Unlimited: A Definition of Sin
Oct 31, 2023 511
and everything that does not come from faith is sin (Romans 14:23b).
The Bible gives us various ways of understanding what sin is, and this one shows us both the breadth and depth of sin’s clutches in our lives. When the apostle Paul tells us that “everything that does not come from faith is sin,” he doesn’t leave any grey areas.
If all you had were the commandments, then you would be tempted to think that sin is about what you do or don’t do. That was the problem that the Jewish religious leaders had in the time of Jesus. They knew that,
…sin is the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4, KJV.)
As a definition of sin, this is fine as far as it goes, but it doesn’t go far enough.
This definition shows us both the breadth and depth of sin’s clutches in our lives.
Paul here tells us that sin goes far deeper than that, and exists well before you even speak or take action. Sin even comes from your motivations. The same action can be either sinful or not, depending on the reason why you do it.
If your motivations don’t come entirely from faith in God, they are sinful. If your thoughts aren’t completely aligned with faith in God, they are sinful. If your words are not faith-filled, promoting and building up faith, they are sinful. If any of your actions don’t spring from faith, they too are sinful.
Spiritual Application
Pray this prayer from Psalm 139:23–24:
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life (NLT.)
Lawrence
Oct 31, 2023
Oh great!! In other words, if you're not praying, you're sinning.