AN ANALYSIS OF SIN

Sin is a universal problem of humanity. Paul says, “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom.3:23). It is mankind’s most chronic and persistent problem. Unforgiven, sin is deadly to the soul of man (Rom. 6:23) Knowledge and understanding always help us in overcoming our problems, including sin. (John 8:32).

I. Sin defined: John the Apostle tells us, “Sin is transgression of God’s law” (I John 3:4). James says “To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

II. To appreciate the dangerous nature of sin, we need to be reminded of what sins does. Sin undoes the work of Christ. Christ was “manifested to take away sins...” (I John 3:5). Every transgression by us adds to the vast reservoir of sin that is yet in our world. In this it hinders the work Christ came to do. He died to save us from our sins (I Cor. 15:3). Our sins confound the purpose of the Savior’s advent and death. Sin promotes and multiplies the very evil which Christ came to destroy.

III. Scripture tells us why sin is ever springing up in our lives. Sin results when we fail to abide in Christ. John wrote, “Whosoever abideth in him (i.e. Christ) sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither knoweth him” (I John 3:6). Sin comes from an imperfect union of man with Christ. We must continually walk in the light if we would be free from sin (I John 1:6-7). When we forget Christ and walk in our own path, we will always end up in sin. Jeremiah wrote, “It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). To remember that Jesus is always with us will make it very difficult for sin to penetrate our defenses and spoil us. Remember, “Where two or three are gathered together in (his) name, there (he is) in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20).

“God has revealed to us the origin of sin. Sin originated with the devil (I John 3:8). It always originates with Satan (I John 3:8).He was the first of God’s creatures to rebel again the Creator but certainly not the last to do so. Jesus explained to the Hebrews, Satan “was a murderer from he beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof” (John 8:44-45). Satan sins as a matter of principle because he is determined to disobey and defeat God at any cost. “From the beginning” tells us that Satan has always made it his business to defy God. Christians may sin from weakness, temptation, through ignorance or by being beguiled (I Tim.2:14). Satan sins because that is his business.

To help us avoid sin, God has revealed to us the result of sin. John wrote, “He that abideth in (i.e. practices) sin hath not seen, neither knoweth God” (I John 3:6). Thus sin wrecks our relationship with God and ruins our hope of living with Him in eternity (Is. 59:1-2)

God’s Word tell us how sin is conquered. Sin was conquered by Jesus, first in the wilderness, then on the cross and in his resurrection. “To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (I John 3:8). The Master told the Pharisees, “...if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you” (Matt. 12:28). He spoiled the house of the strong man (Satan) and set his captives free (Luke 4:18).. By becoming man, Jesus brought “to nought him that had the power of death, that is the devil” and delivered those who had been under Satan’s evil influence (Heb. 2:14). Christ gives us help and strength to overcome sin. We can do all things through him that strengtheneth us (Phil. 4:13). He strengthens us with power through his Spirit in our inward man (Eph. 3:16). Aged John wrote, “For whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that hath overcometh the world, even our faith (I John 5:4-5).

Jesus, by his victory, broke the power of the forces of evil and by His help that same victory can be ours. We will be more than conqueror through Christ (Rom. 8:37).

By John Waddey

Return to the General Articles page

Home / Bible studies / Bible Survey / Special Studies / General Articles / Non-Bible Articles / Sermons / Sermon Outlines / Links / Questions and Answers / What Saith The Scriptures /Daily Devotional / Correspondence Courses / What is the Church of Christ / Book: Christian Growth / Website Policy / E-mail / About Me /