Appendix 1I; Cycle of Sin
God's supremacy affects all people, whether His authority is recognized or not.
A humbled Christian understands that sinful behavior leads to negative and/or unproductive psychological and physical consequences because of the universal law laid out in Galatians 6:7 (you reap what you sow in this life) and in Matthew 5:45 and Ecclesiastes 9:11 (time and chance happen to all people). You gain the recognition of sin as a result of getting to know the God of the Universe and reading His definition of sin in key Biblical scriptures; 1 Thessalonians 2:4, John 5:30, Matthew 6:33, Hebrews 11:6, Romans 8:5-8, 12:1-3. Sin is a rebellion against God's authority in a certain area of your life; an action taken that pleases yourself instead of selecting a behavioral option that pleases God.
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Sin, scripturally defined in it's simplest form: James 1:13-15, 1 John 2:15-17.
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God's antidote for sin: Colossians 1:19-22, James 1:25.
The cycle of man’s sin and God’s merciful response:
Deuteronomy 4:25-31, 31:20, Judges 2:18-20, Isaiah 55:6-7
Christians exit the practice of sin here.
*Judges 2:19-22:Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his Word and healed them and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and tell of his deeds in songs of joy (Psalm 107:19-22).
Man’s free will and the sovereignty of God live together in tension only for a temporary period of time until you've replaced your sin habit with the habits that reflect the will to do God’s good pleasure (Philippians 2:13, 2:2-9). The first step in your transformation into a Child of God happens from a change in your thoughts; you honor God as the giver and sustainer of life (see
https://www.openbible.info/topics/god_is_the_giver_of_life). The second follows with physical actions that prove your decision to honor God by learning and doing God's will (love) before your own.
Your reliance on the Holy Spirit to transform you in Spirit, soul and body pleases God (Deuteronomy 10:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:1). Your willingness to change your old habits into righteous and just habits is not only productive for you, but it's how other people can see God in you (Ephesians 5:17, 4:29-31, 2 Peter 1:5-11).
The difference between a fool and a wise man is what he chooses to learn and do. Disciples of Christ learn to balance the fear and love of the Lord (awe and obedience as discussed in "The Art of Self-Mastery") so this proper attitude influences your behavioral choices so you can achieve what it is you set your mind to (1 Peter 1:13*). Being wholly at peace in this life means that your renewed spirit and soul (mind, will, emotions & imaginations) both work in harmony. With intention, your body responds to your mind - resulting in physically walking out the standards of the Triune Christian God in public. Being transformed by God is a both a decision and a process that comes with time, understanding and maturity so you can be identified as a Christian (Appendix 2R and Appendix 1S).
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*Other key scriptures on walking in the maturity of your faith; 1 Thessalonians 2:11-1, 5:23, Philippians 2:12, 2:5-8, 1 Corinthians 14:20.
Christ died for all, but only those who receive this gift with gratitude will become mature children of God. Upon acceptance of the gift of Christ in you, your heart-felt thanksgiving births a willing choice to renew your mind which transforms your attitude and behavior. (Christ's Holy Spirit works within you to motivate this transformation - spirit, soul and body, where sin looses it's appeal. It's a renewal that begins with your decision to know God and results in the breaking of the sin cycle. God transforms your heart, first then you supplement this by renewing your mind with the knowledge of God, and then develop new behavioral habits that honor God (Ephesians 2:4-5, 4:22-24, 2 Corinthians 5:14-17).
What is your cross? (Pride, independence, public approval?) Are you willing to carry your cross, and ShinE the light of God's love in you, a willing vessel, so others can see and find this gift too (Matthew 13:44-46, Luke 9:22-23, Colossians 3:10, 1 Peter 2:12)?
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Read more about self-sacrificial love in Appendix 2T.
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