No. 340 - The Meaning of Sin

The Gospel of Christ

The Meaning of Sin

1 John 3:4 

"Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness."

Starting Prayer 

Dear Heavenly Father, as I reflect on Your Word today, please open my heart and mind to understand the true meaning of sin. Help me to see how my actions and thoughts align with or fall short of Your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background 

The apostle John wrote 1 John to address the challenges facing the early Christian community, particularly the threat of false teachings. In 1 John 3, he focuses on the relationship between God's children and sin. He clarifies that those who are born of God should not continue in sin, because sin is contrary to the nature of God. Today's verse, 1 John 3:4, defines sin as lawlessness—going against the law of God. Understanding this helps us realise the seriousness of sin and its impact on our relationship with God.

Be Encouraged 

Sin is not just a mistake or a minor fault; it is a direct violation of God's law. When we understand that sin is lawlessness, it becomes clear why it separates us from God. Imagine living in a society where everyone ignored the laws—chaos would surely follow. Similarly, when we ignore God's laws, our lives fall into spiritual chaos. The Bible teaches that the root cause of sin is selfishness—putting our desires above God's will and the well-being of others. This selfishness leads us to "miss the mark," which is God's perfect will.

Sin begins in the heart, often as a thought or desire. Jesus emphasised this when He taught that even looking at someone with lustful intent is equivalent to committing adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:28). Our thoughts shape our actions, and when we allow sinful thoughts to take root, they eventually lead to sinful actions. Whether it is doing what we know is wrong, like Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3), or failing to do what we know is right, like Nadab and Abihu offering strange fire to God (Leviticus 10), sin in any form separates us from God.

Application 

The Bible clearly states that sin is lawlessness—going against God's commands. James 4:17 says, "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." This means that sin is not only about doing wrong but also about failing to do what is right. Another verse to reflect on is Romans 13:10, which says, "Love does no harm to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." When we love God and our fellow humans, we fulfil God's law and avoid sin.

Invitation 

If you have not yet committed your life to Christ, I invite you to take that step today. Sin is lawlessness, and it separates us from God. But there is hope in the gospel of Christ. Through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of your sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38), you can be saved. The Lord will add you to His church, where you can continue to learn more about God and follow Christ's commandments (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:47). Please visit any nearby Church of Christ to be assisted in obeying the gospel of Christ.

The message today calls us to examine our lives in the light of God's Word. Let us not ignore the seriousness of sin but instead strive to live according to God's will. I encourage you to put this message into practice and share it with your loved ones.

Concluding Prayer 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the insight into the true meaning of sin and its impact on my relationship with You. Help me to live according to Your will and avoid the traps of sin in my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana

 


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