Pick Your Sin

"Pick Your Sin."

By: Pastor Jack Schneider

 “I’m watching all their ways, which aren’t hidden from Me.  Nor are their wrongs hidden; I can see them.” [Jer.16:17, AAT]

Our Wednesday evening “Digging Deeper” topic is “Pick Your Sin,” which asks whether some are worse than others.  It also points out that, apparently, there are categories of sin.  Seriously.  The study outline is posted on our website but, of course, it doesn’t show all the discussion and feedback that takes place -- which is where the real fun begins, especially when we ask what impact all this has on the life of the disciple in Christ.

We had a wild and Spirit-filled discussion this week over voluntary [intentional, deliberate] sin and those that are involuntary, unthinking.  We talked about the ways human nature seeks to hide things from one another and from God -- as in the passage above -- and how futile this is, for in the end it all comes crashing down around us.  Conscience entered our discussion, and why it’s so important to have a correctly informed conscience based on God’s Word rather than the principles of this culture and age.  We really did have a blast!

But why spend this time talking about sin?  Why not just talk about the Gospel and God’s grace?  Because a correct balance of Law and Gospel is the only way we can come to know Jesus Christ as Messiah, the Savior and Lord Who gave Himself in love for us.  And now that we know Him, to spend this time in study and Biblical conversation is to counsel and encourage one another with insight and even humor so that we may grow in grace and faith.  1 Peter 5 [again, in the AAT] reminds us,

“Keep a clear head and watch!  Your enemy, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  Be strong in your faith and resist him…” 

God knows sin for what it is and hates it -- but never forget that He loves the sinner dearly.  There’s nothing wrong and a great deal right in our taking time to recognize sin for what it is…and to call it the same.  Don’t play games; satan plays for keeps.  Above all, remember this: forgiveness is full…forgiveness is free.  Jesus said, “My yoke is easy, My burden is light.”

- Jack