John Piper helps us answer this critical question as he answers a listener’s question about Romans 14:23 which says, in part, “whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” I encourage you to listen to or read the interview.
Perhaps restating his answer in question form will help us with discerning our own hearts:
- Is what I am doing consciously shaped by God’s Word? (Psalm 1; 119:105)
- In what I am doing, am I depending on my own efforts and strength or on the power of God? (Colossians 1:9-12)
- Is my purpose in what I am doing that God be glorified in me? (1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15)
An honest evaluation will often result in awareness of sin in one or more of these areas. The Gospel response to this awareness is repentance and trusting Christ. In Christ, God will forgive us when we take notice of our sin and repent (1 John 1:8-10).