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
Proverbs 24:9 The thought of foolishness [is] sin: and the scorner [is] an
abomination to men.
All the thoughts of the foolish is sin. The foolish are the sinners. The ones who are mainly looking out for themselves. When they scheme they scheme to benefit themselves. I think we must remember this is dealing with the world. The world is looking out for self and not others. In other words they are selfish.
Cain told the Lord," I am not my brothers keeper." It sounds so good but in reality we are our brothers keeper. We must look out for our brothers.
Paul spoke of his life and purpose:
This is what Jesus was trying to say in Matthew 5. It is not just the action of adultery but the thought of it. It was not just the action of murder but the thought of it.
1 Corinthians 10:33-AV Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.
This should be our desire in life.
V. "Unbelief" We Sin when we do Things we are Doubtful about.
Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of
faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.
On one hand when I look at the life and the plight of the unbelieving world this seems to be obvious. Those that do not believe in Christ are in sin and are condemned to death. This is sin. But there is more.
We sin when we do things that are doubtful. Unbelief is also lack or little faith. When we doubt and do things that are doubtful then we sin. People in this world do things that are doubtful. They say," Well we have freedom in Jesus Christ." Yet they are bound to the ways and ideals of this world. They justify their ways. This is sin. If you doubt it the best way is to not do it and don’t make excuses.
VI. A proud look Sin Viewed as Pride and Vanity
Proverbs 21:4. An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the plowing of the wicked, [is] sin.
Pride, the way of the wicked, is sin. Pride tells the Lord that you don’t need him. God hates pride.
Proverbs 8:13-AV The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward (perverse speech) mouth, do I hate.
Pride is of the world.
1John 2:16-AV For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
VII. "Contempt for Others" Respect of Persons
James 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Proverbs 14:21. He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on
the poor, happy [is] he.
The Last definition that the Bible gives us for sin is found in Proverbs 14:21 and James 2:9. It deals with our relationship with other people. We have to be careful about how we treat others. We have to be careful about how we act toward others. When we show favoritism over others because of some reason and then this causes us to despise others then we are wrong.
I don’t believe that it is talking about having friends or showing love for those that are good to you. The main idea is despising one and loving and showing respect to another when it is mainly because of money or social status. In the context of James’ verse he is talking about the rich and showing favoritism.
It was so easy when I worked as a salesman to pass over the people who were dressed the worst. Then I read the story of a salesman who would wait on those who were dressed nice and looked nice. He missed his biggest sell one day when a rough looking person came in and he passed them over. Next he saw them buying a lot of stuff from someone else.
¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (Romans 13:7 AV)
