God knows what a stubborn heart needs

Recent OT reading reminded me of the laws protecting those who accidentally killed someone. For them, God provided cities of refuge where such a person could flee and be safe until given a fair trial. They knew their ‘crime’ was a sinful thing, but instead of dying for it, God had mercy. He knows that some sins are not willfully committed. 

Also some sins are not realized to be sins because of a lack of knowledge of God's will. This happens to those who are don’t have a salvation experience as well as to those who do. The Christian who fails to read the Bible may not realize the sin in some of their actions.

Piper quotes questions that seem rhetorical to those of us who know these truths, yet did his original readers have that knowledge? Is he rebuking them or informing them? Either way, he is saying that knowing truth changes behavior…

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:15–20)

While this points specifically to a sinful relationship with a prostitute, it can refer to any form of sexually immorality, and applies to other sins. God is asking, “Do you not know…” and if the reader knows these truths, then they should be fleeing such sin. 

As I read it, I thought of a familiar quote: “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” The origin is unknown but it merits the question concerning Bible knowledge. Most Christians could say, “I knew it was wrong, but I did it anyway” about some sin or other. The desire to run our own lives and go for what we think we need can be stronger than mere knowledge. 

This was in my mind yesterday too. To live out what I know is deeper than knowledge and deeper than will power, for we also have this stubborn fleshy ‘won’t power’ when temptation comes. Even though I know this …

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

… does not mean I will choose that way of escape. Nor does it mean the right choice will be made by others who know truth. Christians fall into the trap of sin because the desires of the old nature bombard them — not always out of ignorance or failure to remember that the temptation is offering a no-no. Either way, unintentional or a deliberate resistance to God, when the truth hits, all believers are offered a ‘city of refuge’ in the loving and forgiving arms of Jesus Christ.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

I read this verse, knowing how vital it is, knowing how important this truth is to spiritual growth, and am incredible thankful that the Spirit of God enables me to obey it. I’ve not always been willing. Choosing my way over God’s way brings consequences. From those, God shows me that His will is for my good. He is not a God with a big stick but with a big heart. Falling on my face by wanting my way, has taught me to drop my way, to say with Jesus, “not my will but thine be done.” Hard lessons. Just knowing the truth about Jesus and being set free from sin works the best in a heart that also knows the truth about itself.

PRAY: You are love and truth and all I need, Jesus. I know that in my mind, in my experience, in my heart. Hard lessons for this stubborn soul. Thank You for being so patient and so persistent.