Application: Admit Sin

The Big Idea: This series is about finding practical applications in a Bible passage; this post addresses sin and our response to it. 

It's Hard to Admit Sin

Sin takes serious humility to admit, and it is even harder to address. Our excuses make it sounds better in our head.

“My weakness.”

“It’s not my fault…”

“The devil made me do it.”

“Others do it all the time.”

“I’m pretty much a good person.”

“But I had good intentions.”

Sin seems harmless but it is powerful; tremendously powerful. It holds power over us and gives us power over others. Sin is sticky, grabbing us and making it hard to let go.

Sin is easy. Sin is complicated. Sin is beautiful. Sin is ugly. Sin is fun. Sin is mean.

Teaching us about Sin

Use Bible passages to learn some of the following: Not all of these will apply to each passage but this gives you a start reflecting on what a passage might be telling you about sin. 

• What does God thinks of sin. What is His holiness like and how does it affect others? Why is sin so bad?
• Where does sin comes from? (Satan. Worldliness. Our sinful fleshly nature). What is the nature of sin?
• When did the situation turn into sin? How can that be avoided?
• What are consequences that result from sin. What did it do to the people involved?
• How did God make a way for us to be pardoned? How does Jesus’ act on the cross erase our sin?
• What does the Bible teach about forgiveness? God toward us, and us toward others?
• How is a Christian to live in a sinful world? What is holiness and how we can live free from sin? What helps us?
• How can we combat against temptation and sin?

The Bible has a lot of examples on what not to do. Stories show us bad examples, how not to live and even how the good guys can mess up. Moses had sinful mistakes. He killed a man and then tried to hide it. So did David. Ask yourself, where did they mess up and how do I mess up?

The Bible: Written to Help us with Sin

1. The Bible exposes sin.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Heb 4:12 ESV

2. The Bible is for self-examination and training to live right.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

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This post is forty-first in a series as a Practical Starter Guide for Inductive Bible Study.

Up next: Find the Application: Promises part 1

Previous post: Find the Application!

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Reflect:

1. How would you complete this three word sentence? Sin is _________________.

2. Has a verse or passage of the Bible convicted you of something wrong in your life? Did it surprise you? How did you respond?

3. What is something you have earned from the Bible about sin? How is this helpful to you.