UNDERSTANDING SIN BY PR. DENIS KALUNGI
KIREKA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Sin
Sin is described as any want of conventionality or conformity unto, or transgression of, any law of God 1 John 3:4 and rebellion against God Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18. Sin had its beginning with Lucifer, probably the most beautiful and powerful of the angels. Not content with his position, he desired to be higher than God, and that was his downfall, the beginning of sin Isaiah 14:12-15. Renamed Satan.
He brought sin into the human race in the Garden of Eden, where he tempted Adam and Eve with the same enticement, “you shall be like God.” Genesis 3:1-19 describes Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God and His command. Since that time, sin has been passed down through all the generations of mankind and we, Adam’s descendants, have inherited sin from him Romans 5:12 tells us that through Adam sin entered the world, and so death was passed on to all men because “the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23
Through Adam, the inherent inclination or disposition to sin entered the human race, and human beings became sinners by nature. When Adam sinned, his inner nature was transformed by his sin of rebellion, bringing to him spiritual death and depravity or wickedness which would be passed on to all who came after him.
We are sinners not because we sin; rather, we sin because we are sinners. This passed-on depravity is known as inherited sin. Just as we inherit physical characteristics from our parents, we inherit our sinful natures from Adam. King David lamented this condition of fallen human nature in Psalm 51:5 “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”
Sin is a universal human problem. It's something we all do. But have you ever stopped to ask why? Why can't we make a studied decision not to sin and then never again disobey God? However, there kinds of sin and are as follow:
Original sin is the earliest form of sin, which began from the Garden of Eden read Genesis 3:1-19 which narrates the fall of man. Adam and Eve's disobedience was the first sin man ever committed, and their original sin and all the effects of the sin is passed on to their descendants and it became a part of their environment producing
Actual sin
Eternal sin
Mortal sin
Eternal sin—commonly called the Unforgivable sin, mentioned in Matthew 12:31 and Mark 3:28-29 Verily I say unto you, All their sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they shall have blasphemed: but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin: because he or she possesses an unclean spirit.
Jesus Christ is the author of the above warning, and he was speaking to certain Pharisees. In order to see the more complete background of this episode, one must compare Mark’s record with that of Matthew 12:22-31 and Luke 11:14-23
Actual sins are the sins we commit every day before we are saved, such as lying, swearing, stealing, a sin committed of our own free will. “Sin always finds its root in our selfish desires and self-gratification.”
Our rebellion against God and His law likely represents what we typically think about when we think about sin. Yet in light of the above, we should realize that we are not sinners merely because we sin, but that we sin because we are sinners. When we read or hear God’s law, we should be convicted of our sins, which should lead us to personal repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ Acts 20:21. Yet conviction of actual sin is a window through which we can see our hearts and our status before God more clearly as the Spirit convicts us.
Reasons why sin leaves in us?
Sin" simply means "to miss the mark"-to fail to adhere to the righteous standards God has set for us. Paul expressed the same concept, lamenting that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23, emphasis added throughout. Through His Word, God reveals the proper standards for our behavior. When we miss the mark or fall short of those standards, we sin.
Because he was a physical being just like us, Paul knew that sin "dwells in me. For I know that in me that is, in my flesh nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find" Romans 7:15-18. We have limited natural ability to properly live up to the right standards and values. We repeatedly fall short of the honorable conduct God expects of us.
Paul explained why. We sin, or miss the mark, because of something that dwells in us, in our flesh. Jesus identifies the most significant characteristic of the "flesh," or our nature, that causes sin. "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" Matthew 26:41. It is the weakness of the flesh that gives birth to sin. Let's understand just how this works.
Like Paul, Jesus explained that we may be willing-have the desire to do what is right, yet we fail because our resolve or determination is weak; our flesh is susceptible or reliable to temptation. We capitulate or submit to sin when inappropriate enticements are sufficiently appealing. That is the nature of our "flesh" our physical existence, including our mind that makes us so weak, that stimulates us to cave or yield into those desires?
Before we can fully appreciate the answer to that question, we must understand our own nature-exactly what we are. We are physical beings created with a material constitution similar to that of animals. We share with animals a biochemical composition. Our life-support systems of breath and blood are essentially the same Ecclesiastes 3:18-20; Genesis 9:4-5. God created us as living souls-breathing physical beings-from the dust of the earth Genesis 2:7.
Our physical bodies subject us to weaknesses that can lead to sin. Jesus and Paul both said so. Our flesh is not inherently evil, but it is inherently weak. As a result, our pulls and appetites tempt us to sin. James also plainly states that sin is generated through our human desires, because "each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin James 1:14-15.
Things which become part of the environment and lead us to sin and how to handle them,
John summarizes the scope of the problem as "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" 1 John 2:16. Improperly managed, unrestrained desires stimulate these basic categories of sin.
Lust is nothing more than misdirected or improperly controlled desire. All lust is desire, but not all desire is lust. Lust is a harmful desire that breaks the principles of God's law. The law of God defines proper limits, for our behavior as well as for our thoughts, "for by the law is the knowledge of sin" Romans 3:20. Commandments forbidding us to steal or commit adultery place boundaries on our behavior. The command not to covet/want places limits on how we think, how we control our desires.
Taking your neighbor's car without permission-that is, stealing-and is a sin. Even desiring to take your neighbor's car without permission is a sin, that of coveting. Conversely, wanting to own the same type of car as your neighbor's is a legitimate desire, provided you desire to acquire it legally and responsibly. Likewise, desiring your neighbor's mate is a sin. But it is not a sin to desire to be married-provided your approach is lawful and responsible.
A misunderstanding of Jesus' words when He said that "whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" Matthew 5:27-28 has brought about much unnecessary and hopeless frustration. Some have misinterpreted Jesus' words to mean that any type of sexual attraction is a sin. That is not what Jesus meant. Let's make sure we do not misinterpret what He said. Jesus condemned lust-out-of-control, unlawful desires. He did not condemn men or women who are having a legitimate desire to marry, find members of the opposite sex attractive and desirable. Jesus condemned sinful desires for sexual immorality, not the legitimate sexual attraction that leads to courtship and marriage. Desire is lust when it rages out of control.
Emotions and pride
Our human nature affects far more than we do our conscious or mindful desires. It stimulates powerful feelings or emotions, some good, some evil. For instance, we are capable of intense love or bitter hatred. Our emotions can be beneficial and wonderful, or they can be destructive and sinful. Feelings such as:
Bitterness
Envy
Malice
Jealousy
Listed above are among the sinful works of the flesh in Paul's writings Romans 1:29; Galatians 5:19-21. “We have to recognize that sin is a fact, not a defect; sin is red-handed mutiny against God. Either God or sin must die in your life If sin rules in you, God's life in you will be killed; if God rules in you, sin in you will be killed”
Pride, the feeling or perception that one is superior in some way to others, which destroys human relationships. The desire for self-exaltation lies at the root of an impressive array or display of sins.
Paul alerts Timothy, to the destructive influence that people who are motivated by pride have on the attitudes of others: "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such" 1 Timothy 6:3-5.
We are told, "Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished" Proverbs 16:5. And "pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall" verse 18. Peter exhorts/insists that "all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" 1 Peter 5:5.
Temptations to sin are not limited to our ineffective human ability to control our desires. Our weaknesses can be manipulated, and they are to a degree that astonishes most people when they discover the extent of the intrigues. The great manipulator is Satan. He has successfully deceived the whole world Revelation 12:9
Satan the tempter
How does Satan take advantage of our weaknesses? Our vulnerability/openness to temptation! "Fear, “Paul said, "let us see as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" 2 Corinthians 11:3. Satan is a master at maneuvering the human mind, actually influencing the way we think. He persuaded Eve to believe that God had lied to her and forbidden her to acquire something that could give her an understanding of good and evil, making her as wise as Himself. The devil aroused her emotions and kindled resentment and rebellion in her. Suddenly self-willed, she took matters into her own hands Genesis 3:1-6.
Satan did all this by directing and influencing emotions, feelings, and desires. That is how human sin began: through a combination of human weakness and the pernicious influence of a master manipulator. And Satan has not decreased his efforts!
Peter admonishes us to "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world" 1 Peter 5:8-9
Paul told advised us on how to resist Satan: "Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" Ephesians 6:11-12
Jesus indicted the religious leaders of His day: "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do" John 8:44. Satan knows just what to concentrate on: human desires. He even tried to entice Jesus, seeking to control the Messiah Himself Matthew 4:1-10.
Note
Satan's technique in this attempt. First the devil, as the tempter, endeavored to exploit Christ's physical hunger He had been fasting for 40 days to persuade Him to place His desire for food ahead of the purpose of His fast.
Next Satan appealed to pride, tempting Jesus to prove that He enjoyed infinite or endless protection from physical harm. Then Satan made a direct bid for Jesus to worship him in exchange for "all the kingdoms of the world and their glory" verse 8 appealing to him after knowing that it’s a common human tendency to crave power and prestige.
A blinded world
Satan, the de-facto god of this world, has succeeded in blinding humanity 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:9. Except for the few who have turned to God through repentance, that blindness is universal. Paul said the one who wants to obey God "should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of senseless of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated or separated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart" Ephesians 4:17-19.
The mind of a blinded man or woman-confused and influenced by both the lusts of the flesh and the wiles/tricks of the devil is what is referred to in the Scriptures as a "carnal mind": "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be" Romans 8:5-7. Notice that Paul defines a carnal mind as a mindset "on the things of the flesh."
To illustrate the degree of human subjugation to the pulls and desires of human nature, as they are influenced and manipulated by Satan, Paul uses the analogy of slavery. "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves as slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God is thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness" Romans 6:16-18.
Not saved by the law
God's law is a perfect law Psalms 19:7. It is holy, just, and spiritual Romans 7:12, 14. It defines sin verse 7, but it cannot prevent it. It gives us knowledge of the weaknesses of human nature, but it provides no power to subdue the flesh; that is, the carnal mind.
The power to rule over our human impulses and desires comes only through the Spirit of God. "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another so that you do not do the things that you wish" Galatians 5:16-17. “So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but the Spirit if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you" Romans 8:8-9. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death" verses 1-2.
We all occasionally succumb to the temptation to sin, even after we surrender our wills to God and work as active servants of Jesus Christ. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" {1 John 1:8}. But we should strive never to sin again.
Therefore "let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls" Hebrews 12:1-3.
Paul reveals the effort he put into disciplining his own body: the source of the desires that tempted him to sin. "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate/ comfortable in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I should not become disqualified" 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
Proper perspective
Later Paul admits and explains that he had never attained perfection in his efforts to discipline himself not to sin. But he gives us a perspective we should adopt: "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" Philippians 3:13-14.
Not only must we resist sin; we must also be willing to assist others in their efforts. "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins" James 5:19-20. We should take care to avoid conceit and overconfidence, deceiving ourselves about our vulnerability to sin. We should forever be aware that we are easily tempted by carnal desires but never surrender to discouragement or defeat. We, like Paul, should always press forward toward the goal of being like Jesus Christ.
What are the general causes of sin?
BY NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THE WILL OF GOD
Sin is caused by not acknowledging the will of God through preaching 1 Thessalonians 5:20, not being thankful in everything 1 Thessalonians 5:18, not praying spontaneously 1 Thessalonians 5:17}, not rejoicing in whatever circumstances we find ourselves 1 Thessalonians 5:16, and not abstaining from evil 1 Thessalonians 5:22.
All these small things quench the Holy Spirit's teaching ministry in our lives and take away our sharpness to understand spiritual truth 1 Thessalonians 5:22.
Desires of this world
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet/want but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God James 4:1-2 “Sin always finds its root in our selfish desires and self-gratification. ”
But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their hidden evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death James 1:14-15
Friendship with the world
You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God James 4:4
Rebellion
Remember this and never forget how you aroused the anger of the Lord your God in the wilderness. From the day you left Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the Lord, Deuteronomy 9:7
What are the effects of sin?
Quenches Holy Spirit's Ministry, Sin quenches the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. Do not quench the Spirit 1 Thessalonians 5:19. Quench means to throw a wet blanket over. Sin is not acknowledging the will of God through preaching 1 Thessalonians 5:20, not being thankful in everything 1 Thessalonians 5:18, not praying spontaneously 1 Thessalonians 5:17, not rejoicing in whatever circumstances we find ourselves 1 Thessalonians 5:16, and not abstaining from evil 1 Thessalonians 5:22
All these small things quench the Holy Spirit's teaching ministry in our lives and take away our sharpness to understand spiritual truth. “Sin and the child of God are incompatible. They may occasionally meet; they cannot live together in harmony ”
Robs us of Joy, The Bible says that God wants our joy to be full: These things we write to you that your joy may be full 1 John 1:4.
Joy is a deep satisfaction that stems from knowing the channel is open between us and the Lord. We are in the place that He approves. It is inner happiness not dependent upon outside circumstances. Sin will rob us of that joy. Take Away Excitement, Another problem with sin is that it takes away the excitement of the Christian life. An example of this would be King David. After his sin of murder and adultery, he asked the Lord for restoration of his joy. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with your generous Spirit Psalm 51:11-12.
Sin causes us to lose the joy of our salvation. We do not feel too saved right then. The Christian then looks to worldly pleasures to fill that void. It is like an anesthetic to deaden or reduce the pain of an empty heart.
Sin also robs us of peace. The believer is to be characterized by inner calm and contentment. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus Philippians 4:7 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful Colossian 3:15
Sin causes anguish of the heart - which is a complete loss of peace: When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all day long. For day and night, your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality or life was turned into the drought of summer Psalm 32:3, 4.
Hinders Our Fellowship with God, That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk-in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth 1 John 1:3, 6 Fellowship can be defined as consciousness that everything is right between God and us at any moment. The same things that make God happy make us happy. Likewise, the things that make God sad make us sad.
Causes Feeling Of Separation, Sin can cause a feeling of separation between ourselves and the Lord. If we say we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we live a lie and do not practice the truth 1 John 1:6 furthermore, this is what Adam and Eva felt after sin, Genesis 3:8-10 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” There are some Christians who hide from God after sinning.
Sin also robs us of confidence in our prayer life, and by this, we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence in God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight 1 John 3:19-22.
Note
We get God’s promises by qualifications, Christians we must be obedient - they must keep God's commandments to have their prayers answered. Thus the Holy Spirit controls only those who ask to be under His control. The things the believer prays for are what the Holy Spirit directs them in the will of God. Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning’s which cannot be uttered Romans 8:26,27
Sin can cause our prayers to be unanswered. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear Psalm 66:18 When believers sin, God does not answer their prayers with a, Yes. God wants to first hear a prayer of confession.
Sin also robs us of our boldness and anticipation of Christ's return. Christians should be able to stand before the judgment seat with confidence. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ 2 Corinthians 5:8, the judgment seat can be a time of vindication where all the little things that we have done behind the scenes, that have gone unnoticed by people, will come to light.
Sin will cause us to be fearful of what is uncovered when Christ judges our works. Looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ Titus 2:13 and now little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming John 2:28.
Sin hinders God to save us, Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.
How can one be delivered from sin?
Salvation is the deliverance from sin. When someone appeals to God and seeks forgiveness in Jesus, his sins are removed. He is cleansed. His relationship with God is restored, and he is made a new creature 2 Corinthians. 5:17. All of this is the work of God, not man. Salvation is a gift hidden evil Rom. 6:23
We are saved from damnation. When one man sinned we all sinned Rom. 3:23 and he was separated from God eternally or if one sin he or she is separated from God Isiah. 59:2 because of his love and mercy Jesus become a man to take away the sin from us. John 1:1, 14 by bearing the sins of the world in His body on the cross 1 Pet. 2:24; 1 John 2:2 We are forgiven when we realize there is nothing we can do to merit the favor of God and put our trust in what Jesus did for us on the cross Ephesian. 2:8-9; 1 Cor. 15:1-4. Only God saves. The only thing we bring to the cross is our sin.
Both God the Father {Isiah. 14:21} and Jesus John 4:42 are called Savior; that is, deliverer from sin. Remember, it was the Father who sent the Son 1 John 4:10 to be the Savior
Deliverance is only through Christ, Paul alluded or indicated to the magnitude of the problem when he said, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" Romans 7:24. Paul's own answer: "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind, I serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin" verse 25.
Paul makes it abundantly clear that sin springs from uncontrolled desires. Our only hope for deliverance is the help and strength we receive through Jesus Christ. "Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, for in that He has suffered, being tempted, He can aid those who are tempted" {Hebrews 2:17-18.
His desires are always bad? When Paul said, "For I know that in me that is, in my flesh nothing good dwells" Romans 7:18, did he mean that every desire of our fleshly bodies is evil? Certainly not!
He could have said, just as accurately, "I know that in my flesh dwells nothing inherently evil," because the flesh, in and of itself, is neutral regarding sin and righteousness. After God had finished His creation, including Adam and Eve, whose bodies were no different from ours, He observed "everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good" Genesis 1:31. Nothing that God made was inherently evil.
Even our observations should confirm that the appetites and needs that are natural to our bodies have good and healthy purposes. If we felt no hunger for food, we would die of starvation. But that same desire, when not properly controlled, can lead to overindulgence and gluttony. The natural desires or appetites of the flesh are not in themselves sinful; the way we direct, manage, or control our appetites makes them good or evil. Without desires, our lives would be boring and practically useless.
Desires serve as motivating forces in our lives. That is why God created the bodily mechanisms that stimulate desires within us. They are much needed.
Our challenge, then, is to manage our desires. God expects us to seek and use His help to direct them into legitimate channels. While defending himself before the Roman governor, Felix, the apostle Paul "reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come" Acts 24:25 the need to maintain self-control is one of the major teachings of the gospel. Paul admonishes us to "make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts" Romans 13:14. Rather, we must properly control our desires so they do not become sinful lusts. This is important because even after salvation people still sin.
“No one is insured to temptation, everyone is tempted, and when the tempter succeeds we sin.” But because even born again are tempted let us control our desires not to lead us into sin.
Prayers from sin.
Dear Lord, free me from sins and make me whole. Hear my prayer, and prepare me to celebrate the incarnation of your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. AMEN
SIN PART ONE
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