The greatest problem man has is the problem of sin. Most of the other problems we have to deal with in this life stems from the problem of sin. James tells us in James 1:15ff that sin begins when we are tempted by our lusts, or desires, and we give in to them. John tells us in 1 John 3:4 that sin is lawlessness (or a transgression of the law—KJV). Sin begins in the heart, when we look at what we want or desire above everything else. The very basis of sin is selfishness.

Man cannot solve the problem of sin by himself. We cannot work hard enough or long enough to take care of one single sin. All of the good that we may do cannot offset the enormity of one sin in our lives. We may try to hide it, justify it, or even brazenly be proud of it, but sin will eventually destroy us.

God saw the greatest problem man has and resolved within Himself, even before the universe began, to give man a way back to Him. God the Father willed and wished that man have fellowship with Him; God the Son executed the plan by allowing Himself to be nailed to the cross, and God the Holy Spirit reveals that plan to us through the Bible. All three persons in the Godhead had a part in redeeming man, and we enjoy the privileges that come from God’s offer of salvation.

Aren’t you glad God did not ignore the problem and hope it would go away? God, being God, knows that this is not the way to resolve anything. The problem, whatever it is, has to be dealt with. We have to be honest with ourselves, with God and with others with whom we may have a problem. We have been given specific instructions on how to resolve problems, and when it comes to our salvation, God has told us what He requires and has left the rest of it up to us. Will we be obedient to what He has told us to do, or will we continue in the greatest problem of our lives?

As we look at the cross, we see God’s love, mercy and justice at the same time. God’s love and mercy is shown by Jesus paying the ultimate price for our sin. We don’t have to, because we never could pay that price. God’s justice is shown by showing us that the perfect had to die for the imperfect, because we could never pay the price. We stand in awe of God’s grace and love and mercy, and know that we need to respond with the same kind of love in our hearts. Do we really love the Lord, or are we kidding ourselves and others by pretending to love Him? It is not enough to pretend or to say that we love Him and not do the things that He says.

Brethren, as we gather together each and every Sunday, let us remember why we are here. We are here to praise the God of Heaven and Earth for His matchless love and mercy. We are here to encourage one another to live the life God demands of us daily. We are here to exhort one another to not engage in the sin that hurts us, others and God. We are here for one another, because we cannot be a Christian by ourselves.

Have you taken care of your greatest problem?