How The Bible Defines Sin Series

Title: How the Bible Defines Sin

Theme: To help the people to understand what the Bible says about sin.

Text: James 2:9; 4:17

James 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the

law as transgressors.

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him

it is sin.

What is sin? What a major question that his posed in the last century. For some it seems to change through the years. What was wrong for the ’60’s is alright for the ‘70’s what was wrong for the ‘70’s is alright for the ‘80’s what is wrong for the ‘80’s is alright for the ‘90’s. The saying that says,” Oh, come on mom this is the ‘90’s.” But has the definition changed.

Is it left up to man to decide the definition of sin. Should we even ask the question, “What do men say sin is?” if I am in a darkened room and I want light. I do not want someone’s opinion about what is light. I don’t even want a description about what light is I want to see it and know.

This is the reason that we go to the scripture for the definition of sin. It reminds me of the coat that I wear. How many of you have a black coat? How many of you believe it is a dust magnet? Can you tell in the dark? Can you tell in a lightly lighted room? Many times you must go outside to the natural light so you can see.

Well tonight this is what I want to do. God to the natural light and see what the definition of sin is.

The Bible gives seven definitions of sin-two by James, two by John, one by Paul, and two by Solomon. Let us look at these.

Now this reminds me of the word of God. Two ideas 1) the closer you get to the light the better you can see the trash. The closer you get to the word of God the better you can see the trash in your life. 2) Artificial light is not the best light to see the trash. It only allows you to see some of it. The artificial light of this world only allows you to see some of the trash in your life. You think "Well at least I am better than them."

I. "Transgression of the Law" Stepping over or breaking the Law of God

1 John 3:4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the

transgression of the law.

Stepping over or breaking the Law. When we break the law we are in sin. Why because we are again under the Law. Jesus said he came to set us free. So we should be free and free indeed. But if we break the law or transgress the law we are again under the Law and under the law is sin. We are to live above the law.

II. "All Unrighteousness" Coming Short

1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

Coming short of the Law. Any thing that is not righteousness or right in the sight of God is sin. But praise the Lord we can have forgiveness.

Praise the Lord God has made a provision.

Proverbs 28:13. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

1 John 1:9-AV If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

As we close tonight I would like us to meet at the altars and confess all the unrepentant sins of our heart. But also lest us tarry and pray for our church and the other needs.

III. "Neglect of Opportunity" Not Living in the light God has already given us.

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him

it is sin.

If you know to do good and you don’t do it then it is sin. On one hand this makes sense when I look at the world and see that they know what is right and to accept Christ but they resist obliviously this is sin. But what about those Christians who do not do as Christ has commanded. Such as giving or praying or reading scripture or witnessing or any other thing the Bible says we are to do. This is sin.

Notice it also does not allow for the excuse, “Well, so and so is doing it.” It says for him that knoweth to do good. Not by judging others but ourselves.

IV. "Foolish Thoughts" We can sin in thoughts as well as by actions