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If you are a Saint, A Sinner You Ain't

click on the link for the devotional and video:

https://app.sermonsend.com/sermon/minden-epc/if-you-are-a-saint-a-sinner-you-aint-1

Summary

This sermon challenges the common Christian identity of being "just a sinner saved by grace" and argues that believers should see themselves as saints who occasionally sin, rather than sinners trying to manage their sin. The pastor emphasizes that throughout the New Testament letters, believers are consistently called saints, not sinners, and that our identity in Christ fundamentally changes who we are. The message critiques "sin management" approaches that focus on controlling behavior rather than embracing our new nature in Christ. Instead of dwelling on failures and trying to manage sin through accountability and behavior modification, believers should focus on their transformed identity and what Jesus has accomplished, leading to greater joy and freedom in the Christian life.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today grateful for Your love and grace. As we gather together to study Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us today. Help us to set aside our preconceived notions and be willing to hear Your truth, even if it challenges what we've always believed. Holy Spirit, guide our discussion and help us to encourage one another as we grow in understanding of who we are in Christ. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one thing you believed as a child that you later discovered wasn't quite right, similar to the pastor's story about the little boy saying "into the hole he goes" instead of "and the Holy Ghost"?

Key Verses

  • Romans 6:2-7
  • 1 Timothy 1:15
  • 1 Timothy 1:13
  • Romans 7
  • Philippians 1:1
  • Ephesians 1:1
  • Colossians 1:1
  • 1 Corinthians 1:2
  • Romans 5:12
  • John 3:17

 

Questions

  • How does thinking of yourself as a "saint who sins" rather than a "sinner saved by grace" change your perspective on your identity in Christ?
  • The pastor mentioned that focusing on sin management can actually lead to more temptation. Have you experienced this in your own life? How so?
  • What are some practical ways we can focus more on what Jesus has done for us rather than on our failures?
  • How might viewing ourselves as already forgiven (even for future sins) impact the way we live day to day?
  • The sermon suggests that cognitive dissonance occurs when we try to hold contradictory beliefs about ourselves. What contradictory beliefs about your identity might you be struggling with?
  • How do you think the early church recipients felt when Paul addressed them as "saints" despite their obvious struggles with sin?
  • What's the difference between conviction that leads to repentance and condemnation that leads to shame? How can we tell the difference?
  • The pastor challenged listeners to spend Monday thinking about Jesus rather than their sins. What practical steps could help you maintain this focus throughout your week?

 

Life Application

This week, instead of focusing on managing your sins or dwelling on your failures, make a conscious effort to spend time each day reflecting on what Jesus has accomplished for you. When you catch yourself thinking about something you've done wrong, immediately redirect your thoughts to gratitude for Christ's forgiveness and your new identity as a saint. Try this especially on Monday and see how it affects your perspective and actions throughout the day.

Key Takeaways

  • In the New Testament letters, believers are consistently called saints (holy ones), never sinners
  • Our identity in Christ is not "sinner saved by grace" but "saint who occasionally sins"
  • Sin management approaches that focus on behavior modification often increase temptation rather than reduce it
  • We have been made new creations in Christ - our old nature died and we now have His nature
  • Focusing on Jesus and what He has accomplished leads to greater freedom and joy than focusing on our failures

 

Ending Prayer

Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word and for showing us who we really are in Christ. Help us to live out of our new identity as Your holy ones, Your saints. When we do fall short, remind us that we are already forgiven and help us to quickly return our focus to You. May we be people marked by gratitude and joy because of what Jesus has done for us. Transform our thinking so that we might live in the freedom You have provided. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.