All thirteen verses of scripture in this lesson deal with the subject of "Sin". God did not create a sinful universe. The universe is what it is as a result of the work of man. It was not enough that the earth itself should be polluted with all sorts of rubbish and pollution from man, but now this is being spread to the moon, other planets and even to space itself.
Sin first entered into the world when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate that which was forbidden to them. The result of that first disobedience has spread throughout the earth and to all mankind.
God is not pleased that sin is destroying His creation, and he set about to make it possible for sinful man to come to a better life and to renew that fellowship which once existed between Himself and man.
That plan has been completed and the fellowship will be completely restored for eternity in heaven.
The Apostle John, with his ever present love, defines for us what sin is.
1. I John 3:4 "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law."
A. How did Adam and Eve "transgress" the law?
B. Why did God make that law?
1. They were created in the likeness of God.
2. God knew "good and evil"
3. In fact, Satan used this likeness to God as his temptation.
4. The law was for their protection. All men must make their own decisions.
C. In what words does John define "sin"?
2. Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
A. Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent, while people today tend to blame both of them, but on whom does Paul place the blame for sin?
B. And what is the result of this ?
C. This glory must be restored before the full fellowship of God can be restored.
D. Man has a part in it, but man can not restore it by himself. We will cover that in the next lesson.
3. Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned."
A. Who does Paul credit with bringing sin into the world?
B. Why Adam and not Eve?
C. What was the result of that sin?
D. Why do all people die? What is "death"?
4. John 8:34 "Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."
A. This verse needs to be read in context along with the verse before and the verse following. "They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever."
B. Were they telling the truth when they said they had never been in bondage?
C. All have sinned become the servant of sin.
D. All need to be set free. The next verse tells us how.
5. Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
A. What does Paul tell the Romans that the wages of sin is?
B. Is Eternal life a wage? Can we earn it in any way?
C. What is "eternal life" called?
D. Through whom is it received? Anyone else?
6. Galatians 6:8 "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption: but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
A. Read verses 7 10 for the context to this verse.
B. Considering the context, what does Paul mean by "soweth to his flesh"?
C. The results of this type of life is? (separation from God, death)
D. In contrast, what is "sowing to the Spirit"?
E. What is the reward of this?
7. Luke 16:15 "God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God."
A. List a few things which are "esteemed among men".
B. Why are these things an "abomination" in God's sight?
C. Do they make any provision for eternity?
8. James 1:14 "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed."
A. According to James, can we blame others when we sin?
B. Why not?
C. Place this verse in context by reading from 12 15.
D. Are all people tempted?
E. What is the reward of "enduring temptation" successfully?
9. James 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
A. Is sin always something that one does?
B. List a few things that are not.
10. James 4:7 How can we then escape sin? "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
A. How can we show "submission" to God?
B. What additional thought is contained in verse 87.
11. James 1:2-4 What will resisting temptation do for us? "The trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
A. How does overcoming temptations help us?
B. How can it enable us to help others who are weaker than we are?
C. How can it help us in our relationships with others?
12. I Corinthians 10:13 Is it always possible for Christians to keep from sinning?
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
A. How is the account of Job an illustration of this fact?
B. Is there any basis for the argument that our temptations are more severe than those of others?
C. Can we truthfully say, "The devil made me do it?"
D. What does this scripture say about your answer?
13. Acts 8:22 Christians sometime sin anyway. If one does, he must like Peter said to Simon "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."
A. If we sin, do we need to be baptized again?
B. What should we do?
C. What did Peter himself do after he had denied knowing his Lord?
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