If Justified, Why the Struggle?

This sermon starts the 3rd major section of our study of justification, namely, The Instrument of Justification. (Section 1 was: Our need of Justification. Section 2 was: The Definition and Grounds of Justification.) But today we address the question, If We are Justified, Why Do We Struggle? Why do we need the experience of indwelling sin? Why do we need to confess our sins, asking for forgiveness? Answer: God desires to teach us, his people. 5 Lessons the LORD would teach us: 1) Though justified, the Lord uses this pilgrimage to teach you, first, the heinousness of sin. 2)To teach you the wonder of his love & grace. 3) To teach us the way of Christ Jesus, thereby becoming like him. 4) To teach us the compassion of the Lord. 5) To teach us to love and obey God freely with all of our being.