The S.O.S. Lesson Materials What is Sin?

INTRODUCTION:
The Bible says that unless we repent, we will all likewise perish (LUK 13:3). This tells us that repentance is the way to escape the judgment due to us because of our sin (the wages of sin is death - ROM. 3:23). Repentance means turning from a life of sin and rebellion to a life of righteousness with God. But people cannot repent unless they see sin in themselves. They have wrong ideas about sin, call it with different names, minimize or ignore it. But only the God of the Bible can expose and diagnose what SIN really is.

SIN BY DEFINITION IS BREAKING GOD'S LAW, 1JO 3:4

1. God is the Lawgiver! He alone set measurement, not man. It is sin because it is against the law of God Himself, because God says it is, not because you say it is.
2. Some people think that they are not great sinners: they try to avoid the "big sins". But JAS 2:10 says: one sinful act makes you guilty of all the crimes in all the Law. This is because you sin, not against the items of the Law but against the Law Giver. PSA 51:4.
3. Sin is doing acts contrary to God's commands, like murder, rape, stealing, lying, coveting (Refer to Ten Commandments). This is sin of commission. (Most people know only of this kind of sin).

SIN IS NOT DOING THE GOOD THINGS WE SHOULD, JAM 4:17
This sin is also called sin of omission. It is failing to do the good expectations and purposes of God. Examples: We may not be guilty of stealing, but are we giving to the needs of others? We may not be telling lies, but are we spreading God's truth?

SIN IS FALLING SHORT OF GOD'S GLORY, ROM 3:23

1. This means we have fallen short of God's standard. We lack the conformity to the character of God. You may feel you are somewhat good (using man's or your own measurement of goodness) but still, you are not good enough (using God's test and measurement) 2CO 10:12.
2. Against the background of God's Holiness (MAT 5:48 ISA 6), we are nothing! It is like one candle light compared to the brightness of the sun! Even our own righteousness are like "filthy rags" (rags used to cover up swelling sores). ISA 64:5-6.

SIN IS LIVING FOR SELF RATHER THAN FOR GOD, ISA 53:6
Sin is going our "own way" where God is dismissed on the side , ignored as non-existent, and His will is being despised! Man as a creature is especially intended FOR GOD! COL 1:16. Therefore sin is having a wrong purpose, going in the wrong direction and living under a wrong master! Living for self.

SIN IS NOT LOVING GOD WITH OUR ALL, Mark 12:28-30

1. If this is the greatest and the most important commandment, then disobey­ing it is the greatest sin! Can you say that you love the Lord with ALL of your heart, soul, mind and strength?
2. Who occupies our attention, devotion, emotion and service? Have we not other things taking the Lord's place in our lives?1JO 2:15;JAM 4:4

SIN IS REJECTING JESUS, John 8:24;16:8-9
This is the sin of rejecting God's exclusive offer of salvation through His Son. HEB 2:1-4 10:28-31. This sin is also called resisting the Holy Spirit, ACT 7:5, Who works in our hearts and draws us to Jesus, HEB 10:29. JESUS IS THE ONLY REMEDY FOR SIN, ACT 4:12 JOH 1:29. 1JO 2:1-2.

CHALLENGE: See the real condition of your life in the light of God's Word and Holy standards. Don't stay long under condemnation: repent and accept God's offer of salvation.