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It Don’t Come Easy
Part VI - To master one’s sin is difficult but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible
Recap: Yesterday on Theophilus we saw what happens when sin takes full control of a person. Today we turn to the treatment — the narrow road or, as I like to call it, the Way of Jesus.
Missed previous emails in the series? No worries, you can read all the emails we sent online by clicking here.
It Don’t Come Easy
An artist’s depiction of Mary comforting Eve in lieu of Genesis 3v15.
To call Cain and Abel’s story depressing is a severe understatement.
Thankfully, that story doesn’t have to be our reality.
A Future Hope
In Genesis 3, Cain and Abel’s parents introduced the world to sin. It’s a pretty bleak chapter, but despite that, one verse shines hope upon the worsening human condition.
In Genesis 3v15, God confronts the serpent who tempted Adam and Eve to sin. And this is what He has to say…
I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
I don’t have the time to dive deep into these lines so I will summarize the best I can.
This verse is a prophecy about a future human who will undo the damage of sin.
Unsurprisingly, this mystery man is Jesus Himself.
By going to the Cross Jesus broke the power of humanity’s sin by taking its full weight upon Himself. By receiving what Jesus did one can redefine their life around God’s love and grace.
In other words, humanity can master the sin lurking at their door.
The Good News
Jesus’ Good News tells us: “Yes, sin is lurking but it need not have you. Here is a Way to overcome it, to master it. Come to Jesus and the grace He brings will prevent you from meeting the same fate as Cain.”
But, to quote the illustrious Ringo Starr, “It don’t come easy.”
Peace and love in the Way of Jesus, baby.
Following the Way of Jesus requires us to reorient our lives around Him. It means we cannot be the boss anymore (as if we ever were to begin with) and must surrender to Jesus.
This change requires new habits, new attitudes, and a new way of viewing reality.
But is it worth it?
Absolutely.
He shows us how to live well, how to avoid the descent into sin we see in Cain.
It’s true that Jesus’ Way of Life asks a lot of you but sin does too, the only difference is that sin’s a lot more subtle and destructive.
We’ll close out this series tomorrow. For now, be blessed.
Application: Are there areas in your life where something or someone other than Jesus is the boss? What steps can you take to change that?
For now, be blessed.
Jon,
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