Recently I was asked to explain what our sin does to God. Interesting, one of Job’s friends, Elihu, suggested the same question in Job 35:6. He said, “If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? (referring to God) or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?”
Elihu was pontificating and did not answer his own question in Job 35, but as we compare Scripture with Scripture, we can draw several biblical conclusions.
First, the Bible indicates that sin makes God angry. Psalm 7:11 explains that “God is angry with the wicked everyday.” God is holy which means that He is completely separate from sin and His wrath or anger is set against sin.
Secondly, sin makes God jealous. When describing sin, Joshua 24:19 states, “... for he is a jealous God.” Unfortunately, Christians will sometimes indulge in sinful temptation. Instead of choosing harmonious fellowship with God, we instead choose sin and God becomes righteously jealous. In those moments it’s as if the Holy Spirit of God is in the heart of a Christian shouting, “Take the way of escape, and choose Me!”
Often people get so hooked into their sin that they make an idol out of it. Exodus 34:14 explains, “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
Thirdly, sin makes God gracious. While certainly sin makes God angry, and jealous, His love for sinners is also what motivated Him to send His only begotten Son to die on the cross. What a gracious God!
As Christians, when we understand the amazing grace of God, we quickly realize that it teaches us to avoid sin. Romans 6:1, 2 says, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid!”
Specifically, God’s grace teaches us to “deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world." (paraphrasing Titus 2:12)
When we understand that sin makes God angry, jealous, and gracious, as Christians, we desire to show our love and gratitude to God by walking in a way that pleases Him. (1 Thess. 4:1)
As His beloved children, we don’t want to make our loving Father angry. As His precious bride, we don’t want to make our Bride Groom jealous. As His servants, we don’t want to take for granted the lavish gift of our gracious Master.
With that in mind, through the help of the Holy Spirit, we endeavor to “abhor that which is evil, and cleave to that which is good.” (Romans 12:9)
This devotion was written by Pastor James C. Johnson. These devotionals are being published throughout this pandemic in an effort to further strengthen the faith of our NorthStone church family. Feel free to comment below to offer your feedback about today's devotion.