I came across an old Sunday bible study sheet from the book of First John. I've kept it for a while, because I really like one particular diagram that shows how Satan tries to keep me from going to God. It is applicable always, because it is in two parts: Satan's strategy before I sin, and Satan's strategy after I sin. Here's what it looks like:
Satan's Strategy
Before After
sin is small => sin => SIN IS BIG
(insignificant) (GUILT)
While we are being tempted, Satan tells us that sin is small, no big deal. We don't need God to protect us from sin's negative affects. We have enough power to control it; take as much as we deem appropriate for our needs and pleasure.
Then, after we fall into Satan's trap, we get the big "HA! I knew I'd get you with that! Now you've sinned something awful. There's no way God will forgive you for this!" Essentially, God is too righteous to forgive you.
So at first God appears to be the fun stopper (not good in Himself), or He doesn't quite understand what is good for us (not all-knowing above our understanding).
After, Satan calls out the truth of who God is...kind of. He reminds us that God is all-knowing, 100% good, and also just. But he manages to leave out the part where God is merciful.
So how do we combat this strategy? Pretty easy, just reverse it.
Christian's View
Before After
SIN IS BIG => sin => sin is small
(HUMILITY) (Confident of God's grace and salvation)
Think about the power of God's love. "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Through knowing this grace, we are humbled and God is exalted. We now live for him, not for our pleasures. And when we do fall every day, our God is big enough to pick us up every time. Be confident in God's grace for you, no matter where you are, no matter what you've done, no matter when the last time you were in church, no matter how many times you've back peddled on your spiritual journey. Christ died for you. God forgives you. Now the Holy Spirit lives in you.
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