What is sin?

There are two schools of thought:

  1. There are rules. We're suppose to follow them and if we don't then we have fallen into sin.
  2.  All things are lawful for me, but all things are not [e]helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of [f]any. (1 Corinthians 6:12)

God has created everything good. Sin is the corruption of that good. It's like someone leaving you a car in a brand new condition, but you don't maintain it. You don't take care of it. You drive it to the bone.

For 2, let's try to understand its meaning. What does it mean "everything is lawful for me"?

Everything in this world is given to us as a gift and everything is good from the hands of God. However, nothing should make me its slave.

  1. Money is good, but I shouldn't be greedy and rely on my money
  2. Power and responsibility is good, but I shouldn't oppress others.
  3. Sex is good, but I shouldn't be sleeping around and causing a heart ache for myself and others.
  4. School is good, but I shouldn't be spending all my time studying and ignoring my other responsibilities
  5. Same with work, friends, possessions.

All things are lawful but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me but I will not be brought under the power of any.

1 Corinthians 10

10 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us [a]tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now [b]all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our [c]admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to [d]bear it.

...

31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

The key point here is we should be mindful that we are continuously in the presence of God. All we do should be for the glory of God.

Glory of God?

What does it mean to do things for the glory of God?

Matthew 5

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

And also

 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [f]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

It seems to me that giving God's glory comes from learning from Him, work as he worked, love as he loved. And he came to serve and to be served.

Why is it dangerous?

For the wages of sin is death, but the [h]gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

How can we recover?

There are two schools of thought:

  1. Fear - Fear of hell. Of the punishment for evil acts. But really did that ever save anyone?
  2. Love - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love [c]Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:18-19)

To get rid of our bad habits and our bad inclinations, we must love God. We must replace the love of sin in our lives with the love of God. Purifying our hearts is God's job. Our job is to invite him in. We must experience him.

How?

Tricky question. That's really up to each one of us. We must bow down in prayer and ask God for healing and strengthening

Mark 9

23 Jesus said to him, “If[d] you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”