Not Today Satan, Part 1: Sin // Jamie Nunnally

Satan wants the church confused about sin—because if you don't know what's killing you, you'll never reach for the cure.  In this message, Lead Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how to overcome sin and live the life God calls you to live. 

What is sin?

Sin is any behavior, intentional or accidental, outside of God's boundaries. The Bible also calls it "trespass"—you're not just doing the wrong thing; your heart is in the wrong place.

Romans 3:23 NIV: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." 

What the Bible says about sin:

1. Sin is not just a behavior—it's our nature.
    Romans 5:12 NLT: "Adam's sin brought death... so death spread to everyone."
    Don't just think of sin as an action you commit, but a condition you carry.We don't become sinners because we sin; we sin because we're sinners.
2. Sin is selfishness.
    Matthew 16:24 NIV: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves..."
    Sin starts when "self" sits on the throne.
3. Sin is lawlessness.
    1 John 3:4 ESV: "Sin is lawlessness."
    Other terms: transgression (sin on purpose) and iniquity (a lifestyle of rebellion).

Why sin matters:

Sin is a big deal because it hurts everyone.

1. Sin hurts you.
    Romans 6:23 ESV: "The wages of sin is death."
    Sin sells pleasure but hides the price tag.
2. Sin hurts others.
    Hebrews 12:15 NLT: "Watch out... that no root of bitterness... corrupts many."
    Sin is like glitter—it spreads.
3. Sin hurts God.
    Ephesians 4:30 NLT: "Do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit."

What doesn't work:

1. Trying harder.
    Romans 7:21–23: "I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong..."
    Righteousness comes from God's power not willpower. Freedom is found in surrender, not striving. 
2. More rules.
    Colossians 2:20–23: "Such rules... provide no help in conquering evil desires."
3. Anger.
    James 1:20: "The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
    You can't punish people into purity.

What does work:

1. Confessing and cleansing.
    1 John 1:9 NLT: "If we confess... he is faithful to forgive..."
2. Repenting and retraining.
    Acts 2:38: "Repent... turn to God... and be baptized."
    Repentance is more than "I'm sorry"—it's "I'm done."
3. Relying and relating.
    Romans 5:18 NLT: "Christ's one act... brings a right relationship with God."
    The cure for sin isn't effort, it's intimacy.

The Cure:

Like anti-venom comes from a lamb's blood, our cure comes from the Lamb of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us..."

Sin is serious—but Jesus already dealt with it.

So next time the enemy tries to accuse you, say:

"Not today, Satan—the cure's already in my veins."

Are you surrendering your sin to your Savior?