Reflections On Sin

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                          "REFLECTIONS"

                              On Sin

INTRODUCTION

1. This is our fifth lesson in a series...
   a. Entitled "Reflections"...
   b. Devoted to simple meditations on various themes

2. The scriptural justification for such reflections is Php 4:8...
   a. In which Paul concludes by saying "...meditate on these things"
      (NKJV)
   b. The NLT says "Think about things that are excellent and worthy of
      praise"

[We have reflected on the Bible, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  The
blessings that emanate from each of these is in response to most serious
problem faced by mankind, the problem of sin...]

I. THE DEFINITION OF SIN

   A. TO MISS THE MARK... - Ro 3:23
      1. The Greek word for sin literally means "to miss the mark"
      2. As when an archer fails to hit the center of the target
      3. Sin is action (or inaction) in which one falls short of the
         goal intended by God

   B. TO TRANSGRESS THE LAW... - 1Jn 3:4
      1. For example, "Sin is the transgression (anomia) of the law"
         (KJV)
      2. When God's law tells us not to steal, we sin when we steal
         something
      3. This is the Sin Of Commission
      4. In which we commit that which displeases God

   C. TO FAIL TO DO GOOD... - Jm 4:17
      1. Note also:  "to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to
         him it is sin"
      2. When Jesus says to love your enemies, we sin if we do not
      3. This is the Sin of Omission
      4. In which we fail (omit) to do that which we know to do

   D. TO VIOLATE YOUR CONSCIENCE... - Ro 14:23
      1. Also:  "he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does
         not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin"
      2. To act without faith (without conviction that what you do is
         right)
      3. The thing may be right within itself, but if done without a
         clear conscience, it is also sin!

[Sin is more than a simple violation of human relationships.  It affects
one's relationship with God, with their fellowman, even with one's own
self!  To appreciate the seriousness of sin, let's reflect on...]

II. THE PROBLEM OF SIN

   A. THE GUILT OF SIN...
      1. Everyone has sinned - Ro 3:23
      2. Even one sin makes one guilty - Jm 2:10

   B. THE BONDAGE OF SIN...
      1. Those who commit sin become enslaved - Jn 8:34
      2. They are brought into captivity to the law of sin - Ro 7:14-24

   C. THE STATE OF SIN...
      1. The sinner is dead in sin - Ep 2:1
      2. Alienated from the life of God - Ep 4:18

   D. THE RESULT OF SIN...
      1. Separation from God - Isa 59:1-2
      2. Spiritual death; ultimately, eternal separation from God - Ro
         6:23; Re 21:8

[In view of both time and eternity, sin is the most serious problem one
faces.  Praise be to God for...]

III. THE SOLUTION FOR SIN

   A. FOR THE GUILT OF SIN:  FORGIVENESS...
      1. God's love offers Jesus' death as a propitiation for sin - 1Jn
         4:10
      2. God's grace offers redemption through the blood of Jesus - Ep
         1:7

   B. FOR THE BONDAGE OF SIN:  FREEDOM...
      1. We are freed from the law of sin and death by the law of the
         Spirit - Ro 8:2
      2. Strengthened by the Spirit to put to death the deeds of the
         body - Ro 8:12-13; Ep 3:16,20

   C. FOR THE STATE OF SIN:  DEAD TO SIN...
      1. Before baptism, we were "dead in sin" - Ep 2:1
      2. In baptism, we are crucified with Christ - Ro 6:1-4,6
      3. After baptism, we are now "dead to sin" - Ro 6:7,11-13
      4. Raised with Christ to a new life - Ro 6:4; cf. Col 2:12-13

   D. FOR THE RESULT OF SIN:  ETERNAL LIFE...
      1. As a present possession (quality of life in Christ now) - 1Jn
         5:11-13; Jn 17:3
      2. As a future hope (blessing to be received at the end) - Ro
         6:22-23; Mt 25:46

CONCLUSION

1. In this brief reflection, we have considered...
   a. The definition of sin
   b. The problem of sin
   c. The solution for sin

2. For every problem related to sin, God provides the solution...
   a. Through the gifts of His Son and of His Spirit
   b. The One providing justification, and the Other aiding in
      sanctification

The gospel is the good news that tells how to receive God's grace, upon
which we shall reflect next...
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