What God Is Showing Me… • Biblical Truth for Everyday Living
Three-Part Biblical Teaching Series by Superintendent Dr. Gary L. Cordon, Sr.
When “I Can’t” Becomes “I Don’t Want To”
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Romans 3:23 (KJV)
A Jar, a Kitchen Counter, and a Life-Changing Spiritual Question
It began with a simple request. My wife handed me a jar and asked me to open it. I tried confidently, then repeatedly—but the lid would not budge. Eventually, I stopped trying. And then I noticed something deeper: because I couldn’t open the jar, I no longer wanted to open it.
The experience was not itself sinful. But it opened the door to an important biblical conversation: How does failure influence our willingness? What is the difference between weakness and rebellion? And how does God give us both the desire and the power to obey Him?
In these three connected lessons, we move from recognizing sin to understanding human weakness, repentance, and the transforming power of the Holy Ghost. Read them in order, then revisit the questions and prayers for your personal study, family devotions, or small group.
Read the Complete Three-Part Series
PART ONE • RECOGNIZING SIN
A Simple Definition of Sin
When “I Can’t” Becomes “I Don’t Want To”
Sin means more than finding something difficult. Discover what it means to fall short of God’s standard and why we must not allow inability to become a justification for unwillingness.
KJV passages: Romans 3:23; 1 John 3:4; James 4:17; Philippians 2:13.
PART TWO • UNDERSTANDING WEAKNESS
The Difference Between Weakness and Wickedness
Why Every Failure Is Not Sin
Learn the distinction between human limitation, temptation, sinful choices, and repentance. Peter’s failure was real, but it was not the end of his story.
KJV passages: Hebrews 4:15–16; Psalm 103:13–14; James 1:14–15; Luke 22:61–62; Titus 2:11–12; 1 John 1:9 and 2:1.
PART THREE • LIVING IN OBEDIENCE
From Willingness to Obedience
How the Holy Ghost Gives Us Both the Desire and the Power to Please God
Discover why the Christian life cannot be lived through unaided human determination, and how God works within surrendered believers both to will and to do His good pleasure.
KJV passages: Philippians 2:12–13; John 15:5; Ezekiel 36:26–27; Galatians 5:16; John 14:15; 2 Corinthians 12:9.
What God Is Showing Me…
“Sometimes, the greatest danger is not discovering that we cannot do something. It is deciding that because we cannot do it, we no longer need to.”
“God does not confuse your humanity with rebellion, but neither should you confuse rebellion with humanity.”
“When your ability fails, don’t allow your willingness to fail with it. Let your weakness become the reason you surrender more completely to God.”
Use This Series in Your Bible Study
Each lesson includes Scripture references, practical reflections, a personal examination, and a closing prayer. You may use these materials for devotional reading, family conversation, small-group discussion, or introductory Christian education.
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Superintendent Dr. Gary L. Cordon, Sr.
Senior Pastor, The Evidence Churches — One Church • Two Locations
Superintendent, The Historic Edenton District COGIC
Our Mission: Win Souls, Keep Souls, Train Souls to Win Souls!