Respectable Sins Ep. 1

This message invites us into an honest examination of what we often call 'respectable sins'—those patterns of behavior we've learned to excuse, minimize, or rename rather than confront.

Drawing from Luke 2:39-52, we encounter Jesus as a 12-year-old boy in the temple, already aware of His Father's business. This glimpse of young Jesus growing in wisdom and stature becomes our model for spiritual maturity.

The core challenge presented is the concept of progressive sanctification—the ongoing process of being conformed into the image of Christ. We're reminded that sin isn't merely a list of actions but rebellion against God, an inside job flowing from our own desires.

The message confronts our tendency to belittle sin by comparing ourselves to others or using softer language like 'issues,' 'baggage,' or 'triggers' instead of calling it what it is.

Whether it's anxiety, immorality, or lack of self-control, the path forward isn't found in our own willpower but in surrendering to the Holy Spirit's transforming work.

The powerful truth emerges: we are either killing sin or sin is killing us—there's no middle ground.

As we step into a new year, we're called to embrace the biblical pattern of 'putting off' the old self and 'putting on' the new, recognizing that salvation isn't just forgiveness but the welcoming of the Spirit's empowering transformation.