Podcast Summary

Podcast: Ask Ligonier
Episode: How Should I Deal with the Shame of Returning to the Same Sin? How Can I Pursue Lasting Change?
Date: October 16, 2025
Host: Nathan W. Bingham
Guest: Dr. Michael Reeves, President and Professor of Theology, Union School of Theology, UK

Overview

This episode centers on the painful reality many Christians face: recurring sin and the accompanying shame. Nathan W. Bingham asks Dr. Michael Reeves how believers should deal with repeated spiritual failure and whether true, lasting change is possible. Dr. Reeves provides a deeply pastoral and theological response, drawing on Scripture, classic hymns, and the core truths of the Gospel. The conversation focuses on moving from shame to grace, and how a deeper love for God is necessary to break the cycle of sin.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Cycle of Sin and Shame (00:04 - 02:00)

• Recognition of Besetting Sins:
  Dr. Reeves defines besetting sins as those persistent temptations drawing believers back, causing repeated failure.
• The Voice of Accusation:
  “What you will invariably experience is the accusing whispering of Satan, who will say, you are beyond recovery. You should give up now and walk away.” (Dr. Reeves, 00:46)
• The Spiritual Sulks:
  The guilt and accusations from sin and the enemy often push believers to withdraw from God, church, and spiritual disciplines:
  • “I don't want to be with God's people. I don't want to open his word. I don't dare pray because I'm not worthy. I feel dirty and a failure.” (Dr. Reeves, 01:11)

2. The Gospel Applied to Shame (02:00 - 03:20)

• God’s Gracious Response:
  Dr. Reeves cites Ezekiel 20:44:
  “You will know that I am the Lord your God, when I deal with you according to my name's sake, not according to your evil ways.”
• Superiority of Christ’s Mercy:
  “His forgiveness is greater than your sin. The blood of Christ is stronger than your sin. His mercy can go deeper than your sin.” (Dr. Reeves, 01:43)
• Return to God Through Belief in Grace:
  Believing in God’s goodness and grace reverses spiritual withdrawal.
  • “When you believe it, you'll want to run back to Him.” (Dr. Reeves, 02:01)

3. The Power of the Gospel for True Change (03:20 - 05:14)

• From Guilt to Transformation:
  Using Augustus Toplady’s hymn "Rock of Ages", Dr. Reeves describes how the cross of Christ offers both pardon for guilt and power over sin’s grip.
  • “Cleanse me from the guilt and power of sin. And the cross has the ability not only to cleanse us of our guilt, but also to undo the power of sin in our lives.” (Dr. Reeves, 03:35)
• The Dynamics of Love and Sin:
  The root of ongoing sin is “loving” that sin, even when you simultaneously hate it.
• Replacement of Loves:
  “You cannot kill the lust for that sin by simply telling yourself not to do it. The only thing that will drive out your love for that sin is a superior love for God.” (Dr. Reeves, 04:06)
• How Superior Love is Kindled:
  Encountering God’s love in the cross awakens reciprocal love that subdues sinful desires:
  • “You see Christ’s redemption of his people, and you don’t want to offend him more. He becomes more beautiful to you than your sin.” (Dr. Reeves, 04:45)
• Recap of Practical Steps:
  Dr. Reeves closes with repeating his prescription:
  1. “First, apply the gospel to yourself. Remember his grace, and his grace will win you back.” (Dr. Reeves, 04:56)
  2. “Second, apply the Gospel to yourself, and the love of God will drive out the love of sin.” (Dr. Reeves, 05:12)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Guilt and Accusation:
  “The accusing whispering of Satan...you are beyond recovery. You should give up now and walk away.” (Dr. Reeves, 00:46)

• On God's Gracious Character:
  “This God deals with us according to his grace.” (Dr. Reeves, 01:29)

• On the Cross’s Double Power:
  “The cross has the ability not only to cleanse us of our guilt, but also to undo the power of sin in our lives.” (Dr. Reeves, 03:35)

• On Deep Change:
  “The only thing that will drive out your love for that sin is a superior love for God. And that superior love for God will come about when you see he’s loved you first.” (Dr. Reeves, 04:06)

• On Finding Christ More Beautiful:
  “He becomes more beautiful to you than your sin.” (Dr. Reeves, 04:45)

Key Timestamps

• 00:40: Dr. Reeves explains the dynamics of shame and Satan’s accusations.
• 01:29: Introduction of God’s grace overcoming our failure.
• 03:35: The cross cleanses both guilt and the power of sin.
• 04:06: How a greater love for God replaces love for sin.
• 04:45: On loving Christ more than sin.
• 04:56–05:14: Dr. Reeves summarizes the twofold application of the gospel as the path to lasting change.

Summary

Dr. Michael Reeves encourages listeners wrestling with the shame of repetitive sin to turn again and again to the gospel. He urges them not to heed the accusing voice of Satan, but to remember that God's grace is deeper than their failure. Reeves explains how lasting change comes as the love of God—understood most clearly in the cross—becomes more compelling than the false allure of sin. Christians are called to apply the truths of grace both to their guilt and to their struggle for holiness, trusting that Christ not only pardons but transforms.