WHATEVER HAPPENED TO SIN?

Sin is something that we all do, but no one really wants to talk about because it makes us uncomfortable. It reflects a failure on our part to uphold God’s Word in our lives.

It seems that many preachers don’t talk about sin any more from the pulpit. I think that pastors are afraid that if they talk about sin and a need for a Savior, people might not come back to their church. After all, talking about Christ and the cross or hell might leave some “worshippers” feeling bad.

I thought that the Gospel was the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16) and that as Christians we are commissioned to proclaim this truth (Mark 16:15). Maybe we all missed that message as we heaped another preacher to our itching ears to tell us about how we too can get everything we could ever want or imagine (2 Timothy 4:3). 

Even though churches may run from the topic, sin still it invades our lives and destroys hopes and dreams and leaves a trail of brokenness. Too many of us get stuck in the dark and sinful side of life; when God’s best is only a prayer away. Often the enemy creeps into our lives without us noticing. While the “big” sins are still obvious, the “little” sins often times slide by. But it only takes one sin to separate us from God. None of us are innocent. “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isa 53:6 NKJV) Yet all of us can be forgiven.  

So, what are you doing about the sin in your life? It is easy to see the sin in leaders’ lives and compare ourselves with them. But this is a day when each of us, individually, must look sin in the eye; see it for what it is, and run as far away from it as possible! I believe that our whole earth is shaken because of sin. 

Sin alienates us from God. If we are walking in sin, we can’t be in His presence. This, in part, is why God hates sin; HE WANTS TO BE WITH US and we can’t when we sin. “That God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5b NKJV). “You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on wickedness.” (Habakkuk 1:13 NKJV) 

Sin brings death. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NJKV). Every time you sin, it is as though you come up with another reason why Jesus had to die for you. 

Sin enslaves us. Sin is more than an unfortunate outward act. It can involve a deep-seated inward corruption. Often it is an outward manifestation of our corrupt hearts.  “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man." (Mark 7:21 NKJV).  

Sin affects our relationships with others: We are supposed to love God first, others second, and then ourselves. Sin reverses the order: ME first, then God (if we give Him any place at all). Sin’s character is the desire to get; love’s character is the desire to give. “So he answered and said, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND,' and 'YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'" (Luke 10:27 NKJV) 

How should we respond to sin? RUN: From sin: In our society it is fashionable and even “admirable” to sin; almost like a badge of honor. Our society calls good bad and evil good. Pastors have become afraid to preach against it. The Bible says; “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21 NKJV). 

How should we respond to sin? RUN: To God’s Word: In this crazy mixed up world, we need to use the Bible as the standard for all truth; instead of what the world, media, and even our legislators tells us as truth.  

How should we respond to sin? RUN: To God. He is eager to forgive us and show us how to walk righteously. The first step is to know that God has made a way. The second step is recognizing where we have gone wrong. Thirdly, humbly repent of this sinful behavior. Fourthly, once we are forgiven, REJOICE in the LORD for His mercy to us! Finally, tell others the Good News that they too can know God and His forgiveness. 

Don’t delay. RUN from sin into the loving arms of the Everlasting only True God through His Son Jesus Christ.