Missing the Mark
The original word for sin means, “to miss the mark”, like in archery. It says in the Bible that, “all of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory”
(23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Sin refers to all the wrong things that we have said, done or thought.
The Battle of Sin
(18) For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
(19) For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.
(20) Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
(21) So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.
Why do we sin?
(21) “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’
(22) But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister , will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘ Raca ,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
(23) “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,
(24) leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
(25) “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.
(26) Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
(27) “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
(28) But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
(29) If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
(30) And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
What did Jesus say about sin?
What are some examples of sin?
The Results of Sin
Romans 6:23 (NIV)
(23) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)
(7) Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
(8) Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
In what ways does sin affect our lives? (Think spiritually, relationally, eternally, etc.)
Victory Over Sin
How can we overcome sin in our lives?
(1) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
(2) because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
(9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
(16) Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
(1) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
(2) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Ask a Friend
- Can you share a story of overcoming sin?
- Do you have any other questions about sin?
- As we pray, let’s ask God to search our hearts and reveal our sins to us and the effects that they have had on our lives. Remember that God forgives our sin and that He is powerful to heal us from the results of sin.
Application
Homework
(1) Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
(2) Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
(3) When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
(4) For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
(5) Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord .” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.
(6) Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.
(7) You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
(8) I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
(9) Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
(10) Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord ’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.
(11) Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Look at how David dealt with sin and enjoyed God’s forgiveness.
Prayer Model
Lord Jesus, I thank You that You died for me to pay the penalty for my sin. I thank You for forgiving me. Please help me to live a life that is pure and pleasing to You.
Key Verse
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
