Bible Studies

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by Doug Laird

05/24/26
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Guilt, real or imagined, and the weight of sin that has not been confessed will impede a disciple’s progress along the road to spiritual maturity. Attempts to dismiss these guilty feelings by trying to “make up for it” by engaging in good deeds now, will not change the past.

There is a purpose for a rear-view mirror, but one’s primary focus of attention must be on the road ahead. Yes, we should learn from the past, but are not to live in the past.

We cannot change the past, making the good any better or the bad any worse. It was what it was. If we can change anything, it is our present frame of mind and the impact it will have on the future.

There is the need to address the past sin through the 1John 1: 9/John 8:11 process, and then MOVE ON with the plan that God has in mind.

Forgiveness and restoration of our fellowship with God is guaranteed, but we may never be forgiven or be back in fellowship with individuals who, to their own hurt, live in the sin of refusing to forgive others.

There will always be those who will be quick to remind us and others of our past sin and mistakes. Let God deal with people who want to reconnect you to the ball and chain of the past from which God has set you free,

. . .

The devil and those who do his bidding have always disputed much of what the Bible labels as sin, and or the need to confess and forsake the sin we uncover by making a 2Cor. 13: 5 or 1Cor. 11: 28 self-examination.

The “everybody is doing it” rationalization didn’t do the people of Noah’s Day any good, and it won’t do us any good either.

The devil does not want us to experience the John 8: 32 freedom from the ball and chain of past sin and mistakes, as this ball and chain is what eliminates, or at least slows down, one’s forward progress.

Considering our enormous (from God’s viewpoint) past and ongoing daily load of sin, for which God has forgiven, and continues to forgive, it should make it a lot easier for the one we face in the mirror to be able to forgive others who have offended and disappointed them.

Forgiving others and oneself is not an option; it is a requirement if one is to move forward in the plan of God.

Take a look at the human hand pointing out the sins of others, and you will see three fingers pointing back at the accuser. Those with spiritual discernment can see these three fingers being symbolic of the fingers of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

. . .

Persons in positions of ecclesiastical, marital, familial, and parental authority have the responsibility of detecting and addressing what the Bible labels as sin in their own lives, and in the lives of those under their authority and under their roof.

Persons in positions of secular law-enforcement, labor, and organizational authority have the responsibility of detecting violations of the rules and regulations of the government, establishment, or organization that they represent, and to take corrective action. They do not carry the sword for no reason (Rom. 13: 4).

If sinless perfection were to be a requirement to hold a position of authority, no one would qualify.

One can be very popular if you run an “everything goes” household, but you will be held responsible for what YOU allow to take place as a result of your negligence.

Unconditional love is not an excuse for negligence of duty. Not being concerned for the spiritual well-being of others is not an expression of love. Love does what is in the best interest of the one’s we love, even when it means being disliked or even hated at the time.

Yes, Jesus accepts us just as we are, at the moment of salvation, but that doesn’t mean He doesn’t desire for us to become more and more conformed to His likeness (Rom. 8: 29), as we spiritually mature. We, as His ambassadors, should have the same desire for those God has placed under our authority and responsibility.

Parents have the right and the responsibility to determine what activity is and is not going to take place under their roof. Parents are not to become a facilitator or an enabler of whatever ungodly behaviors others may “naturally” want to practice under their roof.

God is always there to welcome a prodigal son or daughter back home, but NOT their sin.

Local assemblies, displaying the popular “All are welcome” signs, might consider re-wording the signs to read, “All sinners are welcome here, but sin is not.”

There is no system of authority that does not have the support of Scripture (4). But along with this authority comes responsibility and accountability.

Those in positions of authority are accountable for any negligence or abuse of the authority that they have been given.

Executing one’s responsibility as a person in the position of authority is NOT the type of “judging” that Jesus was speaking against in Matt. 7: 1.

Persons in positions of authority are to address the ACTIVITIES within their scope of jurisdiction and under their own roof, but are to leave the moral convicting and condemnation of the persons involved in the hands of God.

Godly parents will convey the message that, “I am not here to “judge” you, but I am here to discipline you, and to warn you of either the Rev. 20: 15 judgement for unbelievers or the 1Cor. 3: 12-15 evaluation of born-again believers by God that awaits us all.”

End of Part 10

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