Saved from Sin

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be always acceptable to thee, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer and Lord, give us here today, eyes to see and ears to hear so we can learn your word together as a family. We offer you all the praise, honor, and Glory for it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Good morning, my fellow encouragers! For unto us a child is born, unto us a child is given.

It is only a few days after Christmas so the church’s lectionary keeps the event before us a while longer. Our Gospel lesson this morning from St. Matthew discusses the circumstances leading up to that glorious day and the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph were ordinary people. They were faithful, humble, and courageous without wealth, fame, or power. Yet, God worked through them unexpectedly, sending angels with messages and guidance, leading to miraculous events in their lives.

St. Matthew explains that Mary and Joseph were engaged to be married, but Mary became pregnant before their wedding. Joseph, upon hearing her claim that it’s God’s child, is understandably skeptical, thinking she may have cheated or faced something terrible. Described as “a just man,” Joseph is conflicted; adultery is punishable by stoning, but he doesn’t want Mary to face disgrace or death. He decides to quietly hide her away to protect her.

One night, an angel spoke to Joseph in a dream. Don’t be afraid, he said. Mary’s correct: the baby is conceived by the Holy Ghost. She didn’t cheat on you. Something incredible is happening here. You are to give the baby the name ‘Jesus’ because he will save his people from their sins.

Our Gospel makes three points that I want to stress today. First, Jesus saves us from our sins. Second, God is with us. Third, God trusts us to work through difficulties with courage.

Point one. Some believe Jesus came to save us from an angry God, but that’s not true. St. Paul states in 1st Timothy that Christ Jesus came to save sinners. Jesus, being God, shows us that He is our savior. He doesn’t save us from Himself. He saves us from our sins.

To be saved from our sin means we are saved from the power and compulsion of anxiety, depression, insecurity, arrogance, lust, laziness, and dishonesty. To be saved means we’re saved from the compulsion of anger, jealousy, resentment, fear, regret, self-harm, and shame. These are not conditions for punishment but for healing—chains that Jesus aims to break.

“… and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” This is mind-blowing good news. He shines His light into our darkness, restoring us to God’s original design. God doesn’t want to destroy the person stuck in sin; he wants to destroy the sin itself so that the person is free. This is truly good news!

Galatians 5:24 affirms, “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh [sinful nature] together with its passions and appetites.” We “crucify” our sinful nature. We are its executioner. This is not an instantaneous death but a slow one. Crucifixion was a slow and agonizing way to die. When we crucify our flesh, it dies slowly and fights to the very end. Our ungodly passions and compulsions go away slowly, not instantly. It takes time for them to die. Be patient with yourself as God sets you free.

How does Jesus save us from sin, and how can we crucify our sinful compulsions? It’s not a quick fix; it’s a gradual and relational process. Here are key ideas to consider:

A. Confession: 1st John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” James 5:16 says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

B. Vulnerability: Share your struggles with a couple of trusted people who care about you. This honesty can inspire others to open up as well. As C.S. Lewis said, “Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought no one but myself.’”

C. Patience: Change takes time, especially with deeply rooted habits. Transformation is a process, and it’s okay to stumble. Just get back up.

D. Relational Connection: Stay connected with God and supportive friends through prayer, scripture, and fellowship. Encourage each other along the journey.

Remember, you and God make a great team in overcoming sin together!

Point two: God is present in Jesus Christ, the Savior. When Jesus was with us, God was with us. What Jesus does, God is doing. They are one and the same. When Jesus forgives the prostitute, God is forgiving the prostitute. When Jesus heals the blind man, God is healing the blind man. When Jesus eats dinner with sinners and tax collectors, God is eating dinner with sinners and tax collectors. Immanuel, God with us.

When Jesus is silent during his trial, God is being quiet. When Jesus is flogged and beaten, God is being flogged and beaten. When Jesus hangs on the cross, barely able to breathe, God is hanging on the cross, barely able to breathe.

This shows that God is not distant; He is relational and intimately involved in our lives. Even in moments of suffering, such as during Jesus’ trial or crucifixion, God shares in that experience.

Recognizing Jesus as Immanuel means understanding that God is personally near us, even when it doesn’t feel like it. We should hold onto this truth: God is with us right now. If you ever feel alone, pray, “Father, show me you’re with me.” Psalm 145:18 reminds us, “The Lord is near to all who call on him.”

Relational connection is part of God’s eternal nature, as He exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The very first “not good” in the Bible is found in Genesis 2:18. “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’” This emphasizes our need for companionship, not just with each other but with God, and He is always available to us.

Point three. Joseph chose to trust God and take Mary as his wife, despite the law that mandated her humiliation and punishment. This act took immense courage, as he could have easily dismissed the angel’s message and walked away.

We tend to value success, financial security, fame, or recognition. But God’s value system is different. God values courage. He trusts us to work through our difficulties with courage. God knew that Joseph would have difficulties in his future. The only way through was with courage. God values courage over worldly success and recognition.

Instead of asking, “Was I successful today?” we might consider, “Was I courageous today?” Courage is closely linked to love; they are two sides of the same coin. For example, the father who risks his own life by running into a burning house to save his wife and kids—is that an act of love or an act of courage? Jesus being willingly nailed to a wooden cross—is that an act of love or an act of courage? God trusts us to face challenges bravely, and with love comes the ability to act courageously.

If you’re facing difficulties, remember to move forward with courage, just as Joseph did. Each night, reflect on your day by asking, “Did I do the courageous thing today?” or start your morning with, “What courageous action can I take today?” Embracing courage can transform your life and influence.

“Courage” and “encourage” are related words stemming from the French word “encoragier.” The “en” means “to make or put in,” and “Coeur” means heart. The basic premise of the word “encourage” is to instill confidence and hope (to give heart). To have courage is to be confident, brave, or bold (to have a heart). Both are very important in the work we do at St. Barnabas.

We’ve learned some great things today! Jesus saves us from the power and compulsion of sin. God is with us, not an infinite distance away. And because of those two truths, we can live with incredible courage.

As “Encouragers for Christ,” let’s have a heart (the courage) to give heart (encouragement) to others … “God is with us, Emanuel, and He saves us from our sins.