This episode elaborates on the two possible fruitless results of a sin-obsessed life in sanctification, as opposed to a God-obsessed life. The ultimate purpose of the redemption of Christ should be to serve the living God, according to Hebrews 9:14. But if the Christian life becomes mostly about getting the victory over sin, potential ministry becomes the casualty. If one is outwardly successful in self-denial and controlling manifestations of sin, then smug self-righteousness can set in. If, on the hand, the Christian struggles to gain traction over his issues with sin, self-condemnation and even further self-medication can result. In both cases, the misplaced focus on the ultimate ministry objective of the Christian life is obscured. The answer is of course to place sin issues in their proper perspective, and this provides the most enduring motive to holistically serve God.
