Subscription Lists
Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Why is an understanding of sin and it’s infiltration into our lives – entangling us in it’s consequences – so important? Because it takes an appreciation of sin and all its ramifications to truly appreciate mercy and forgiveness. (Society today often redefining sin as personal choice, cultural perception or the fault of others – if there is any fault at all.)
Job proclaimed that, “…man is born to trouble…” Job 5:7, and David confided that he was, “…sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5 However, this is not necessarily a sin shared with Adam, passed on from generation to generation, but rather an inclination to sin that is present in us all; what the Bible calls a sin-nature. (James 3:2) That which made Paul exclaim, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do … For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing.” Romans 7:15-18,19 (See also Romans 3:10 & 23)
So what is a sin nature and does everyone have it? Simply put, the sin-nature, which we are all afflicted with, is an inborn selfishness. A perfect example being babies, who even in their innocence are extremely demanding. They want fed – right now! They need attention – immediately! As they grow a little older they have to be taught to share; as on their own they have no inclination or intention of doing so. Everything is MINE! If this inclination is left unchecked and uncorrected, they become even more demanding, which can lead to aggressive – even abusive behavior during adolescence and beyond. The difference is that an uncaring, greedy, hurtful “child” of 17 can do a whole lot more damage than a 1 or 2 year old can. The root cause, however, the sinful nature, remains the same.
“…the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” Galatians 5:17 The acts of a sinful nature are fairly obvious: sexual excess, idolatry – the rejection of truth and an attempt to replace God; hate – or lack of love, discord, jealously, uncontrolled emotional outbursts, selfish ambition, disagreeable cliques, envy and drunkenness. (Galatians 5:19-21) And we are warned that, “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace, the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” Romans 8:5-8
“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the spirit of God lives in you.” Romans 5:9 Which happens as a result of your acknowledgement of God as Sovereign, Jesus as Savior and your desire to know and obey him more fully motivates you to feed on his word daily. The fruit of a Holy Spirit-filled life easily recognized by the characteristics of: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:23,23)
None of us has an excuse for unrestrained sin – certainly not by a believer, but not even unbelievers, because, “…what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:19,20 And regarding those who persist in ignorance of sin, Jesus says, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse…” John 15:22
Trying to make a list of do’s and don’ts that define sin would be counter-productive, sin being much like obscenity – the courts can’t define it, but we all recognize it when we hear or see it. Sin essentially being anything prohibited by God, most simply stated in the Ten Commandments, or anything called for by God that we neglect. (James 4:17) The Ten Commandments being merely a starting point in identifying righteousness, with an expectation that as we mature in faith and faithfulness, our understanding of ‘Thou shall not’ would become an appreciation of ‘Thus should you do’. Do not murder becoming respect and honor for all human life – do not covet or steal becoming appreciation for what others have acquired and accomplished. Fear of God becoming awe, reverence and love for one who could lash out in anger but who chooses instead to reach out in love.
None of the Old or New Testament is unimportant, but the original Ten Commandments along with Matthew 5,6 & 7 as well as Romans 12:1,2 & 9-21 seem to me to form a unique bridge between the two, essentially summing up the intent of both. The overriding command being, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments. There is no commandment greater than these.” Matthew 22:37-40 and Mark 12:30,31 (Combined here for clarity.) Love being the primary focus of obedient faithfulness to God, finding expression in loving acts of worship and ministry to mankind. For as Paul says, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6
Check back next week to conclude our identification of sin and its removal from our lives.
Rate it:
Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Point of Reference" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.