OUTLINE:
Understanding Sin
Not only is sin “negative” against holiness, it is “positive” for depravity.
Sin Isn’t Ambivalent
It’s not passive, thought it’d like you to believe it is. It is quite active, energized, and encouraged. It’s fruit is borne of a seed described at the Fall. (Gen 3:15; Is 57:20-21; Mt 13:37-39; 1Jn 5:18-19)
The Deceitfulness of Sin
Sin may not necessarily show itself outwardly by keeping a believer from ever doing good. Instead, it may simply dig deeper into that person’s soul. The person thinks, “Oh, sin must be dormant in me.” That is a dangerous lie.
How Sin Usurps Sovereignty
For sin to be most effective, it must grab hold of our affections! If it has our affections, it has our attention, our direction, our “love” even (though it’s not godly love). With our “love” comes our obedience, which essentially describes a sovereign, master-slave relationship. (cp Eph 5:6-10)
“walking”
Means to have a direction that is proof of our affections for Christ. It also establishes Who is sovereign in our lives.
Mt 6:24
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.”
Without Love for God
It is impossible for anyone with a bad root to spring forth good fruit that is pleasing to God. Love is the principle affection that guides all activities rightly. Without love, even the most noble actions are worthless to God, for they aren’t directed towards Him. “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Ro 8:8).
“exposed”
from elegcho – properly, to convince with solid, compelling evidence, especially to expose (prove wrong, connect); Strong’s: (a) reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) expose, show to be guilty.
The Nature of Sin
Sin is inherently insecure, especially around the Light.
The Simple Definition for Sin
Sin is any lack of conformity to God’s will, whether expressed actively or passively.