“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23 NLT
What is the Deal with Sin?
“In order to stop defeating ourselves, we need to stop deceiving ourselves.” Rick Warren
- Sin is disobedience
“Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God.” 1 John 3:4 NLT
- Sin is destructive
“For the wages of sin is death…” Romans 6:23 NIV
- Sin is a debt
“…and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Matthew 6:12 ESV
- Sin is deadly
“…but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:14-15 NIV
What has God Done About it?
Jesus Christ
“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” Romans 5:6 NLT
- This is how we experience freedom from sin’s penalty
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NLT
If Jesus Died for my Sin, Why do I Still Struggle With Sin?
“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” Romans 7:15 NLT
“But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.” Romans 7:20 NLT
“Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So, you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.” Romans 7:24-25 NLT
- As believers we have two natures
“…throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:22-24 NLT
How Do I Experience Freedom from Sin’s Power?
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” Titus 2:11-12 NIV
- Stop trying and start abiding
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” John 15:4 ESV
- Stop trying and start walking
“So, I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 NIV
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV