WHY DO I ALWAYS SIN and WILL I EVER STOP? Will I ever be FREE of my sin?

Summary

The speaker reflects on the spiritual 'new normal' where sin seems inevitable, drawing a parable of monks with wings of fire and clay to illustrate the struggle of modern believers. Despite the perceived distance from God and the challenges of our times, the speaker emphasizes the unchanging love of God and the importance of relationships—especially with a spiritual father—to guide and heal, ultimately encouraging a shift in self-perception from sinner to the divine image within.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The speaker acknowledges a 'new normal' in our generation where sin seems almost inevitable, yet the Holy Spirit's work is still possible today.
• 📚 A story from the Desert Fathers illustrates the struggle of modern monks compared to those from earlier generations, emphasizing the need for perseverance despite our perceived weaknesses.
• 🕊 The first two brothers in the story represent monastics from the past with 'wings of fire,' while the third brother symbolizes contemporary monks who must struggle with 'wings of clay' to reach the Kingdom of God.
• 💧 The speaker likens individuals to drops of water in the sea, suggesting that the world shapes us whether we like it or not, and our spiritual state is heavily influenced by our relationship with the world.
• 🔗 The importance of relationships in shaping our identity is highlighted, particularly our relationship with the world and with God, which together define who we are spiritually.
• 🚧 The spiritual distance between us and God is perceived as greater today than in the past, making our spiritual journey seem more daunting.
• 🤲 The unchangeable reality of God's love for us is a beacon of hope, providing a constant in a changing world and an assurance of salvation for those who seek it.
• 🙏 The necessity of a spiritual father in our lives is underscored as a guide and support in our spiritual struggles, offering discernment and direction.
• 💖 The transformative power of feeling loved and accepted by one's spiritual father is shared as a personal testimony, illustrating the healing that can come from being seen through the lens of God's love.
• 🔄 The speaker encourages a balance between recognizing our sinful nature and embracing our divine image, suggesting that this dynamic can propel our spiritual growth.
• 🕊️ The potential to redeem our 'dust' and become Christ-like through God's grace is presented as a hopeful message, calling us to strive for spiritual transformation despite our imperfections.

Q & A

What is the 'new normal' in the context of the speaker's discussion?

The 'new normal' refers to a perceived shift in societal and personal morality, where sin has become almost inevitable for most people in the current generation, as opposed to the time of the Holy Fathers.

What is the significance of the story about the three monastic brothers in the Desert of Egypt?

The story illustrates the struggle of spiritual growth across different generations. While the first two brothers easily fly over the sea with wings of fire, representing earlier monastics, the third brother with wings of clay symbolizes modern monks who face greater challenges but still reach the Kingdom of God through perseverance and faith.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between the world and monastics?

The speaker describes the relationship as formative, where the world shapes the monastics just as it shapes everyone else. Monastics do not exist in isolation but are influenced by the world's conditions and the relationships they form within it.

What is the 'sea' metaphor used by the speaker to describe the individual's spiritual journey?

The 'sea' metaphor represents the spiritual journey towards God. The speaker likens individuals to drops of water in the sea, suggesting that the nature of the sea (the world) greatly influences the identity and spiritual state of the individual drop (the person).

What are the two main relationships the speaker identifies as shaping our spiritual lives?

The two main relationships are the one we have with the world around us and the one we develop with God. These relationships significantly influence our spiritual state and growth.

How does the speaker view the spiritual state of people today compared to 16 centuries ago?

The speaker believes that people today are spiritually much lower and further away from God compared to those who lived 16 centuries ago, due to the changing nature of the world and its influence on individuals.

What is the role of God's unchanging love in the speaker's perspective on salvation?

God's unchanging love serves as an eternal hope and a constant force in the salvation of individuals. Despite the perceived distance and challenges, God's love and desire to save people remain the same, providing a stable point amidst change.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of a spiritual father in one's spiritual journey?

The spiritual father provides guidance, discernment, and an outside perspective that helps individuals navigate their spiritual struggles. The speaker highlights the healing power of feeling loved and accepted by the spiritual father, which aids in overcoming personal sin and weakness.

What does the speaker mean when he says that sin is no longer the determining factor of spiritual life?

The speaker suggests that while sin is still significant and impactful, the key to spiritual life now lies in one's determination and trust in God's mercy, especially for a generation that is generally weaker and more prone to sin.

How does the speaker describe the process of self-identity transformation through the relationship with a spiritual father?

The speaker describes a transformation where the individual learns to see themselves not just as a sinner, but as a being created in the image of God. This shift in self-perception, facilitated by the spiritual father's validation and love, empowers the individual to overcome sin and embrace their divine potential.

What is the final message the speaker conveys to the audience about their spiritual journey?

The speaker encourages the audience to fight, struggle, and pray together, emphasizing that despite the perceived weaknesses and sins, God's love and readiness to save them remain unwavering. The speaker calls for unity and collective striving towards salvation.