I love a great pun. The harder the pun makes me groan, the more I love it! I’ve even started writing them down. As I go back and read them I often begin thinking how the pun relates to a Biblical principle. Let me share one with you.
I just burned 2,000 calories. That’s the last time I leave brownies in the oven while I nap.
I’ve never burned brownies because I’ve napped. Popcorn yes, brownies no. The sad thing is, I’ve done that more than once. You’d think I would learn my lesson the first time and not nap when I put popcorn on the stove to pop.
I experience the same thing with sin. I should learn my lesson the first time and not put myself in situations which lead to my act of sin. Yet I find that I place myself in that position and end up sinning again and again and again.
I don’t think I’m alone in this struggle. Many of us fight temptation, yet at some point give in to the same sin—again and again and again.
What do we feel when we end up repeating the same sin over and over again? Do we feel worthless, inadequate, or hopeless? When I look at my repetitive sin, I often feel like I am a fake Christian, unable to live a godly life. It seems that there is no hope for me. Yet the Bible shows me something different.
I am glad the Bible never hides the faults of some of its heroes. One of those heroes is the Apostle Paul. He steadfastly served God through hardships and trials. Even when he was thrown in prison, he sang praises to God. Yet in Romans 7:15 Paul tells us that he does not do the thing that he wants but instead he does the very thing that he hates. Next, in verse 18 he states “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” Then in verse 24 it seems that he screams out in agony these words, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”
I love seeing this human side of Paul! It seems that he is right beside me feeling inadequate and worthless. But look at what happens when we follow the text into chapter eight: Paul shows us that there is hope, and not just hope but resolution to our consistently doing those things which we hate to do. The first verse of Romans chapter eight tell us, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Let me state that again. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This means those of us who earnestly struggle against temptation and sin, but fail (just like Paul) are not condemned. The Blood of Jesus Christ covers our sin. Because I am a child of God covered by the blood of Jesus, I have hope even though I constantly repeat my sin.
Do you have the hope provided by Christ? If your answer is no, why not invite Christ to come into your heart, cover you with His blood, and forgive your sins. Then grasp hold of the hope that only He can offer.
Doctor Chuck Glenn is the Chair of the Religion Study Committee for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. His educational history includes a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, and a Doctorate of Theology. He currently resides in Nebraska with his wife, daughter, and a small white fluffy dog named Oscar.