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WHAT IS SIN?Introduction: In sermons, you hear a lot of talk about sin. Well, what is sin? Today we will look at the how the Bible defines sin. Body:
I. The Bible’s definition of sin.
A. Sin is a violation of the conscience.
Romans 12:23
a. Faith in this passage is in direct
contrast with doubt;
b. therefore, is not referring to the
faith in the gospel and in Christ.
c. but, rather, is referring to faith in
the subjective sense, the persuasion
or the confidence of the individual.
d. Thus, this passage is teaching us that
for a thing to be right, that God will
approve it before we do it.
e. Thus, our actions are not based on
“what is the crowd doing” or “what
others think or say about this
matter.”
1. The conscience defined.
2. The conscience is not an infallible
guide.
a. John 16:2
b. Example of Paul – Acts 23:1
3. The conscience must be educated by the
word of God.
4. The conscience can be dulled.
a. 1 Timothy 4:2
b. Ephesians 4:19
5. Deductions:
a. Do you have doubts about:
(1) playing a certain game?
(2) going to a certain place to eat?
(3) attending a given recreational
function?
(4) saying a certain thing?
(5) selling a certain product?
(6) practicing a certain habit, etc.
2. If so, stop doing it.
B. Knowing to do good and not doing it, is sin.
James 4:17
1. This verse emphasizes the fact that sin is
not only wrong doing, it is also failure
in right doing, failing to do good.
a. We are not just to abstain from evil
but to do good.
b. Let’s look at some passages that teach
this:
(1) Read: Galatians 6:10; Titus 3:1;
Colossians 1:10.
(2) Mention: 1 Timothy 5:10; 2 Timothy
2:21; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14;
Hebrews 10:24; 1 Peter 2:12.
c. Jesus and the Good Samaritan are
examples of people going about doing
good.
C. A violation or breaking of God’s law is sin.
1 John 3:4
1. Sin is the breaking, violating, or going
away from the word of God.
a. Some illustrations:
(1) Ephesians 4:25. Don’t tell a lie.
(2) Ephesians 4:29. Don’t use corrupt
communication.
(3) Hebrews 10:25
b. If we lie, etc., then we have broken or
violated the law and thus have sinned.
2. This passage teaches us that there is a
law! Romans 4:15
a. There is a set of penalties attached
thereto; otherwise, the law would be a
farce.
b. Situation ethics
3. This verse teaches that sin is a personal
refusal to be governed by divine law.
a. Sin involves a wrong attitude toward
God’s will and way.
b. The attitude is “Not Your will be done,
God, but mine be done.”
c. Sin is basically a matter of attitude
toward God’s authority and law.
4. This verse teaches us that sin is
something done; hence, can’t be inherited.
Ezekiel 18:20 D. A failure to keep God’s commands is sin. 1
John 5:17
1. Unrighteousness.
a. The prefix “un” signifies a lack of the
quality specified.
b. Psalms 119:172. All God’s commandments
are righteousness.
(1) Those who obey God’s commandments
are righteousness.
(2) Those who don’t obey God’s
commandments are unrighteous.
c. Have you obeyed:
(1) Acts 2:36, 38; 22:16?
(2) Hebrews 10:25?
(3) 2 Timothy 2:2?
(4) James 1:27?
2. Distinguishing between 1 John 3:4 and 1
John 5:17.
a. 1 John 3:4. Discusses the matter
positively.
b. 1 John 5:17. Discusses the matter
negatively.
c. Hence there are sins of commission and
omission.
3. Yes, there are sins of omission.
a. Example of Matthew 25.
(1) the 5 foolish virgins.
(2) the one talent man.
(3) the goats.
4. What causes sins of omission?
a. indifference.
b. a lack of zeal.
c. over cautiousness
d. fear of failure. Matthew 25:25 (One
talent man)
e. letting someone else do it.
f. a lack of faith.
g. a lack of love.
h. failing to realize that we are all
responsible and we are all needed.
i. thinking we have it made.
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