sin. If our actions don't seem as bad as the actions of others, we somehow feel better about our own sin. In fact, we can even get comfortable with our sin. Read 1 John 1:8-10. What do these verses say about our view of sin?

What is the result of denying our own sin?

What does God promise if we confess sin?

A prayer of confession is in order today. Take time to confess your sin to God. Pay particular attention to confess the sin with which you have become comfortable. God takes it all seriously and we should too.

WEDNESDAY, March 12

Have you ever witnessed a situation where one person's choices affected the lives of many others? Unfortunately, these cases are common. Being a sports fan, I have watched in amazement at how the choices of a few have affected the entire sports world. While Olympian Marion Jones' confession of illegal drug use brought shame upon her, the actions of others have brought shame to teammates and team sports in general. Michael Vick's dog fighting conviction resulted in a dismal year for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. Numerous allegations of illegal drug use among baseball's elite have brought skepticism to Major League Baseball. The consequences of our choices often spread to those who are not guilty. The Bible contains the story of a man named Achan whose sin affected an entire army. Read this story in Joshua 7. What was Achan's sin?

How did his sin affect others? Did God take Achan's sin seriously? What was the consequence?

Describe a time when your choices affected others in a negative way.

Now read Romans 6:23. According to this verse, what is the wage or result of our sin?

What does God offer through Jesus?

As you pray today, thank God for the gift of life even though you deserved death. Ask forgiveness for sin that has negatively affected those around you.

THURSDAY, March 14

What shall we do then? We are sinners. We pay the consequences of our sin, and we have seen how our sin can often affect others. We have seen that God takes our sin seriously, and Scripture encourages us to do the same. The danger comes when we cease to take our sin seriously. Read James 4:7-10. What do these verses encourage us to do?

Can you describe a time when your sin has caused you to grieve?

Our sin doesn't move us to submission often enough. We can become flippant and non-chalant when it comes to sin. According to verse 10, what is the result of our humility?

Pray and ask God to lift you up as you submit to Him.

FRIDAY, March 14

What a week! It's not fun to be reminded of our sin and shortcomings. However, it is vitally important that we see our sin the way God does. The beautiful truth is that God made a way for us to be freed from the prison of sin. Read Romans 5:8. Before we go any further, memorize this verse. Take a minute to rewrite it in your own words.

What is the significance of this verse to you?

Though we were undeserving, God took action on our behalf. On Sunday, Pastor Rob Rienow will take us deeper into this truth as he speaks to us about the forgiveness of sin. As you prepare your heart for Sunday, read Psalm 103.

Brian Hogan
Worship and Creative Arts Pastor

Wheaton Bible Church
410 North Cross Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
630.260.1600
www.wheatonbible.org