The Believer's Battle - Sin

Each Thursday I'm sharing a synopsis of Pastor Rawsthorne's series on The Believer's Battle. This series of sermons has been very helpful in focusing our attention on who and what we are fighting and how to successfully wage war against the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin. This week's message was on the battle with sin. There is a link at the bottom of this article if you would like to hear the podcast of this message.

The Problem of Sin

We have a sinful nature. We were conceived in sin and we have hearts that are naturally bent toward sinning. (Romans 3:10, 5:12, Psalm 51:5, Jeremiah 17:9, Ephesians 2:1-3)

Besides having a sin nature, we then engage in sinful actions, attitudes, and thoughts. The Bible describes sin as missing the mark. God has established the target of holiness, and we miss it. Sin is also described as trespassing – going into areas where we should not be. It's crossing the line.

(I John 3:4, 5:17; I Samuel 15:23, Matthew 5:21-28, 15:19)

Sin is our failure to do the right thing. (James 4:17)

We also sin when we violate our conscience. (Romans 14:17) Our conscience is not naturally programmed to know God's standard of right and wrong and therefore has to be taught from God's Word. In the mean time, though, we should not go against our conscience because our conscience becomes seared.

The Nature of Sin

Sin is deceptive.

Sin is destructive, damaging and deadly.

Sin is devilish.

Sin is dishonoring to God and to ourselves.

Sin is defeating and discouraging.

Sin is dominating.

The Judgment of Sin

Throughout the Bible, the judgment for sin is death. God is holy and righteous and cannot condone sin. He must punish sin. (Romans 6:23, Numbers 32:23, Matthew 12:36-37, Romans 12:19, I Corinthians 4:5, I Peter 2:24, Isaiah 53:7-11)

The Remedy for Sin

Salvation – When Christ saves us He grants us forgiveness. We are redeemed from the curse of death and given eternal life. (Ephesians 1:7, Acts 26:18, Romans 6:23)

Confession – When we sin, we are to agree with God that what we have done is wrong and that He is right. That is what confession means. (1 John 1:9, Proverbs 28:13)

Forgiveness-- God graciously forgives us our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. He removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 130:4, 103:3, 8, 10, 12, 17)

Forsaking – We not only should confess our sins, but should forsake them and flee from them. We aren't going to gain the victory if we hang around where our sin and temptations are strong. (Proverbs 28:13, I John 5:21, 2 Timothy 2:22)

We can rely on the following truths:

The sacrifice and advocacy of Christ – He paid for our sins and is our attorney before the court of heaven.

The mercy and grace of God – He is the God of all grace. He freely provides us with unmerited love and acceptance.

The power and presence of the Holy Spirit

The authority and ability of God's Word

If you would like to listen to this message from Faith Baptist Church in Mattawan, Michigan, you will find the podcast here.