Ep 13 Being Honest with Myself, Rom 3:9-24

God's grace sets people free to be honest... honest with Him... honest with ourselves... and honest with others. And the reason is simple: I no longer have to be afraid. Because of Jesus Christ, I no longer have to lie, or blame, or deny, or hide, I can let God shine His light into the deepest recesses of my heart and show me the unvarnished truth about what's really there... without being afraid. Even when He points out things that are selfish, cruel, dishonest, fearful, proud or unforgiving, He doesn't leave me, or hate me or judge me. Instead He does the most amazing thing. He takes those vile motives and lays them on the shoulders of His beloved Son as though they had been His sins and then He punished Him instead of me. When I see what He's done it leaves me feeling two profound emotions at the same time: bitterly sorry and so grateful I hardly know what to say. It's all completely unfair and it makes no sense. There's nothing in my human experience that explains why He would still love me. When I face those ugly things inside of me I am dismayed by them but He doesn't react like that. Seeing me for who I really am He just draws closer and asks me to trust that He's doing a good work in me and will continue to perform it until I see Him face to face (Php 1:6). And the encounter itself leaves me different. I feel clean and light and stronger... and less afraid of being honest. To receive a free copy of Dr. Steve Schell's book Understanding Romans, email us at [email protected] and ask for your copy at no charge. The book has all the notes from each sermon in this series.  Also check out our website at lifelessonspublishing.com for additional resources for pastors and leaders. We have recorded classes and other materials offered at no charge.  And if you would like to receive a copy of Pastor Steve's newest book Study Verse by Verse: Revelation at no charge, we are still giving this book out as well!