Remedy Against Sin “Adam succumbed to temptation and brought sin on all generations of people (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7). We confess our sin and rejoice in God’s forgiveness (Psalm 32). Just as Adam’s sin brought sin on all humankind, so is Christ’s redemption of sin available for all (Romans 5:12-19), because Jesus alone was able to resist temptation (Matthew 4:1-11).”
God has revealed to his people the paths of righteousness that lead to life (Exodus 24:12-18). God is holy and loves justice, delighting in those who follow his ways. He transcends the politics and postures of this world and is worthy of our worship and praise (Psalm 2 and Psalm 99). We pay close attention to Scripture and the words of Jesus (2 Peter 1:16-21), who is gloriously revealed as the beloved Son of God who takes away our fear (Matthew 17:1-9) and leads us into joy.
“To look with lust violates relationships. To swear an oath disguises God’s mercy. The law of God is a pattern against pretense. It affects how we perceive others, the relationships that we enter, and what comes forth from our mouths. The lesson is twofold: let how we behave be obedient, and let what we say have integrity.”
City on a Hill “How do we please God? By caring for the poor and working toward justice (Isaiah 58:1-9,12), exhibiting courage, fearing the Lord and following his commandments (Psalm 112:1-9,10) and living in the Spirit, depending on the power of God rather than the power of rhetoric (1 Corinthians 2:1-12,13-16). In this way, we become the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-20).” – Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional