Read 1 John 3:4

One topic that we like to dance around as believers is sin.  Most of us know what sin is.  However, some of us try to justify our own sin.  We have all heard people say, “Well, my God wouldn’t punish for ________”.  Some of us also think that our sin isn’t as bad as the next person’s.  “Well, maybe I have done this, but at least I didn’t do this like _____”.  

So, what is sin?  How did sin enter the perfect world created by God?  What happens to us because of sin?

Sin, by definition, is a transgression of the law; lawlessness. Doing something in opposition to the Word of God which defines sin for us. We do not get to choose for ourselves what is and what is not sin. 

“…everyone who commits sin practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.” – 1 John 3:4

The Bible tells us in Romans 6:23 that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Not one of us is without sin as we all have fallen short of God’s standard.  Adam and Eve were no strangers to this. The first man and woman gave in to their sinful nature when tempted in the garden. God has given us all free will. He does not force us to love Him and follow Him.  God was not caught off guard or surprised by the sin of mankind.  He is sovereign over all things.  But He allows us to make our own choices, even though they may harm us.

When God had finished creating the world, He “saw all that He had made, and it was very good indeed” (Gen 1:31). Sin was not part of the plan and was not decreed by the will of the Creator. All sin comes from the creature as does its desires. 

“…but each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire.  Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown it gives birth to death.” – James 1:14-15

Romans 6:23 says “for the wages of sin is death.”  Just like earning money for doing a job, we receive wages for our sin.  It could be one sin or it could be millions; but one sin is enough to separate us from God and His “gift of eternal life”. God is perfect and would be unjust if He did not punish us for our sin. But He loves us so much that “while we were still sinners, (He) died for us” (Romans 5:8).  He sent His perfect Son to take the punishment for our sins so we could be forgiven!

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:5

Or as theologian John Owen once said, “Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you”. What is in your life right now that is in opposition to the Word of God? What is pulling you away from Him?  Don’t put it away for later.

Kill it!

Nate Mills