Breaking Free From Denial

The Bible Lessons

1 John 1:8-10

If we claim not to have sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, then, since he is trustworthy and just, he will forgive them and purify us from all wrongdoing.  If we claim we have not been sinning, we are making him out to be a liar, and his Word is not in us.

2 Corinthians 12:7b-10

Therefore, to keep me from becoming overly proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from the Adversary to pound away at me, so that I wouldn’t grow conceited. Three times I begged the Lord to take this thing away from me; but he told me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is brought to perfection in weakness.” Therefore, I am very happy to boast about my weaknesses, in order that the Messiah’s power will rest upon me. Yes, I am well pleased with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties endured on behalf of the Messiah; for it is when I am weak that I am strong.

Romans 10:10-12

For with the heart one goes on trusting and thus continues toward righteousness, while with the mouth one keeps on making public acknowledgement and thus continues toward deliverance.  For the passage quoted says that everyone who rests his trust on him will not be humiliated. That means that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — The Lord is the same for everyone, rich toward everyone who calls on him . . .

Eph 2:8-9 (The Past)

For you have been delivered by grace through trusting, and even this is not your accomplishment but God’s gift. You were not delivered by your own actions; therefore no one should boast.

Phil 2:12b-13 (The Present)

So, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed when I was with you, it is even more important that you obey now when I am away from you: keep working out your deliverance with fear and trembling,  for God is the one working among you both the willing and the working for what pleases him.

1 Pet 1:3-5 (The Future)

Praised be God, Father of our Lord Jesus the Messiah, who, in keeping with his great mercy, has caused us, through the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah from the dead, to be born again to a living hope,  to an inheritance that cannot decay, spoil or fade, kept safe for you in heaven.  Meanwhile, through trusting, you are being protected by God’s power for a deliverance ready to be revealed at the Last Time.