Category: Sin

When we read the account of men who were supposed to be the spiritual pillars of Israel, Solomon and Rehobaoam, sanctioning idol worship within the kingdom of God, we shake our heads in disgust (1 Kings 11:7,8; 2 Chronicles 11:15). Do we claim to be better than they? Brethren, the smoke of idolatry is rapidly encircling us today. Shall we heal the brokenness of “Israel” superficially preaching, “Peace, peace, but there is no peace” (Jeremiah 8:11)? Or shall we point men back to the ancient paths (Jeremiah 6:16)? Someday there will be no balm in Gilead and sadly enough, it will be much too late (Jeremiah 8:20-22).

This study leads us to an inescapable conclusion: God intends for men and women to be clothed in public. We should realize that the very concept of modesty is tied to the sacredness of the marriage relationship (Hebrews 13:4). Not only is one’s body to be preserved for his or her spouse in the sexual relationship, but the body is also to be covered until one enters into the marital relationship. Sadly, too many people miss the point of modest dress. When a person exposes their body in public, they are exposing something that belongs to their spouse or their future spouse. If you have exposed yourself to others, you have given your mate used goods. You are not giving him/her anything that hundreds of other men/women have not seen before. You cheapen yourself by exposing your body in public.

Too often, liberty in Christ has turned into license. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2). Christians must heed the call to avoid uncleanness in their lives. Yes, the term uncleanness is a broad term. That is as God intended. Anything that is not pure; that influences the children of God to profligate activity; that turns our minds away from righteousness; is unclean. It is to be avoided by the Christian.

I know I do not want to be in that number whom God rejects. I do not want to hear Him say, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:23). I do not want to hear my Lord tell me, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). Therefore, let us avoid the temptations which lead to such sins as fornication, and all the others mentioned in Galatians 5. Let us avoid these that we might stand pure and holy in His sight. Certainly, this is what our Lord wants from us (1 Timothy 5:22; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Our responsibility is to be engaged in “the works of God,” (Psalm 78:7; John 6:28-29; 1 John 3:7) not “the works of the flesh”! (Galatians 5:19)

It is important for Christians to understand the nature of this particular sin and to know fully the consequences of committing adultery. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” If we want to have heaven, we must avoid such sin.

Lewdness, sensuality, living to please the senses brings about death. Living by the Spirit of God puts to death the deeds of the body. Gluttony returns to moderation. Drunkenness returns to abstinence, which is God’s plan. Sexuality is expressed in a marriage approved of God. Nakedness is covered. Speech is filled with grace always seasoned with salt. Lewdness is of the flesh. Self control is of God.

This issue constitutes an extensive word study of the list of “works of the flesh” that is found in Galatians 5. I want to express my appreciation to all of the men who have contributed to the study. You will find the writing to be uniformly excellent. Please make note of this issue, as it will be useful resource material in the future.

If you are without Christ, a defenseless pawn in Satan’s game, it is a wretched existence that leads only to a worse eternity. The seventh chapter of Romans closes with a hint that deliverance from this wretched existence is possible and in this lifetime, through the Redeemer.

What is sin? Sin is doing anything that violates God’s law of righteousness. In 1 John 5:17 it says: “All unrighteousness is sin…” and “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). When we transgress or do things that are against God’s law, then we have committed sin. It doesn’t matter what we do, if it is something that is not approved of by God, then it is sin, and all sin is BLACK.

Gambling is now legalized in twenty-six states. This figure will no doubt, increase in the near future. As the problem increases so does our responsibility to deal with it.

The principle of death as mentioned here in this text is both physical and spiritual. As a result of Adam’s sin, physical death entered into the world. They were banished from the Garden of Eden, and the immortality granted them by the Tree of Life. All who live on this earth will die, and this will remain true until Christ comes again. However, the spiritual death intimated here by James is much more serious. Spiritual death is Separation from God. And without the new birth which comes through obedience to His word, the death will be for an eternity.

1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” You can do what you have to do to be pleasing to God. He will help you. Your brethren will do the same.

Are we living for God as we ought? Do we appreciate what God has said about these moral issues that come up from day to day? Yes, the Bible is a relevant book, and yes, God’s word has meaning for us today. Woe to anyone who thinks otherwise! Regardless of how “foolish” men think it is, it is our responsibility to preach and promote God’s word to a lost and dying world.

A public confession before the church may not always be the wise, prudent, or scriptural thing to do (Matt. 18:15). Each case must be individually determined. However, one may, at times, confess his sins before the church.

To the extent that the convicting power of the gospel is compromised, we have perverted the gospel and nullified its power to save. It is imperative that we be vigilant against all intrusions into the purity and power of the gospel to save the lost (2 Corinthians 11:3-4; 1 Corinthians 4:6). Only a gospel which is free from the contaminants of human wisdom and worldly influences will save sinners from their sin (Romans 1:15-17). Only the full and complete message of truth will lead the lost soul out of the bondage of sin into God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness.