2023_01_20 Insight Post- Emma Keeton

  -   January 20, 2023

This week’s reading- Genesis 3, Romans 1

We are all in need of a savior. This is true for those who don’t know Jesus and for us who are already Christians. We need a savior because it’s an uncomfortable fact that we have a predisposition to sin.

Eve demonstrates this in Genesis 3 when she is deceived by the serpent (Satan). Eve knows what the rules of the garden are, “you are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” Genesis 3:16b-17. But the serpent twists God’s words and teaches Eve to first doubt and then deny God.

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5

So, Eve eats the fruit, and from that original sin, God’s redemption plan is sealed. Jesus will pay the price for our sin, and undeserved grace is ours.

It’s often difficult for me to admit my daily need for a savior. In a world where success and perfection are celebrated, it goes against my flesh to recognize that I have failed. Embracing our brokenness highlights the already and not yet nature of the kingdom. We are righteous and sinners at the same time (Macchia).

Romans 5:20 says, “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” Recognizing that we will never be perfect is not a license to sin; it is part of depending on God for all our needs. God is in his rightful place, and we are given what we need-the grace to cover our sins. The goal of our lives is not to outlive the need for God by becoming so independent. Moment-by-moment dependence on God is what we should strive for.

Martin Luther (the Reformer) in 1521 put it like this:

“Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong, but let your trust in Christ be stronger and rejoice in Christ who is the victor of sin, death, and the world.”

Christ has overcome sin and death for us. When we admit our weakness, He will make us strong. Thanks be to God!

Emma Keeton
Prayer Team Lead