Show Notes Sin Pays a Wage

Teachable Woman Podcast

Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry

Introduction: In this powerful and introspective episode, Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry tackle a foundational truth of the Christian faith: the nature and consequences of sin. Tied into the reflective season of Lent, the discussion explores how sin entered the world, how it manifests today, and the redemptive power of grace through Jesus Christ. With clarity, love, and conviction, they encourage listeners to examine their lives, understand the wages sin pays, and choose the freedom found in Christ. This is a heart-check moment filled with truth, wisdom, and practical spiritual insights.
Episode Introduction

Rev. Michele Owes welcomes the podcast family back and introduces the theme as a continuation of their previous episode, Fully Persuaded. She reminds listeners of the unwavering faith they are called to walk in, especially during Lent—a time of spiritual examination and removal of distractions. Together with Rev. Diana P. Cherry, lovingly referred to as “the sin preacher,” they delve into the hard but necessary topic of sin and how it subtly robs us, all while magnifying God’s grace and redemptive power.
7 Show Notes from "Sin Pays a Wage"

1. Sin is the Root Cause of Separation from God - “Sin is anything that separates us from God… that dishonors Him.” Rev. Michele and Rev. Diana define sin not just as bad behavior but as anything that drives a wedge between us and God’s purpose. Whether "small" or "great," sin disrupts spiritual alignment and intimacy with the Lord. The world may grade sin by severity, but God sees all sin as separation.

2. Sin Pays a Wage—And It's Always Costly - “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) Sin pays us, but with loss. Rev. Michele Owes shares that payment isn’t a blessing—it’s the death of relationships, reputations, peace, or purpose. Even when it doesn’t result in physical death, sin steals life from areas that matter most. The "salary" sin pays is subtraction, not increase.

3. The Law Revealed Sin but Couldn’t Remove It - “The law had no power to stop them… it only showed them their sin nature.” Rev. Cherry explains the purpose of the Old Testament law: it was a mirror, not a cure. It revealed mankind’s inability to live righteously on their own. Sin increased in awareness, but not in control. It took Jesus Christ, the sinless Lamb, to overcome sin’s hold on humanity.
4. One Man’s Sin Brought Death, One Man’s Sacrifice Brought Life -

“By one man's sin… all were affected. But by one man's death, we are redeemed.” The episode outlines the theological foundation of original sin through Adam and redemption through Jesus. Christ came wrapped in flesh to be the acceptable sacrifice for sin. Through His resurrection, grace now reigns over those who believe. Sin may have reigned once—but grace now rules.

5. We Have Power Over Sin Through Grace - “You let not sin reign… yield not your members.” Rev. Cherry dives into Romans 6 to declare that sin no longer has dominion over believers. Through Christ, we can choose not to yield to sin. Yielding is not inevitable—it’s a decision. She reminds listeners that temptation may come, but so does a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

6. Sin is Subtle—So Stay Spiritually Aware - “Sin is subtle… exposure creates options.” Rev. Owes emphasizes how the enemy uses subtle exposures to lure us into sin. Often, it starts with something that seems harmless. But with every exposure comes a choice. They stress the importance of spiritual discernment—knowing when to flee and avoid paths that subtract from your spiritual life.

7. The Gift of Grace Is Greater Than the Curse of Sin - “Where sin did abound, grace does much more abound.” The episode ends on a hopeful note: grace is more powerful than any sin. Through Jesus, we are not only forgiven but made new. Rev. Cherry encourages everyone to take a daily dose of grace—God's enabling power that strengthens, sustains, and transforms. Lent isn’t just about giving things up; it’s about not picking them back up again.
Scriptures Referenced

• Romans 5–8 (deep study encouraged)
• Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death…”
• Romans 5:8 – “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “God makes a way of escape…”
Lenten Reflection

As you continue your Lenten journey, take time to examine what may be separating you from God. What have you laid down that you shouldn’t pick back up? This season isn’t just about sacrifice—it’s about transformation through grace.
Retreat Reminder

Don’t forget to register for the Teachable Woman Retreat in Houston, Texas at the Westin Oaks Hotel – Galleria. Join women from around the country for worship, teaching, restoration, and sisterhood. You won’t want to miss it!