The Suppression of Truth

Romans 1:18–23

Why do we seek to suppress the truth? Why do we seek to keep God from our thinking? Remember this passage when the secular world seeks the moral high ground in terms of “objectivity” and “open-mindedness.” Seek also to see ...Read More

The Supreme Paradox

Psalm 8

John Calvin aptly noted that we cannot really understand the nature of God without understanding the nature of His image-bearers and vice versa. The more accurate a view we have of ourselves and the way in which sin affects us ...Read More

The Tenth Commandment

Exodus 20:17

The answer to covetousness is not the absence of all desire, as in Buddhism, but rather the cultivation of contentment (1 Tim. 6:6–10). It can be a long journey on the way to discovering how to be content ...Read More

The Truth Comes Out

Genesis 3:11-13

It is in fallen human nature to shift the blame for sin to someone else. However, as John Calvin writes, “incitements and instigations from other quarters may impel us, yet the unbelief which seduces us from obedience to God is ...Read More

The Unforgivable Sin

Matthew 12:24–32

Pastors both past and present agree that a person who worries that he has committed the unforgiveable sin has not really done so. Those who do the unforgivable act are so calloused that they do not care about their spiritual ...Read More

The Unforgiveable Sin

Matthew 12:22-32

Because the blasphemy of the Spirit is a willful suppression of the truth about Christ, theologians agree that Christians who worry if they have committed the sin have likely not done so. Those who willfully deny the truth would have ...Read More

The Unpardonable Sin

Matthew 12:22–32

Are you afraid that you’ve committed the unpardonable sin? If you are concerned about it, you can be assured that you haven’t committed it. Have you purposely called the work of the Holy Spirit the work of the ...Read More

The Untameable Tongue

James 3:7–8

Contrary to some theological traditions, the Bible does not teach that it is possible to achieve a sinless perfection this side of heaven. Today’s passage reminds us of the powerful presence of sin, especially as manifested in the tongue ...Read More

The Weakness of Men

Isaiah 40:6–11

One commentator describes the enduring message of today’s passage thusly: If I insist that I am permanent, I will fail. But if I confess God’s permanence—if I trust in His Word and believe it is sure—then ...Read More

The Works of the Flesh

Galatians 5:19–21

Take the time today to do a “spiritual inventory” and consider whether any of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19–21 are characteristic of your life. If you have a trusted, Christian friend, ask him if any ...Read More

The World

Romans 12:2

God calls believers not to escape the world but to live according to His will within the world (John 17) as a witness to fallen cultures and societies, manifesting that He is Lord of all. Consider this day some of ...Read More

The World, the Flesh, and the Devil

Ephesians 2:2-3

Paul makes a subtle shift in Ephesians 2:1–3 from “you” (the Gentile Ephesians) to “we” (Jews like Paul and the Gentiles), indicating the universality of sin. John Chrysostom writes, “All are included. It is not possible to say ...Read More

They Hid Themselves

Genesis 3:8

How do you respond when you sin? Do you cling to the promises of Jesus for forgiveness or do you vainly seek to hide from Him? Perhaps you try to save yourself by minimizing your sin or by doing good ...Read More

Tracing the Development of Sin

How is the first temptation, “You will be like God,” evident in temptations you have faced or are facing? What should be your response?Read More

Turning from Our Ungrateful Ways

1 Corinthians 6:9–11

Paul’s teaching in today’s passage actually leads us to expect that there should be former adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, blasphemers, alcoholics, and others in our congregations. The church of Jesus Christ must not close its door to any sinner ...Read More