God’s Definition of SIN Those attending the preaching of brother Paul Earnhart last week heard tremendous lessons! His preaching used very simplistic text, and yet presented weighty applications for our lives! Obviously, his years of study, accumulated wisdom and experience, have culminated in the marvelous ability of conveying God’s message of salvation in a clear and concise and yet forceful manner. We appreciate our brother’s efforts in our behalf. As well, we heard him express the following statement when speaking of Isiah 53:6. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” To the phrase “we have turned everyone to his own way,” Earnhart said, “This is the definition of sin.” His statement struck me rather emphatically. He is absolutely correct, and the Scriptures would verify his statement if one were to examine the Judges and the plight of Israel at that time. “In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6; 21:25). The inspired apostle John offers another definition: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” (1 John 3:4). Certainly, we read in a number of passages the character and the consequences of sin: “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” (John 8:34) “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8) So many fail to see the eternal detriment of SIN. There is but one reason for this fact and Paul repeats it as he wrote the brethren in Rome: “What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3: 9 – 18; taken from Ps. 14: 1 – 7; 53: 1 – 6) As stated, the “reason” for considering SIN as “simply a fact of life” is NO FEAR OF GOD! Who can imagine NOT fearing God? Granted, it is obvious some do not fear Him! Worse, it is obvious some Christians do not fear Him as they should! (Consult Eccl. 12:13 – 14) The word “fear” in these passages means just as you might think: “to be afraid; to be alarmed; to be in awe of”. Still, many “have turned to their own way” rather than submit to the Lord’s guidance of their lives. Passages life Galatians 2:20 and Colossians 3: 1 – 4 and Romans 6: 1 – 6 should remind us the “old man of sin” was DESTROYED when we obeyed the gospel, and from the time of rising to walk in newness of life, we must NOT SERVE SIN. (Rom. 6:6) Therefore, the basic question EVEN FOR THE CHRISTIAN is this: To whom do you turn for instruction in ALL you say and do; YOURSELF or CHRIST? (Consult Col. 3:17) Determined by your answer, you as well answer this question: Are you a living definition of SIN or a living definition of Christ in us? Mike’s Musings ….. “AS YOU SEE THE DAY APPROACHING” Please allow me the use of the above phrase in a rather “unconventional” fashion. I know its context is Hebrews 10:25 and the passage deals with faithfully assembling “and so much the more as you see the day approaching.” As to whether the “day” is the first day of each week or the day of judgment is a moot point when we realize we’re closer to each with every passing day. Therefore, we should “Not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another and so much the more as we see the day approaching.” However, for this musing the approaching day of which I muse is our “official” beginning of our labors together for the cause of our Lord. “Excited” barely describes the growing enthusiasm we have for this approaching day. And while we have already done a few things together, the more pertinent work of meeting people, establishing studies, getting more acquainted with the brethren and teach each one the gospel of Jesus Christ quickly approaches! There is no question of the increased effectiveness of God’s power (Rom. 1:16 – 17) when UNITY of the brethren accompanies the conveyance of that truth. This is the reason for Paul’s frequent admonition of “be of the same mind” and “speak the same thing.” CONSISTENCY is the verbal indication of UNITY. In order to assure this UNITY in what we say and do (Col. 3:17), it behooves us to ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Col. 3: 6) and through praying one for another (James 5:16) studying together, we build up one another on our most holy faith (Jude 20 – 21). Several things contribute the preparation of such a diligent work. Obviously, the work of the gospel of Christ Jesus requires SOULS. Souls exist in every individual you meet. Beginning with your family, and continuing with friends and neighbors and any other acquaintance you know, we need the names and addresses of SOULS to teach. Not only do we desire to study with those who have never known Christ (1 John 2:3), but those who need to return to the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls (1 Peter 2:25). We need to approach these latter souls with great love and compassion, (Gal. 6:1) and help them realize they face a spiritual situation that is worse with them than the beginning (2 Pet. 2:20). As well, we need to know what each CAN do, WILL do and WILL LEARN TO DO as we engage this work as one body. While everybody CAN do something, we must agree everybody WILL do something, and everybody will LEARN TO DO something … MORE as we see the day approaching. Some can do physical things that benefit the work of the Lord’s church. From general maintenance of the building and grounds, to helping our brethren with physical labors when they are unable to do these necessary chores by themselves, to the more spiritual concerns of leading singing, prayers, bible studies, preparing communion, learning of the spiritual and physical wellbeing of our membership, etc. everyone CAN do, and MUST do something that will contribute to the growth and maturity of our local work: growth that is not only physical but more importantly SPIRITUAL in nature. Last, please notice the phrase “as ye see the day approaching” will NOT permit us to wait until the day arrives! Therefore, we cannot wait for the “official” start of our united efforts. WE MUST START NOW; “as we see the day approaching.” Let each of us prayerfully muse on these realities and then, with loving diligence, set our hands to the plows and engage the work God has given us to do! Thoughts Worth Thinking is a weekly publication of this local church of Christ. Unless otherwise stated, all articles are the composition of Michael J. Davis, preacher with the church of Christ, Orleans, IN. Your questions and comments are welcome. As well, should you know of others who might benefit from receiving this publication, please share their name and address (or email address) and we will gladly include them to our listing. Of course you are welcome to hand deliver this publication to anyone you wish! We welcome you to contact us for any desired additional study.
Posted on: Sat, 31 May 2014 19:47:27 +0000
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