The Selective Memory of the Carnal Heart

When we were slaves to sin, we had to obey our sinful hearts.

We indulged in sin.

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.Titus 3:3

We could not obey righteousness, because we were enslaved.

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.John 8:34

Sin has its pleasures.

Sin’s pleasure always has an expiration date.

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;Hebrews 11:24-25

We foolishly think that we have control on our sin, but our sin has control of us.

Sin’s destruction is many times long-lasting.

You are free to choose your sin, but not free to choose your consequences.

You cannot sow seeds of sin and then reap God’s blessings.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.Galatians 6:7-8

When we think back favorably on past sin, we only remember the pleasure, not the destruction.

Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?Galatians 4:8-9

When we think back on past sin, we accuse God of withholding good things from us.

And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.Exodus 16:2-3

What good fruit has come from your past sin?

If good has come from past rebellion, don’t credit the sin, give credit to a gracious Father.

He alone can bring life from death and beauty from the ashes.

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.Isaiah 61:3

We must never presume God’s grace will clean up the death and destruction left behind by our sin.

Doing things God’s way doesn’t bring mixed results.

The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.Proverbs 10:22

Righteousness brings lasting fruit that glorifies the Father and brings satisfaction to our souls.

We have fruit unto holiness.

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.Philippians 1:11

We have the promise of Heaven.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.John 14:1-3

We have earned death. God gifts us eternal life.

Hate all of your sin. Even your past sin.

Stop living like a slave to sin.

If God has brought blessings from your past sin, praise Him for His graciousness.