Convicted by Sin, Freed by Faith | Galatians 3:22-23

But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. — Galatians 3:22-23

CALL OUT: I want to give a shout-out to Colin Steen from Brandon, SD, who purchased numerous copies of 30 Men Who Lived With Conviction. This is one of the easiest books we have for leading men through some great biblical conversations. Thanks, Colin, for stepping in and stepping up and leading men.

Paul imagines Scripture as our judge, sin as the jailor, and mankind as the inmates held captive by the law. This imagery combines the damages and the discipline demanded by sin. It is the final judgment pronounced in Paul's case which is this: We are all guilty, sentenced, and captive by sin of which there is no escape without faith in Jesus.

This imagery exposes why many don't believe in Jesus. They don't believe that sin's effects are as expansive as Paul expresses here. They think their moral goodness is good enough. Believing this, they conclude one of two things: either they don't need Jesus because they think they are morally good. Or that they are good enough, so if Jesus does exist, he will accept them. But this is faulty logic and exactly the logic taught by the world in every self-help book written and every Disney movie you have ever watched. It is the false belief that mankind, at the core, is good and, therefore, has some ability to save itself by its capabilities, competence, character, and personal capacity. But you can't. It is not possible. Paul says it's impossible.

This is why you have to convince someone of the bad news before you tell them the good news. And the bad news is very bad. We are sinful, slaves, serving sentences for our own sins. And there is no escape—except by Jesus. He is the good news. Faith in him saves us from the sentence of our senseless sin, which enslaves us.

So get out there today and tell people the Good News. But remember, you might have to tell them the bad news first; otherwise, they won't see the need.

God, I pray that the people around us today will see the Good News in each of us, come to their senses about the senseless nature of the sin that enslaves them, and be drawn to the saving power of Jesus Christ, which blows the doors off the prison of sin.

#FaithInJesus #FreedomFromSin #GoodNewsBadNews #LiberatedByFaith #SinnersSavedByGrace

ASK THIS:

1. How does understanding the depth of our captivity to sin impact our perception of our need for Jesus?
2. In what ways can we effectively communicate the "bad news" of sin's consequences before sharing the "good news" of salvation through Jesus?

DO THIS: Explain the bad news with the good news.

PRAY THIS: Lord, open my eyes to see the reality of sin's grip on my life and the world around me, and give me the courage to share the liberating message of faith in Jesus with others. May Your saving power break through the darkness of sin, setting hearts free to embrace Your grace and truth. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Good News.