Everyone makes excuses… it’s just human nature – or perhaps I should say, “unfortunately” it’s human nature.  Ever since that first sin in the garden, we humans have been trying to place the blame on others or rationalize our way out of our sin predicament. 

In many lives this bad habit has resulted a failure to take sin seriously.  And where sin isn’t taken seriously, it is easily passed on to the next generation.  Let’s take an honest look at some of our excuses as we seek to prevent our youngest generation from become the final generation. 

1. Everyone is doing it  
2. No one is getting hurt
3. This is the last time
4. But I really want to
5. God made me this way
6. It’s not really that bad
7. They deserved it
8. It couldn’t hurt to just have a taste
9. I didn’t know
10. The devil made me do it

James 1:13-15

“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

The “sin” cycle 

arguments -> thoughts -> actions -> habits -> character

Observations & Conclusions:

1. Demolish arguments – by showing obedience to Christ in our actions
2. Take thoughts captive – and make them obedient to Christ
3. Punish actions of disobedience – and replace with obedience to Christ 

Application: How do we obey Christ?

1. Don’t fight with the weapons of the world
2. Pursue the knowledge of God
3. Take captive worldly thoughts

2 Corinthians 9:13

“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.”

John 10:27

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

1 Peter 2:21-23

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

Matthew 4:3-7 

“The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.  “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”