who is god ? , page-12

SIN

The Sadness of Sin and its many Effects

Below, in 1 John 2:1, we see how concerned John was about Christians committing sin, as he writes;

"My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous." NLT.

James 1:5, says that sin brings forth death. And in Romans 6:12, Paul said this;

"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God." NASB.

Sin First Affects Our Relationship to God

1. Sin affects our fellowship with God as it blocks His blessings. (1 John, 1:7)
2. Sin steels our affection away from serving God. (Matthew, 6:24)
3. Sin will kill our prayer life.
4. Sin will destroy our witness.
5. Sin will hinder our church involvement.

Sin Affects Our Relationship to People

1. Sin affects our relationship to the saved and the unsaved alike.
2. Sin quenches the Spirit and our bond of unity with Him. (1 Thessalonians 5:19)
3. Sin steps in and subdues our love for all people.
4. Sin destroys the joy of our salvation. (Psalm, 51:1-2)
5. Sin negatively affects and can destroy our relationship with our family and friends.

As Christians We Are to be Two Things to The Unsaved.

1. A light to show the way. ( Matthew, 5:16)
2. A voice to warn of God's coming Judgment. (Ezekiel, 33:8) But Sin puts out our Light and quiets our voice. Sin must be dealt with.

Those Who Practice Sin Are of The Devil?

Each of us, either consciously or unconsciously commits sin from time to time, but notice how John, applies the word to those who "practice" sin, saying they are of the devil.

"Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil" (1 John, 3:8). ESV.

James 4:17, also says this;

"Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him / her it is sin." NASB.

Could We Really be Slaves to Sin?

Jesus said;

“Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin" (John, 8:34). NIV.

God Will Forgive Us Our Sins

"If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness" (1 John, 1:8-9) NLT.

No Condemnation in Christ

"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" (Romans, 8:1). NKJV.

The Trouble With Sin, is it Starts Out as Fun but Ends in Death. (Romans, 6:23).

The Payment for Sin is Not Worth the High Cost of Our Low Living

Are we allowing Sin to get in the way of our relationship With God, hurt ourselves and others and damage our witness for Christ?

Die to Self and Live For Jesus

"For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live" (Romans, 8:13). NIV.

Let Us Begin Now, to Seek God's Forgiveness and Live to Serve Him and His Son Jesus, and Not Ourselves.