May 5, 2004

Reading: Psalm 4

“Stand in awe; and sin not” (4) KJV

 

Do we not all crave a life where sin is not a problem? What would it be like to look back at the end of any day and acknowledge before the Lord that we have been totally without sin? When we define sin as anything in deed, thought or intent, that violates the law and holiness of God, then that day will never arrive all the time we are living in this world. We live in an evil world whose dictator is the prince of evil. We have within us an evil nature that constantly battles with the holy nature of God given to us at our new birth in Christ Jesus. Paul admits to this battle when he wrote, “I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members” Rom 7:21-23.

There is, however, good news. The Word of God tells us how to combat evil so that sin will no longer have dominion over us—Rom 6:12-14—we are not to let sin reign! But sin is so powerful, what chance do we have against it? Rom 6:13 says, when we are faced with sin, to present ourselves to God and not to sin. It is the point of decision—we have to make a choice. To whom do we yield, sin or God? This is where our free will comes into play. Those who love God and wish to please him and walk in His ways will want to yield to Him, but it is not always that easy, is it?

Thank God, He does not leave us facing this problem alone. There are many scriptures that tell us how to overcome evil and he who is the source of it. God does not send us out to war without the resources to win. One of those resources is found in Psalm 4:4, “Stand in awe; and sin not.” This strong recommendation calls not only for the sinner to tremble before the righteous judgment of God, but for the redeemed in their warfare against sin.

The latter part of this verse says, “Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.” In a time of quietness, think about God. Think about His holiness and righteousness and remember His love for you and His marvelous mercy and grace. Let your mind dwell on His sovereign power and faithfulness. Imagine yourself standing before Him in a private audience, confidently and boldly, because you have received a personal invitation—Heb 4:16. In your ears rings the sound of innumerable seraphim worshipping God. You shield your eyes from the brightness of His glory and your knees buckle as the magnificence of His presence overwhelms you. Is this the One who commands His people to love Him with all their heart, mind and soul, and to avoid sinning at all cost? What influence would such an audience with Almighty God have on your life? Truly, such an experience must instill within us a resolve to always yield to Him when faced with a temptation to sin.

No longer do we, as children of God, have to go to a temple to meet with God, for He has made for us a “new and living way” by which we can approach Him at any time in any place. Is there a better source for overcoming sin? Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, and let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering—Heb 10:19-23. Stand in awe before Him—and do not sin.