The Reality of Sin

By Bill Jackson

Introduction:

1. Man created and placed in the garden (Gen. 2:8), and given labor (v. 15).

2. When given these instructions, man was then under LAW from God!

3. The word of law (vv. 16-17), indicates man had freedom of will in the matter.

I. Remember, God’s Influence, And Man’s, Was Not The Total Influence Present.

A. We’ve got God, and man.

B. But Satan had come to earth (Rev. 12:9), to deceive the whole world!

C. He makes his influence felt in approaching Eve (Gen. 3:1). Beguiling her with his subtlety (2 Cor. 11:3). He led her, and she and Adam violated the instructions God had given. She ate, and gave to her husband (Gen. 3:6).

II. We Now Ask, What Was This Behavior Called?

A. It was a step against the will of God, for God censures (Gen. 3:16-19).

B. These, having knowledge only of God, now have participated in that which gives them knowledge of good AND evil!

C. In 1 Timothy 2:14, the action called “TRANSGRESSION” — Going over, cutting across the will God gave.

D. The common word: SIN! Defined: “Sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4).

III. We Have The Reality of Sin, It Has Made An Entry Into The World, And Among All Men Living.

A. We thus see it in Adam and Eve.

B. And in their family — Cain (Gen. 4).

C. And, in the generations to follow, to find the wickedness of man great in the earth (Gen. 6:5) — hearts on evil continually.

D. Death by sin, and death unto all men for ALL HAVE SINNED (Rom. 5:12).

E. The rule: Romans 3:23 “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God!”

IV. It Will Help Us To See Some Facts About Sin.

A. Transgression of the law, as we have noted (1 John 3:4).

B. Encouragement to sin can come from many sources; finally, it must reside in one’s own lust, and giving in to enticement (James 1:14-15).

C. Men can be in service to sin (Rom. 6:17).

D. Sin can indwell the person (Rom. 7:17).

V. At The End…

A. At the end of a sin working within one, directing one, there is separation from God — spiritual death (Eph. 2:1).

B. At the end of a life given to sin, there is eternal separation from God — into Heaven, nothing of defilement will enter (Rev. 21:27).

C. The solution: Get rid of the sin, and live above it, contrary to it; live for God!

Conclusion:

1. That is possible through the Christ, the gospel, and one’s obedience to it.

2. Faith, repentance, confession and baptism into Christ completes the alien’s obedience; the baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).

3. Now, live the godly life, guided by the Word!