0297. SIN.

SIN.

"Sin shall not have dominion over you" (Rom_6:14).

Sin has a dominating power, the lovers of it are lorded over by it, all who are not saved from it are under the curse of it, those under grace have escaped its bondage.

I. Look at the Nature of it. The popular idea of it is that it is a kind of pardonable weakness, an infirmity of the flesh common to all and expected in all. The Bible idea of it is: A "missing the mark," coming short of the purpose of our creation, rebelling against God, guilty before God. "What saith the Scriptures?"-

1. "The Thought of Foolishness is Sin" (Pro_24:9). The Lord looketh upon the heart.

2. "Whatsoever is not of Faith is Sin" (Rom_14:23). This cuts deeper down into the life of self, which seeks only the things which are seen.

3. "Sin is the Transgression of the Law" (1Jn_3:4). Every crook in our life, and thought, and feeling, discovered by the straight rule of God’s holy law is sin.

4. "All Unrighteousness is Sin" (1Jn_5:17). No matter how righteous the act may seem to us, if God discerns impurity in the motive it is sin. The law of God is exceeding broad.

II. Look at the Characteristics of it. It is not always a hideous thing in the eyes of men. It-

1. Has Pleasures. Moses "chose affliction with the people of God rather than the pleasures of sin for a season" (Heb_11:25). It is pleasant floating, said a young man when warned of his danger, while being carried over the fatal falls. Many seem to be enjoying themselves while walking according to the course of this world. Yes, there may be present pleasure, but no satisfaction in prospect of the future.

2. Brings Wages. "The wages of sin is death" (Rom_6:23). The value of an article is judged by the price attached to it. The awfulness of sin is seen by the consequences. God hath connected with it death, corruption, undying worm, weeping and wailing, the bottomless pit, and the lake of fire.

3. Is Deceitful (Heb_3:13). It is constantly promising, but never fulfilling. It makes men believe that the darkness is better than the light, and that there is more liberty in serving self than God. It betrays to death and hell.

III. Look at the Remedy Provided for it. "Deliver from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom" (Job_33:24). Where did He find it?

1. In the Person of His Son. "It pleased the Lord to bruise Him" (Isa_53:10). "He laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isa_53:6). "He bare our sins in His own body on the tree" (1Pe_2:24).

2. In the Blood of His Son. "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin" (1Jn_1:7). The life is in the blood.

IV. Look at the Application of the Remedy. This is within the reach of all.

1. "Behold the Lamb of God (Joh_1:29)." "Look unto Me and be saved. "

2. "Come, let us reason together, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" (Isa_1:18).

3. "Believe and thou shalt be saved" (Act_16:31). "Justified from all things" (Act_13:38-39)..

Autor: James Smith