Every day, Christians struggle against sin. While we have been set free from sin’s power and fully forgiven through Christ, we still wage war against our own sinful desires. At times, this battle can be frustrating or even discouraging.

On Sunday, Pastor Michael exhorted us not to give up or give in, no matter how much we have failed, because God is faithful. Even when we fail and even in the hard decisions, God is faithful. No matter where we find ourselves, God is faithful — just as He said He would be.

In Genesis 20-21, we see Abraham acting in two different ways. In the beginning of Genesis 20, Abraham repeated the cowardly act he had committed in Egypt, claiming Sarah was his sister to avoid danger. We see too that this act of cowardice was not spontaneous — Abraham had previously told Sarah to claim that he was her brother at every place to which they came (see Genesis 20:13).

Graciously, the Lord protected Abimelech from sinning with Sarah. This did not mean Abraham had not sinned. We can praise God for His faithfulness and consider if we, like Abraham, are holding on to any areas of sin in our own lives. God’s grace is greater than all of our sins, but His grace should never be used to excuse our sins.

At the end of Genesis 21, we see Abraham walk by faith. After making a covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba, Abraham planted a tamarisk tree there and called on the Lord. He sojourned for multiple days in the land of the Philistines.

Maybe you can relate to Abraham — in some moments walking in fear, and in others walking by faith. Even as believers, our faithfulness falters. Sometimes on the heels of obedience, we give in to sin.

Thankfully, God is always faithful. Jesus perfectly displayed this faithfulness in the gospel. He, the Son of God, lived the sinless life we never could, gave His life for sinful people, and rose from the dead. Those who place their faith in Him receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Believers can rejoice that their salvation rests not on their wavering obedience, but on the finished work on the cross of the perfectly faithful Lord.

Resources:

• The Isaac Factor — John Piper

• Why Is Faith So Important? — Jonathan Landry Cruse

Reflection Questions:

• Why is it important that we are honest with ourselves about our own sins?

• Are there any sins you have been willing to excuse in your own life?

• How does God’s faithfulness motivate you to walk by faith?