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Mustard Seed July/August 2006
When Is Sin Not A Sin?
Mustard Seed - July/August 2006
“All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” the apostle Paul was inspired to reveal this in Romans 6:23. SIN is defined in the bible as the breaking of God’s Holy LAW! Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law. (I John 3:4) That LAW was given in ten major points, and then MAGNIFIED by Christ in His personal teaching, and by his personal life.
SIN BREAKS (transgresses) this righteous law.
How often have we heard this statement: “well, everybody sins” or “ I just can’t help from sinning.” But when is sin not a sin? When sin is only temptation! The early stage, when it is “nipped in the bud.” Many people sincerely striving to overcome sin, don’t know the difference. They suffer pangs of guilt and a stricken conscience over sin they haven’t committed. Temptation is what happens when you are enticed or pressured to something wrong.
We are tested or tempted: through circumstances, through our own lusts and desires, and by satan the devil. “each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed,” as stated in the book of James. But if you successfully resist the temptation, no sin results. Sin happens only when you let the temptation take hold, and translate into action. “Then, after desire has conceived”—if you give in to temptation—“it gives birth to sin: and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:14-15).
How, then, can you avoid temptation becoming sin?
Follow Christ’s example when satan tried to entice him to disobey God (Matthew 4:1-11) This is where knowing the scriptures comes into play.
Ask yourself immediately, what does God’s law say about the situation?
Avoid situations where you know you will be tempted. For example literally flee sexual immorality (I Cor. 6:18).
Always remember: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it ( I Cor.10:13).
Don’t be afraid or too embarrassed to ask for help. Christ “ who has been tempted in every way—just as we are” (Hebrews 4:15) understands that “ the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mt. 26:41). He has promised to give us strength to resist, once that you have determined that you want to.
-editor
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