How can we "do what is right" in our daily lives today? The Scene in Genesis 4:7 “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at the door; it desires you, but you must rule over it.” (Berean Standard Bible) What This Verse Teaches Us Today • Doing right is possible. • Acceptance with God is the result. • Sin is personal, persistent, and predatory. • We are commanded—and empowered—to rule over it. Recognizing God’s Standard • “Do what is right” is not vague; it is defined by God’s revealed Word. • The context shows right worship (bringing the best, as Abel did) and right heart motives. • Scripture consistently equates “right” with obedience flowing from faith (Micah 6:8; John 14:15). Spotting Sin’s Tactics • “Crouching at the door” portrays sin like a wild animal waiting for the unguarded moment. • Desire to master us means sin presses for control in thoughts, attitudes, habits. • Minimizing or rationalizing sin is itself surrendering to it. Daily Steps for Doing What Is Right 1. Start with surrendered worship − Offer God the “first and best” of your time, talents, and resources. 2. Anchor every choice in Scripture − Before acting or reacting, ask, “What has God clearly said about this?” 3. Monitor the doorways of the heart − Guard what you watch, read, and dwell on; these are gateways for sin’s approach. 4. Practice immediate confession − The moment conviction comes, agree with God, turn, and receive cleansing (1 John 1:9). 5. Cultivate godly desires − Replace sinful cravings with delight in worship, fellowship, service, and truth. 6. Choose accountability − Invite mature believers to ask hard questions; transparency exposes sin to the light. 7. Depend on the Spirit’s power − Pray throughout the day, “Lead me not into temptation… deliver me from evil.” 8. Finish each day with grateful review − Thank God for victories; where you stumbled, claim His promised forgiveness and prepare for tomorrow. Living in God’s Acceptance • Acceptance is not earned; it is God’s gracious response to faith expressed in obedience. • Victory over sin is an ongoing, Spirit-enabled project, not a one-time event. • Each right choice reinforces the habit of righteousness and deepens fellowship with the Lord. Takeaway Do what is right—walk in wholehearted obedience—because God has made it possible, stands ready to accept, and equips you daily to rule over sin rather than be ruled by it. |
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