Lesson 27: Washing At the Cross Review
Questions 5 and 6
Sin causes us to be introspective and self-focused. In sin, we become “nearsighted and blind” (2 Peter 1:9), thinking only of ourselves. I remember during my time of bondage to impurity, everything was about me. Do you relate to this?
Blameshifting: A Natural Response to Sin
Next, notice how our first response, when caught in a sin, is usually to blameshift. When God questioned Adam further, Adam responded:
The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.
Genesis 3:12 (NIV)
Question 5. Adam blamed Eve, but who did he ultimately blame for his sin?
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Adam said, “the woman you put here with me - she gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate it.” It’s your fault, God! You gave me that woman!
The first time my wife caught me viewing pornography, I blamed her. She wasn't meeting my needs. She was too busy with the children. She didn’t look pretty enough. She wasn't exciting enough. It was her fault. If she hadn't upset me or neglected me, then I wouldn't have viewed pornography. And, in blame-shifting like this, I was not only hurting my wife but also actually blaming God who gave my wife to me. This type of thinking and blame-shifting only keeps us in bondage to sin.
Confession: A Right Response to Sin
Friend, have you done this too? Made excuses and blamed others for your sin. If so, why not repent, acknowledge your sin, receive God’s love and grace and move on from this place of pain?
David prayed to God,
Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.
Psalm 51:4
This is what it is like to be clear-thinking rather than blame-shifting. To humble ourselves before the Lord, take ownership of our sins, and then acknowledge that Jesus took ownership of our sins and died for them.
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Proverbs 28:13
Question 6. Why is denying sin or blame-shifting counterproductive to finding freedom?
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Andy writes, "Because it never deals with the root of the problem. Self! If we deny or blame others it keeps us from having to admit there is a problem. We stay in that bondage until we admit, confess and repent."