Every afternoon, I will post something for you to share with your family in the evening. It may be a talking point, a short video, a Scripture to read, etc.
Today’s Post…
Title: Why should we avoid sin like the plague?
(I gave this one a title because it has a very clear purpose. This one is a MUST, especially if you have teens.)
Read Mark 6:49-52.
The disciples couldn’t understand the significance of Jesus’ miracle with the loaves and fish. Verse 51 says they were amazed when He walked on the water and then got into the boat the wind ceased instantly. They had just seen a miracle when the loaf. Why were they still not really “getting it.”
Verse 52 says they couldn’t understand because their hearts were hardened.
Why?
Answer: Their hearts were impenetrable. They didn’t understand not because they were ignorant, but because they had a rebellious heart.*
Read Mark 8:14-21.
Jesus was talking about evil influence while the disciples worried He was talking about their not bringing bread along for the boat ride.
Again, He calls them out for their hardened hearts (verse 17). They were “rebellious, spiritually insensitive, and unable to understand spiritual truth.”*
It seems like when we entertain sin, a little bit of our heart gets hardened. Continuing in this attitude leads to a hardness of heart and a blindness to truth. It’s scary to think that someone like this doesn’t even realize they are “blind.”
Re-read Mark 8:18. Discuss.
For this, and many reasons, we should avoid sin at all costs. Don’t entertain it. Keep your heart from hardening by not giving in to rebellious thoughts. Capture your thoughts quickly and don’t allow yourself to complete actions that aren’t in line with what Christ would want you to do. Don’t risk a hard heart!
Read Isaiah 44:20.
Pray and ask God to help each family member stay away from sin and a rebellious attitude. Pray that your spiritual eyes always remain open. Pray for anyone you know who is living in rebellion and seems to have a hardened heart. Remember, God can do impossible things! He fed multitudes and calmed the sea.
*The John MacArthur Study Bible