Sin, Guilt, Redemption and the Modern Sinner. fairfaxcirclechurch.org

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1 Sin, Guilt, Redemption and the Modern Sinner fairfaxcirclechurch.org

2 Sin is an old word Definition: o Sin preposition: to be without, not included... Spanish! o Sin noun: an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law. "a sin in the eyes of God" Etymology o The Hebrew and Greek words for sin throughout the Bible are based on the words hamartia and hata respectively similarly translated as missing the mark or outside the boundary based on archery/javelin terminology o From the old English syn (n), from original sunjō derived from the Latin sons, sont-is meaning guilty Early meanings associated with the word sin were directional, not legalistic and subsequent interpretations added the concept of guilt to transgression

3 and we are losing touch with it. Sin is mentioned a total of 454 time in the NIV bible, 347 of which is are the Old Testament Sin has become a word used almost only in the context of transgressing God s requirements for our lives Google Books NGram Viewer

4 The Sin Word Cloud Sin is connected more with moral than legal connotations in a word proximity association

5 Fairfaxcirclechurch.org The Imagery of Sin the modern world - Temptation We are heavily influenced by traditional imagery of the causes and impact sin but we often dilute its seriousness Our culture has developed ways of using and interpreting traditional language and imagery that change the original meaning to suit current sensibilities

6 The Labelling of Sin... Fairfaxcirclechurch.org There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV) The Weakness The Human Nature God s Defense Envy Curiosity, desire to improve, acquire, compete Kindness Gluttony Consume to survive, Temperance Greed Acquire to secure resource for future times Generosity Lust Expand the species, sustain relationships Chastity Pride Build self confidence and esteem Humility Sloth Rest, conserve energy, prioritize effort Diligence Wrath Protect, defend, show of determination/strength Patience

7 The imagery of Sin the modern world - Punishment They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:42 Much of the imagery is concerned with cause and impact of sin, and not so much on living with sin and redemption

8 Dynamics of Sinning The Modern Dilemma So when we were young there was. Good vs. Bad Right vs. Wrong And so sin happens in three ways: Intentional - I know I shouldn t but I will Unintentional - I think I may have just sinned Unconscious - You mean that was actually a sin?

9 Conscience and the Burden of Guilt Conscience was given to us to make us aware of sin and it works regardless: o Of the rules and laws of the land or community of which we are part o Of the prevailing social sentiment, norms and trends of the time o Of whether or not you are a follower of Christ We cannot escape guilt by earthly actions: o Drugs and alcohol o Secular theory that attempts to discount guilt o Ignore the feeling o Fill our days and attempt to block it out The human conscience is evidence of God's existence and His standards for behavior. God is the One we offend when we sin, and only He can provide a remedy for our sin and guilt.

10 The Ultimate Fall Back The requirement to sacrifice to absolve sin o Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness Hebrews 9:22 God makes the sacrifice o This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10 God s offer o And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. 2 John 1:6 No expectations of perfection o For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23

11 Setting down the baggage God is committed Fairfaxcirclechurch.org That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 Out of sight: "You have put all my sins behind your back" Isaiah 38:17 Out of mind: "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more Jeremiah 31:34 Out of reach: "You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea" Micah 7:!9 Out of existence: "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more" Isaiah 43:25

12 So its simple Be a sinner and sin strongly, but more strongly have faith and rejoice in Christ Martin Luther Know Recognize the voice of your conscience Confess Tell God why you are guilty Forgiven Ask for it so it will be given to you Guilt Make sure you forgive your self Serve Take the grace you have been given and bear witness

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