1 John 3:4: Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
There are several definitions of sin in the Bible: “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23). “The thought of foolishness is sin” (Prov. 24:9). “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). “All unrighteousness is sin” (1 John 5:17). But John’s epistle defines sin as lawlessness (1 John 3:4). It views sin as defilement (1 John 1:9–2:2), but here it views it as defiance. The emphasis here is not on sins (plural), but on sin (singular): “Whosoever practices sin.” Sins are the fruit, but sin is the root. Sin is basically a matter of the will. For us to assert our will against God’s will is rebellion, and rebellion is the root of sin. It is not simply that sin reveals itself in lawless behavior, but that the very essence of sin is lawlessness. No matter what his outward action may be, a sinner’s inward attitude is one of rebellion. 1
Loving Him
Sin is a matter of personal responsibility. You can humble yourself and admit your sin against God and against others, and seek His forgiveness; or you can make excuses to keep sinning and justifying your bitterness and rebellion. You can chose to be miserable or you can chose to be redeemed and cleansed. Hell is filled with unrepentant sinners. Heaven is filled with repentant sinners. The choice is yours to make and the consequences are yours to bear for all eternity.
Because he has despised the word of the Lord, and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt shall be upon him. Numbers 15:31
Loving Others
The sin of rebellion, in the heart of a believer, is a sin against God and His purposes for His church. – TWEET IT
Changing Me
Lord, please purge even the slightest tint of rebellion from my heart.
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