What Is Sin?

[Here Am I]

As an unsaved person, I didn't think much about sin.

Now, as a child of God, I am very aware of sin in my life. The more I grow, the more sin I see. It's as if the closer I get to the Lord, the more His Light reveals about me and my sinful life.

Here's something that has helped me to understand the scope of sin:

What Is Sin?

* To feel a secret pride in success, training or appearance.

* To feel an important, independent spirit.

* To feel bitter over what someone has told you about the success of another.

* A harsh, sarcastic, or unyielding spirit.

* A touchy, bitter, sensitive spirit.

* A desire to attract the attention of the opposite sex.

* To say and do things to attract attention to yourself.

* Constant complaining and a desire to quit trying to do right.

* Unnatural or abusive acts to yourself or others.

* A deceitful or evasive spirit that seeks to create false impressions.

* To pick flaws and criticize when set aside unnoticed

* Lustful and wandering eyes.

* Shrinking from duty and reproach.

* A tendency to retaliate when 'crossed'.

* Permitting things you would not permit in your idea of a consecrated Christian.

* Shallowness, stinginess, or uncleanness in thought or desire.

* A joke or jest: vain or light in manner of conversation or life.

* Unwilling to put out for others unless personal gain or advantage is involved.

* Partiality to certain persons, classes, or denominations in dealings.

* Always thinking of what might have been if things had not happened.

* Unthankful and unappreciative of lot in life.

* In constant fear of failing and taking an unmerciful attitude toward those who do, or taking an inferior attitude toward those of wealth or position.

* Putting on a false or exaggerated humility.

* Imagining how others are praising you or speaking well of you.

* Straining at the truth and showing an "I don't care" attitude toward being caught in sin or shirking responsibilities.

* Feeling of nervousness when watching someone doing something you think you could do better.

[Vania]

Whew! Those are good, sister! Thank you for sharing!!

[Laura]

I need time to meditate on those, sister!

[Lynne]

What an excellent thread. Many, many times I've wondered what exactly is a sin. I've asked the question in Bible studies, participated in forum discussions about it, looked it up in dictionaries, and most importantly, I've searched the Bible for it.

That some things are sin is probably obvious to just about anyone, but I think you're right: spotting the subtle, hidden sins in oneself takes a close walk with God.

[Laura]

(10-10-2009 06:18 PM)Lynne Wrote:  What an excellent thread. Many, many times I've wondered what exactly is a sin. I've asked the question in Bible studies, participated in forum discussions about it, looked it up in dictionaries, and most importantly, I've searched the Bible for it.

That some things are sin is probably obvious to just about anyone, but I think you're right: spotting the subtle, hidden sins in oneself takes a close walk with God.

The short definition is that sin is "missing the mark of God's perfection."

I like Oswald Chambers' view of it. He explains it not as wrong doing but as wrong being; deliberate and emphatic independence of God (Oct 7 Utmost), or my claim to my right to myself whereby I am my own god.

[Lynne]

(10-10-2009 06:57 PM)Laura Wrote:  I like Oswald Chambers' view of it. He explains it not as wrong doing but as wrong being; deliberate and emphatic independence of God (Oct 7 Utmost), or my claim to my right to myself whereby I am my own god.

Oh, I really like Chambers' view. I learn something every time I read him.

I tried to be my own god when I was into the occult. I messed it up so horribly that I ran into God's arms and begged Him to take me over.

[graceforme]

in viewing the list you posted, HereAmI, I find that to put it simply - sin is "missing the mark" of God's perfection. Isn't it wonderful that God provided for us a way to be viewed as perfectly righteous in His eyes, based on the fact that we can never reach God's level of perfection as long as we dwell on this earth?

God is good ..... all the time
All the time ..... God is good.

[Here Am I]

Amen, sister.

I know of people who think they're pretty good, better than others, because they don't drink or smoke or steal. However, that little list brings some things into perspective: when I first read it, I was convicted by some of the items listed. I still have a copy of it hanging above my monitor, just to remind me that I've not 'arrived' yet...I'm still a sinner, saved by grace.

[chriskjv]

What a list.. I need to work on some of those..

[graceforme]

(10-17-2009 11:17 PM)chriskjv Wrote:  What a list.. I need to work on some of those..

Isaiah 64:6 "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags....."

We can "work" all we want - we'll never measure up to God's standard of perfection - not in our time on earth. That's why God's grace is such a wonderful gift for us. We can't do anything to make ourselves righteous enough and that's why I am so thankful that God views me as righteous because He sees me through the Blood of Christ.

It took me a long time to accept this wonderful gift, and now I can't imagine anyone refusing it.

God is good ..... all the time.
All the time ..... God is good!