"Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." I Peter 1:8
Have you noticed today that sin has a "new" name and definition? A wicked society doesn’t become wicked over night. It usually comes very subtly and slowly. One of the ways society falls into wickedness is to rename their sins. Sin used to be called sin and people actually felt bad and convicted about it, and tried to change their ways. Today, we have so many new names for sin so that we can keep from feeling bad and convicted
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The FOURTH Bible Study that we recommend with anyone is a study on SIN because the wages and cost is high for practicing it. Sin certainly keeps you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay.
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Instead of sin, we now call it a complex, an addiction, a dependency, a mental disorder, a chemical imbalance, an obsession, a phobia, a disease, a quirk, an indiscretion, a mis-spoken word, a mistake, etc. Just notice how America, which was founded upon Christian values, have changed the names of its sins. If they are rich, they don’t steal, they confiscate. They are not greedy, it’s just business. If they are poor they are not thieves, they are kleptomaniacs. They are not called gossipers anymore, they are speedily transmitting partially factual information. They are not cursing anymore, but rather speaking adult language. They are not drunks, they are alcoholics. They are not called liars, but rather are creative. They are not whores, but rather call girls. They are not whoremongers, they are players. They are not baby killers, they are abortionists. They are not fornicators, they are cohabitators. They are not homosexuals, they are gay.
WHAT IS SIN?
The Bible definition - Sin is defined as a transgression of the law of God. 1 John 3:4 Sin, no matter its name, is still sin! The wages of sin is death. Rom 6:23 Changing the wording doesn’t change the sin. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20 All who sin and refuse to repent of them and obey the gospel of Jesus Christ shall burn in an everlasting Hell. Revelation 21:8
There was a time when preachers preached against sin and God’s people felt the weight of guilt and shame for their sin. In our world today we have a hard time finding someone willing to admit to sinning. The question must be asked “Whatever has happened to sin?”
1. We live in a day of political correctness. Today it is politically incorrect to call a person "ignorant". Instead he is merely, "factually unencumbered."
2. We change sin’s definition from being offense against God to the imperfections. We talk about mistakes or failures.
3. Some would divide sin into two categories. Some may call it Mortal and Venal, or Big sins and Little sins (you know “whoppers” and “little white lies”).
5. Man may call it “error”; God calls it sin. Man calls it “sickness”; God calls it sin. We live in a day in which man minimizes the seriousness of sin.
B. Sin has been Trivialized
1. We have gotten to the place where we have said sin is no big deal.
2. Proverbs 14:9 “Fools mock at sin…”
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This Is Our Program Suggested Study Guide
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Fourth Study -The wages of Sin
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1. What is the Bible definition of Sin?
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I John 3:4-6
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The Bible defines sin as breaking God's law. What does it means to break the law? What are some examples of this today? What are some examples of this in your own life? How is knowing God demonstrated?
Romans 3:23
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Sin is missing the mark. We were created in the image of God, when we sin we mar and distort that image. We therefore cannot stand before God unstained.
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2. What effect does sin have on our relationship to God?
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Isaiah 59:1-2
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Sin separates men from God. How serious is this FACT to YOU?
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Romans 6:23
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The wages of sin is death (eternal consequences). What is a wage? It is something we earn, and the wage of sin is death in God's eyes. God must punish sin. He cannot just act like it is not there and still be truthful and righteous. Here is our option or choice: We either pay for sin through our own deaths (spiritually) or Jesus can pay it by His death for us. Until he pays for our wage (debt) we are under a death sentence. What is a death sentence? Is it something serious? Who would allow themselves to be on death row if they had another option?
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3. What are some examples of Sin?
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Galatians 5:19-26
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Go through the list and define what these sins are. Which sins are in our lives? Notice that sin separates men from God, from other men ( jealousy, malice, envy, etc), and from even ourselves (we lose respect for ourselves when we do these things). Is sin doing us any favors? God told us to stay away from sin not because He did not want us to have fun, but it hurts us and violates our intended nature. What attitude toward sin is demonstrated by those who belong to Christ?
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James 1:13-16
What is the progression of a person who allows themselves to live a sinful life with sinful behaviors?
Can a person honestly blame God for his temptations? Every person is drawn away by what? If we do not sincerely and seriously address sin in our lives what will sin bring forth when it is finished with us?
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1. Temptation > comes from our evil desires
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2. Who is responsible for sin? We are responsible for ourselves. We are able to change to live lives that are pleasing to God.
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II Timothy 3:1-5
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"A form of godliness" that does not overcome sin is worthless. Today one of Satan's biggest tools is the existence of people practicing a "form of godliness" or "religion" that has NO basis or foundation in the Word of God. Look at how "Church" is portrayed in the media. Have you seen shows like Greenleaf? What is your thoughts on that series based on Bible teaching? Knowing what the Bible teaches would you attend that church? Why or Why not?
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People today are drawn to "mega" churches? What are some of the issues you could run into at one of these type churches? Do they usually have elders or a board? Are likely to get one on one discipleship training?
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Do you live as a disciple of Jesus (Christian) or you just a "shell" or "form of godliness" but deny the power of God as found in His Word for your life?
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4. What is a Christian's attitude toward Sin?
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Matthew 5:27-30
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Is Jesus casual about sin? No, a Christian needs to stay as far away from sin as possible. What would be the implications of this in the life of a Christian? A Christian must take whatever steps are necessary to avoid sin. If what we are looking at causes us to sin, we need to act as if we had pulled out our eye, ---do not look. Similarly, if our hand causes us to sin, - do not use it in that way.
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Today Hollywood, social media, music and many magazines promote sin as something glamorous with everything from fornication, to greed to lies. Over time when we watch and allow ourselves to listen to this stuff so long it causes us to not see sin as God sees sin. What are you struggling with as a result of these OUTLETS of SATAN? What are you willing to do about it?
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Ephesians 5:3-6
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Not only does a Christian avoid committing sin, he/she avoids even the appearance of sinning. Give some example.
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5. What is the answer to Sin?
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Romans 8:1
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There is no condemnation for those that are in Christ. If we become Christians and continue to walk in the light, then Christ pays our penalty for us and we are no longer under condemnation and have eternal life. Walking in the light means we walk and live by the Spirit and NOT the flesh. If we choose to live by the Spirit we will do God's will and live. If we choose to live by the flesh we will not want to be bothered with Bible teachings and living for God. We will cease to have a relationship with God and if we don't repent will die in sin.
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Are you ready to repent of your sin? Are you a Christian? If not are you ready to become a Christian?
If you are a Christian and sinned have you repented?
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What did you learn most from this lesson?
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Discuss Now.....
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