Motivation for Christian Living

sermon notes from Applications from the Mockings of Jesus 9-21-08 Hanafee

Two things will motivate us to live upright and godly lives. One is guilt. The other is gratitude. When guilt is the motive, we're like a 4th of July sparkler. It's like holding a wick to a stick of dynamite. The flame ignites lots of productive activity that looks appealing but instead of burning down to something explosive, it just fades out and is dead. I've been here many times. A sermon will prick my heart and stir my spirit. I feel the weight of a Holy God looking down on me in disgust and I crawl out from under my rock and pull myself up and say, "Okay, Lord. From now on, I'm going to do better." Then, reality sets in. I sin. And the cycle starts all over again. This routine is not only defeating but un-biblical.

Romans 8:1(ESV) says: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." my emphasis added. This is the key for seeking sanctification with a heart of gratitude. Thanking God for what He has done for us. But what does that look like and how can we protect our minds from believing the lies that make us think a.)we have the ability to change and b.)God is looking down with disapproving nods so we better get our act together.

First, read Mark 15:16-21. Then, ask yourself, "What does the gospel bring to bear in this fight for sanctification?" Let's look at 4 cross-centered weapons.

1. If Christ went through all of this for me, He will not forsake me in my trials and struggles. Being a Christian, doesn't mean we will be perfect but it also doesn't mean we can't have victory. After failing time and time again in one area it's easy to think we will never overcome. We think we have to just settle for this "lot in life." We give up and quit in that particular area. Let's see what the Bible reminds us. Isaiah 49:15b-16a (ESV) says, "...yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." Romans 8:32 (ESV) says, "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" See, when we give up and are content to not allow the Spirit to work in those difficult areas of sin, we are saying Christ's work wasn't good enough. Listen, Christ died for sin. Period.

2. Drop the shame. We carry a backpack of shame that's not ours to carry. We need to preach to ourselves the atoning work of Christ. My study Bible writes, "An atonement is a reconciliation of alienated parties, the restoration of a broken relationship. Atonement is accomplished by making amends, blotting our offenses, and giving satisfaction for wrongs done." It continues, "According to Scripture every person sins and needs to make atonement, but lacks the power and resources for doing so. We have offended our Creator, who's nature is to hate sin (Jer. 44:4; Hab 1:13) and to punish it (Ps. 5:4-6; Rom. 1:18, 2:5-9.)" Christ is our atoning sacrifice. He paid the ransom and absorbed God's wrath. The weight of our sin is no longer on us. When we do sin, confess, repent and then rest in God's grace. 1 John 1:9

3. When we are tempted to sin, we need to think of His mocking. Call to mind the scene in Mark 15:16-21. The King of kings and Lord of lords endured brutality and shame and was rejection for sin. My sin. Your sin. Protect your mind. Don't indulge the place in your mind that is a secret place for sin. Do everything possible to keep the gospel in the forefront of your mind. Endeavor to live in the gospel. Remember, the gospel is not a door. It's a building. A place we go into for healing, rejoicing and a place to be armed. Our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

4. When our motivation to live a holy like comes from gratitude and not guilt, we have the makings of radical living. Christ went outside the camp to face reproach for us. He has asked us to treasure Him above all else. He will not leave us or forsake us. Heb. 13:5

Are you struggling under guilt or soaring with gratitude?