In Galatians 5:22-23 Paul gives us a list of the attributes
of the Spirit-filled life. These qualities are not the result of our individual
straining or self-determination, but rather the natural byproduct of life
in the Spirit.
This list follows, in stark contrast to Paul’s list of
the “acts of the sinful nature” (v. 19-21). He concludes: “Since
we live by the Sprit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (v. 25). But
what about the times in the life of a born-again, sanctified, Spirit-filled
Christian when there is an obvious failure? What do we do when our actions
and behavior are quite undeniably other than “love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control” (v. 22-23)?
Sometimes we fail. Accordingly, we also revisit 1 John 1:9,
where we find the solution for times of failure. John was writing to believers.
His intended audience was not the unsaved in the world. He unquestionably
shows that the proper response to sin in the life of the believer is confession.
Today we stop by to take a look at a question that is sometimes
avoided and often misunderstood: “What do you do with your failures?”
It is possible for a sanctified, Spirit-filled Christian to
sin. It is not necessary or unavoidable, but it is possible. Let’s remember
John’s words: “My dear children, I write this to you so that you
will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father
in our defense, Jesus Christ, the righteous One” (1 John 2:1).
We do not have to sin, but it’s possible that we might.
Even if a person is saved and sanctified, he/she is still human. And in a
moment of weakness and vulnerability he/she can make a bad choice. A sanctified
person still has the freedom and power to choose. And sometimes the choice
is wrong.
There is a predictable tendency to rationalize, deny, ignore,
or blame others. We never know how many good people sit in our church pews
that feel defeated and feel like a failure just because they are not 100%
perfect all the time. There is the further possibility of people reacting
to their failure as the Pharisees, living in prideful rationalization and
denial.
(For the full manuscript
of this sermon go to www.preachermagazine.org and click on “Sermons”)
Admittedly, this manuscript opens with an embarrassing self-disclosure.
It illustrates that there can be a disarming effect for those in the congregation
when the preacher is transparent, open and honest.
As Galatians 5:22-23 is reviewed, the nine qualities listed
can be positioned as the ideal for our daily lives. Then a transition can
be made. The question should be posed: “What do you do with your failures,
when what you did, or what you said, or how you reacted was a long way ‘out
of bounds’ from what you wanted to do?”Here is a natural bridge
to 1 John 1:9.
It will be important to clarify that this is no Calvinistic view, recalling that John Wesley taught confession in the life of the sanctified (A Plain Account of Christian Perfection). Next the preacher can help the listener to understand that rather than ignore, or deny, or rationalize the failure, or to blame it on someone else, the best option is to confess it and receive God’s forgiveness. It is crucial to show that failure need not be a continuing pattern. It is also helpful to emphasize God’s love, mercy, patience, kindness and grace.
