Accountability and Sin
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | August 17 2024 | John 15:22-24
KEY VERSE:
If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. John 15:22 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Jesus addresses the issue of accountability and the weight of sin. He points out that His presence, teachings, and miracles have exposed the true nature of sin and the rejection of God. Before Jesus came, there was a level of ignorance about the depth of sin. However, with His arrival and His revelation of God's truth and works, people are now fully accountable for their response to Him. This heightened accountability is not just a matter of knowing the truth but involves the deliberate choice to accept or reject it.
Jesus’ words remind us that exposure to the light of truth brings a responsibility to respond. When we are confronted with the reality of our sin through Jesus’ teachings and works, we can no longer claim ignorance or excuse our behaviour. The presence of Christ in our lives, through His word and actions, makes us aware of the areas where we fall short and the need for repentance. This accountability is a call to recognise our sinfulness and turn toward the grace Jesus offers. It is an opportunity to embrace His forgiveness and to live in alignment with His teachings. To turn our lives from sinfulness to a life in the light of meaningfulness in Christ.
The refusal to acknowledge this accountability and the rejection of Jesus also reflect a rejection of the Father. Jesus shows that hating Him equates to hating God because He represents the full revelation of the Father. Understanding this connection deepens our appreciation for the gravity of sin and the importance of accepting Jesus as our Savior. This acknowledgement of our accountability not only leads to personal growth but also strengthens our relationship with God, guiding us toward a life that honours Him.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
As we are made aware of our sins and the need for repentance, let us respond with humility and faith, embracing the forgiveness and transformation that Jesus offers.
PRAYER:
Search me Lord, and try my thoughts. May I not be found wanting when it comes to living right in obedience to your word. For your dear name’s sake. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: NO EXCUSE
The phrase "no excuse" in this context of John 15:22-24 comes from the Greek word "πρόφασις" (prophasis), which means a pretext or reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason. Here, it signifies that the people have no valid defence or justification for their sin because they have been directly exposed to Jesus’ teachings and miracles.
Jesus' teachings and miracles clearly hold us accountable for our sins, removing any claim to ignorance. Rejecting Both believers and non-believers are shown that with Jesus' revelation of truth, there is no valid pretext for continuing in sin.
Reflections:
Jesus' presence and actions reveal the true nature of sin and remove any excuse for it. How does knowing that there is no excuse for sin after encountering Jesus' teachings and works challenge you to live a life of greater accountability and faithfulness?
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