Sin.
We are tempted by it, guarded or not. We all do
it, conscious or not. We are aware of it, convicted or not.
To quickly define terms, I once heard sin
described as “anything we think, say, or do that displeases God or breaks one
of his commandments.” Because of saving grace, sin is not something to legalistically
avoid nor is it something to wantonly embrace. Those of us in Christ are not condemned by wrongdoing
– because Jesus has offered us HIS perfect obedience – though we are still susceptible
to disobey God’s perfect law.
Even for Christians, the implications of living
in a fallen world are painfully evident. Paul himself wrote, “I do not
understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing
I hate.” (Romans 7:15 ESV) If a guy who wrote part of
the Bible struggled with sin, how can we possibly avoid it?
Awareness.
My church has been studying through the book of
Ephesians and we just closed out this
massively long series talking bout the armor of God. This passage is as much
about being “strong in the Lord and his mighty power” as it is “be[ing] alert
and always keep on praying.” (Ephesians 6:10,18 ESV)
For this post, here
are a few signs of what sin looks like, how it operates. As you read be
encouraged to increase in prayer and awareness.
1)
Big sin can start in small places. (Matthew
18:8)
2)
Words hurt. (James 3:2-10)
3)
Garbage in, garbage out. (Mark
7:15)
4)
Your mind is often where the battle
starts. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
5)
Sin has cosmic implications. (Ephesians
6:12)
6)
AND, most importantly, Jesus Christ
has already defeated sin on your behalf! (Romans 8:1)
Stay strong, friends, and pray hard – we’re not
Home yet.
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