A church member criticized her pastor because he was preaching against sin in the lives of
Christians. “After all,” she said, “sin in the life of a believer is different from sin in the lives of
unsaved people.”
“Yes,” replied the pastor. “It is worse.”
While it is true that the Christian is not under condemnation, he is not free from the harvest of
sorrow that comes when we sow to the flesh. When King David committed adultery he tried to
cover his sin, but God chastened him severely.
When David confessed his sins, God forgave him; but God could not change the consequences.
David reaped what he sowed, and it was a painful experience for him.
“But I am one of God’s elect!” a Christian may argue. “I belong to Him, and He can never cast
me out.” Election is not an excuse for sin—it is an encouragement for holiness. The privilege of
election also involves responsibilities of obedience.

A holy walk involves a right relationship with God the Father (who called us), God the Son (who
died for us), and God the Spirit (who lives in us). It is the presence of the Holy Spirit that makes
your body the temple of God. Furthermore, it is by walking in the Spirit that you gain victory
over the lust of the flesh.
To despise God’s commandments is to invite the judgment of God and to grieve His Spirit.
Your call: “But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy” (1 Peter 1:15).
Dig deeper: Colossians 3:23-25; John 5:24; Romans 8:1; Galatians 6:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1
Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 5:16-25.
Action assignment: Read Psalm 51 and list the things David felt he had lost and wanted back as
a result of his sin. Talk with God about any sin He may see in your life.
WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in