Think about this definition as found in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: “Sin is any attitude of indifference, unbelief, or disobedience to the will of God… whether this attitude expresses itself in thoughts, words, deeds, or settled dispositions and conduct.” I like this definition because it stresses the idea that sinfulness is not simply incorrect behavior (and certainly not only specific behavior that I abhor), it is often characterized by incorrect thoughts, or simply by my indifference to God’s will for my life.
The Greek word for “sin” is hamartia, which means “to miss the mark.” The idea is that our lives are similar to shooting at a target. We are all shooting for the center of the target, the “bull’s-eye”, which represents God’s perfection. Every action, every thought, every word is an arrow flung at that target. Each time we think, speak, or act in a way that is unlike God, we miss the mark… we sin. Remember, Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” while Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” We are, therefore, all sinners… and the result of our sin is death.
A Battle Over You
Satan knows that every sin is a capital offense. He knows the serious consequences of our sins even better than we do. His goal, as stated last week, is to defeat us with our own sinful nature. His methods are more numerous than we can imagine. His heart is black with hatred of our Master, and he desires that all of us ignore God’s call of faith in Jesus’ name.
Jesus, on the other hand, knows even better than Satan how sinful we are. And, as Satan would lead us to focus on ourselves, Jesus leads us to focus our attention on Him. He not only lived perfectly (or, in other words, just like God), but He provided the only way that you and I can defeat the sin in our lives without having to live sinless lives ourselves. He is, after all, our own perfect sacrifice for our very own sins.
Satan’s Methods
In 1 Peter 5:8, Satan is described as a roaring lion, roaming the earth seeking those whom he may devour. He has many tricks up his sleeve.
He can sow evil among us— Mt. 13:36-43.
He can deceive us— 2 Cor. 11:14.
He can stand in our way— 1 Thes. 2:18.
He can lie to us— John 8:44.
He can blind us— 2 Cor. 4:4.
The methods Satan has at his disposal are more than we can know or understand. He has great power in this world, and we grant him power over us when we focus our attention on the things of this world.
But Satan can be defeated. He may smile as we sin, but he is crushed when we focus our faith on Jesus and accept His forgiveness. Satan may lead us to sin, but Jesus destroys the power of sin over our lives.
Satan’s Work Among God’s People
Notice the various ways that Satan influences people to act in ways that are unlike God. How is Satan working in your life to thwart God’s work in your life?
The sin of Abraham— Gen. 12:10-20.
The sin of Nadab and Abihu— Lev. 10:1-3.
The sin of Moses— Num. 2-:1-13.
The sin of Uzzah— 2 Sam. 6:1-8.
The sin of David— 2 Sam. 11:1-12:23.
The sin of Peter— Matt. 26:69-75.
The sin of Ananias and Saphira— Acts 5:1-11.
The sin of Laodicea— Rev. 3:14-22.
By God’s Design
We have recently discussed the nature of Satan and the work that he does on this earth. As we discuss these things, we may become confused about his power. Many people believe that Satan is equal in power to God, and that the struggle between these two superpowers has not yet been determined. Let’s not make any mistake about this…God is in control of everything. If God wished to cast Satan and his forces into eternal oblivion today, He could do so. 1 John 4:4 states, “Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.”
A legitimate question might be, “Why doesn’t God destroy him now?” Knowing the pain that Satan inflicts upon us, why would God allow him to continue? The answer is not an easy one, but permeates God’s word. Our suffering is as much a part of God’s plan as is our ultimate victory. For without our sinfulness and our suffering, there would be nothing to be victorious over. God’s plan includes a measure of our sin and suffering, and only He knows when the time of fulfillment has arrived. This is not to say that God desires our sins or, as Calvinistic doctrine would teach, forces sin upon us… but His divine plan includes the knowledge of our sin and, more importantly to us, the forgiveness of those sins.
One of Satan’s greatest ploys is to get us to focus too much upon ourselves and our sinfulness. One of God’s greatest gifts is the assurance of His forgiveness. Which of these will consume your attention?
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