For if we deliberately keep on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins is left for us, but only a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a fury of fire that will consume God’s enemies. Someone who rejected the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much greater punishment do you think that person deserves who has contempt for the Son of God, and profanes the blood of the covenant that made him holy, and insults the Spirit of grace? For we know the one who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:26-31
New English Translation
Ignorance is bliss, or so they say. It almost seems true from what we read in Hebrews. Unknowingly sinning has great mercy, intentional disobedience has great judgment. The question remains, if God’s told us exactly what He doesn’t want us to do, even if it’s a personal conviction and it’s totally okay for others to do it, why would we ever want to do that thing again?
There are so many factors that play into this. Let me list a few. It could be peer pressure, it could be embarrassment, it could be pride…the list could go on forever. Yet, still, once we know, we know no matter how we respond. We lose the ability to say “oops, that was an accident” once we know. After that point, it becomes blatant rebellion.
With all these factors working against us obeying, how do we succeed?
Therefore he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. For since he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18
New English Translation
Here we learn that part of what Jesus is offering us is assistance with these difficult areas. He came to earth and dealt with all the stuff that we did, only He made it through without ever sinning! He understands how to deal with these situations, how to say no when it’s time to say no. That’s why we need to rely on His strength rather than our own. Paul even wrote that our weaknesses shows Jesus’ strength (2 Corinthians 12:9). Admit your weakness and let His strength take control.
But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God! Galatians 5:16-21
New English Translation
Another thing we learn is that Holy Spirit is guiding us, showing us what the Trinity approves of, what are good things to do. It also states that the earthly desires of the flesh are contrary to the desires of Holy Spirit, leading to opposition. I don’t know about you, but I find opposition extremely hard to ignore. I don’t think it would be easy to miss when Holy Spirit isn’t happy with a choice.
If you notice, the Trinity, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, are all working together at all times. We like to think of them all working separately for the same purpose. However, all three parts of the Trinity work together for the same purpose all the time. God shows us mercy when we stumble, Jesus helps us when we are tempted, and Holy Spirit signals us when something isn’t right. All the same goal, the same purpose.
Relationship with God has always been the goal. It isn’t about being perfect for the sake of being perfect. It’s all about being pure before God so that you can live life with Him and live it well. He’s not one of those parents who expects you to succeed so that He looks good. He wants you to succeed so you and He can have a flourishing relationship and you can live well here on this earth before living well in eternity with Him in Heaven.
When Jesus came and died for our sins, He wasn’t doing it so that we could live in anticipation of dying so we could finally win the lottery with eternal life in Heaven. He came and died because life here on earth is challenging, and He wants to help us work through that a little easier.
So, how are you living? Living wisely as the Trinity guides you or blatantly defying their help? I hope you choose to live well with God now. Living well now is a much better choice than stumbling through in rebellion.