I continue to sin. I am a sinner and can’t stop. I will continue to sin.

Now, I know what you are thinking, yes, we are all sinners. My thoughts here are, can/will we admit it out loud, and do something about it.

“⁴⁰Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord! ⁴¹Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in Heaven:” – Lamentations 3:40-41 (ESV)

We are all sinners and will continue to sin despite our best efforts. We cannot escape sin. We may not consciously got out looking to sin, however we will find it. Whether, impure thoughts, speaking ill about someone, taking a pen from the office, cursing someone in traffic, we are all prone to sinning.

We are to look at ourselves completely, and return to the Lord. That is doing something about it. Returning is not just outwardly, although that is what people see. We have to return inwardly as well. Notice verse 41 above; “lift up our hearts and hands”. Look what is first in that verse, the heart.

“¹²Yet even now,” ‘declares the Lord,’ “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; ¹³and rend your heats and not your garments.” – Joel 2:12-13 (ESV)

“With all your heart”, “rend your heart”. These two phrases from God are telling. We have to return to God with our heart first. We have to secure our inward selves. Outwardly is for the world to see and without the inward repentance, we are just putting on a show. God knows our true heart and once we have returned to him with our heart, the outside will reflect.

Yes we will continue to sin, but I believe that when we examine our hearts, repent, and return to God, DAILY, those sins are covered with the grace of our Lord. We do not have a license to run amuck sinning, but when we do sin, we are covered.

Are you actively aware of your sin? Will you repent? Will you return to God? Will you examine yourself and come back to him minutely, hourly, and daily, starting with your heart?

The title may be one that raises eyebrows a bit. The word “authority” can be have a negative connotation. The word may bring you to those in high office that rule over others with an iron fist. I am not referring to those at all.

“¹So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: ²shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; ³not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” – 1 Peter 5:1-3 (ESV)

Peter gives us insight into how we should lead and take on the mantle of leadership. Here are those listed that I found in my NIV commentary:

1. You are caring for God’s flock, not your own
2. Lead out of eagerness to serve, not out of obligation
3. Be concerned for what you can give, not what you can get
4. Lead by example, not force

We find ourselves in positions where the devil is present and giving us “advice” on how to lead and it is up to us to avoid that folly and stick to what we know, GOD’s WORD. We are to be the example to those around us and what better example than that of God. When we are the example of proper authority as described by Peter we will receive our reward.

“⁴And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” – 1 Peter 5:4 (ESV)

I need to remember that my glory is coming and simply lead by the example of Christ and know that I cannot be judged by man on those actions.

Will you use the example listed above? Are you able to put aside your gain to give to others? Will you be the example of what proper authority looks like?

As a child of God, we are to follow the commands and obey Him. We are to show others our example of Christ. Even with the authority of man.

“¹³Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, ¹⁴or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” – 1 Peter 2:13-14 (ESV)

Peter writes that we are to follow the law of the land and submit to authority, regardless of that authority. This is hard in a lot of situations around the world. And Peter addresses that in verse 18.

“¹⁸Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.” – 1 Peter 2:18 (ESV)

We are to obey even in the face of persecution. This one is tough, especially when you are “mistreated. We are to listen to and follow the law, and here it is, as long as we are still able to follow and obey God. We are to be the example of God at all times, and just because we do not like something does not give us the right to go against those that have put it in place, as long as it does not contradict our ability to follow and obey the Word of God.

Even Jesus followed the law, to the point of death. He did not fight back when he was arrested. He did not revolt, he did not create an angry mob, he accepted what the authority gave. Jesus had a greater purpose and he was fulfilling the prophecy, but don’t we have a greater purpose and reward as well.

“²¹For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21 (ESV)

If Jesus can do it, so can we. He provided the example of how we should react and it is up to us to follow that example.

When you are “asked” to follow the authority, are you doing so? Jesus provided the example of the respect for authority we should have, are you able to demonstrate that respect? Are you submitting to authority, as long as it does not compromise your following and obeying of God?

In our world, we are obsessed with being physically fit. At the turn of the new year, we set “resolutions” to get there. We buy all the latest equipment, diet to set ourselves up for “healthy” living, and set time away in our days for all of the above.

“⁷Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; ⁸for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” – 1 Timothy 5:7-8 (ESV)

Paul cautions Timothy to be more in tune with his spiritual health than his physical health. Even as Timothy was much younger in age, he was and had great potential for spiritual maturity. Paul wanted to make sure that Timothy was devoted to his continued growth and example of that spiritual maturity as godliness holds more for the now and the future.

Don’t get me wrong, we should watch our physical health, because it is difficult to spiritually strong when we are distracted by the failing physical. Our physical should not take the place of our spiritual health. They should work together. Being spiritually healthy will lend to physical health as well as the other way around.

Timothy was much younger than Paul and his age was a difficult thing to overcome with regard to his spirituality in the eyes of the people. I know that several years ago I was a part of a pastor search committee and one of the items on the list of the church was to look for a mature man. God provided a man that was young in age, but mature in faith.

“¹²Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ¹³Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. ¹⁵Pracitce these things, immerse yourself in then, so that all may see your progress.” – 1 Timothy 5:12-3, 15 (ESV)

God provided the right man for the church, one of spiritual maturity that was able to continue in his growth. Following him, the church found another man of spiritual maturity that continues to grow.

We place too much emphasis on the physical and not enough on the spiritual. Shouldn’t we get right?

When you think about your fitness, where do you think first? In your life, what is more important, physical fitness, or the spiritual? What example are we showing to others? Are you spiritually fit?

We all made mistakes, and some of those were due to our ignorance. We just did not know because we had not been exposed. Paul, was a sinner.

“¹³though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,” – 1 Timothy 1:13 (ESV)

Notice in the verse above that Paul, even late in life, still understood that he was a sinner. He used himself as a powerful example someone who was one of the worst sinners there could have been based on his actions. But, he also knew the reward that was afforded him through Jesus Christ.

“¹⁵The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. ¹⁶But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” – 1 Timothy 3:15 & 16 (ESV)

Even being one of the worst sinners, God did not give up on him and sent Jesus to save him. Imagine in today’s world, the worst of the worst people. Now, know that Jesus came to save them all as they believe in him.

What an example for us to believe in. We are given grace, even when we do not deserve it, by the standards other than God’s. We are in the position to be beacons of light in this dark world even as we were/are part of that darkness ourselves.

I have to be thankful for God and his mercy on me just as Paul:

“¹⁷To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Timothy 1:17 (ESV)

Are you fully aware of your sinfulness? Are you aware that you don’t deserve God’s mercy? Are you aware of your charge to be beacons of light in the darkness? Are you a sinner and still the example of God’s grace?

We are often afforded some time to rest. I recall some time ago, I felt that my plate was so full that I was not going to make it. I was asked for help by someone in the church and I just knew I had an obligation to say yes. This yes overloaded my plate, or so I thought. Soon after, some task I was in charge of ended, then another, then another, which opened up time to help.

I soon realized that God made it all happen. He wanted to see my obedience to do his work. Once I demonstrated my obedience, he removed something that was in the way of my ability to help another in need.

This is a far cry from looking busy for the sake of those watching.

“¹¹For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:11 (ESV)

We are to be working for Christ, not resting all the time. That constant rest is what drives us to pretending to do work so others can “see” us working. There is no real work being done, only the illusion.

We are to be working for Christ at all times. When we do, we are rewarded with what God has in store. In my case above, a chance to help someone in need, and by the way, I always had what I needed during that time.

“⁷For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, ⁸nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. ⁹It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. ¹⁰For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 (ESV)

You see, when serving God, we are going to have to work. We cannot sit idle and wait for God to do it for us. Sitting idle allows for our focus to wander away from God’s work and in order to fill our time, we get involved in the business of others. Staying focused on God’s work keeps us in line with his plan for us. That plan will never be bigger than we can handle and rest will come in God’s time.

Will you focus on God’s work? When someone asks for your help, are you there willing to take it on, knowing that God will provide the time and resources? Are you sticking to the work of God?

We should strive to be like Christ each day and that points us forward.

“¹²Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. ¹³Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)

Paul looked forward to the goal. He knew that whatever was in the past, was just that, in the past. He was sure to let us know that he was not perfect, however he was doing his best to follow Christ at every turn. He was still a sinner, and that he could not escape, but he pressed onward to be more like Christ each day.

We are to use Paul’s example in our lives. We are not perfect and will never be. We do however have the same opportunity of pressing forward. We even have an example of how to overcome and press on, Paul.

“¹⁷Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” – Philippians 3:17 (ESV)

We are to pay close attention to those that are looking forward as the example of how to press on. Paul is a good one in that his life was filled with adversity for Christ, yet, he continued to provide encouragement and example for all.

We are to take the approach of Paul:

“¹So I exhort to the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: ²shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; ³not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” – 1Peter 5:1-3 (ESV)

Where are you looking, past or future? What example are you following? What example are you being? Are you being the example of looking forward?

When studying God’s Word, I, like I am sure most of you, focus on the actions we should take and forget the examples of what not to do. This morning I read in 1 Corinthians 10 and the title of the passage is:

Warning Against Idolatry (ESV)

Warnings From Israel’s History (NIV)

Either version you read, the message is the same, warnings of what not to do.

I also seem to recall a set of items that give us instruction into how to follow God, I am sure you have heard of them: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Nine of the ten are what not to do.

What NOT to do, what a concept. I have difficulty with understanding why folks do not follow rules and are constantly looking for ways to go around the law to accomplish their desires. We have been told not to, but we continue to ignore the warnings of the consequences. We are somehow “above” being held accountable for our actions. Paul gives us the reminder of the consequences of the actions that were against God, and then;

“¹¹Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” – 1 Corinthians 10:11 (ESV)

Look at those words; “written down for our instruction”. We are to remember the consequences and heed the warnings against the actions that lead to those consequences.

God knows that this world is not easy and that being a child of God is doubly difficult. Paul’s encouragement is here as well;

“¹³No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

We are man and we will have difficulty, however God will not allow us to be there without instruction. He has provided us the needed instruction; whether it is what TO do or NOT to do.

Are you heeding the warnings and instructions? All of them? What examples are you putting at the forefront, what TO do as well as what NOT to do?

How many of us used to dress up like our parents, “idol”, mentor, or just someone or something that we wanted to be? You know that we have the ultimate example, Jesus, already available to emulate?

“¹⁴If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” – John 13:14-15 (ESV)

I remember looking back when I was younger, ok much younger, and walking up to home plate at baseball practice and taking the stance of the players I watched on TV. I remember in one of the “Bad News Bears” movies where a pitcher was always trying to pitch “like” one of the pro pitchers he admired. In both instances, success for us was minimal. We were too caught up in being the other person that we missed out on the true emulation that would lead to success.

Success does not come from emulating the example of physical actions, but from the heart of the actions. What is beneath the surface is the example of how and why we act. The action of the batting “like” or pitching “like” someone was not how success would come. The success comes from the work you put in. That part that not many people see. The greatest of the pro athletes, whereas they did have immense talent for the game, put in the work behind the scenes. Nolan Ryan worked tirelessly in the weight room on his legs for a skill that required his arms. Michael Jordan was in the gym shooting more than any of us know. Ozzie Smith threw baseball over the house and ran to the other side to try and catch them as a youth.

We may look at the actions of Jesus and ourselves “wash a few feet” and expect that we are somehow being like him, and whereas that is a nice start, it is the tireless work that we do for him that really drives home the example. Jesus, put in the work for us each day and we should be doing the same. The one action that “all” sees is not the point, it is what is in our heart and the daily work we put in without the fanfare that really is the example.

Will we work at these items as the example of what is in our heart? Are you caught up trying to “wash feet” to show others, or are you just putting in the work and letting your servanthood just be done? Are you using Jesus as your example?

I know that there are times when I feel as though God has left me and the struggle of life is overwhelming. It is difficult finding the joy when the separation feeling that comes on.

“³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” – Romans 8:35 (ESV)

Notice the question format of the verse above. Paul is putting them out there and then follows with verse 36 to show that we are indeed persecuted by the world as we follow Christ.

“³⁶As it is written, ‘For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.’” – Romans 8:36 (ESV)

So, I have to remember that the struggle of life is real and God is allowing it to happen. We are to embrace that struggle.

But really. Why? When times are the toughest, why does God not just pick us up and protect us from the difficulty instead of allowing us to struggle with this life? Why can’t He just make it all go away? Look back at the words Paul reminds us of “For your sake…” We have been living as predicted.

Paul finishes up this passage with his reminder to us that even though things are tough, we are never separated from God.

“³⁸For I am sure that neither death nor life, or angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)

No matter how bad things are or may be or will be, God’s love is always there to lean on. We are going to be tested, persecuted, and struggle with life, but God never leaves us. We are never separated from HIS LOVE.

When you are struggling, where are you leaning? What direction do you turn for support? Do you know that you are going to make it? Are you able to find solace in the FACT that God’s love is always there?