1. What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
Sin
What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

2. Defining Sin: Different Words
Iniquity, transgression, wickedness, unrighteousness, trespass, lawlessness, disobedience, ungodliness, evil.
Point to different aspects of sin, but share a common, key concept.

3. Defining Sin: Key Concept
Isaiah 53:6 Turned to his own way.
1 John 3:4 Sin is lawlessness.
God has a standard and to violate it is to commit sin.
Sin is defined by God, even if it involves dealings with others. Cf. Psalm 51:1-4.

4. Defining Sin: Examples
Done by omission or commission.
Adam and Eve committed. Gen. 3
Jesus rebuked some of omitting. Matt. 23
Sometimes directed against God.
Exodus 20:2-7
John 4:23, 24
Violate standards for our treatment of others.
1 Tim. 1:9, 10; James 3:8-10

5. Defining Sin: Examples
Done by omission or commission.
Sometimes directed against God.
Violate standards for our treatment of others.
1 Tim. 1:9, 10; James 3:8-10
Other violations of God’s standards.
Morals. Heb. 13:4; Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10
Going beyond His teaching. 2 John 9

6. Why Does Sin Matter? Miss out on the good life.
Deut. 6:24; 1 Peter 3:10-12
It destroys our relationship with God.
Gen. 3; Isaiah 59:1, 2; Rom. 5:10; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1, 4, 5
God punishes sinners.
Many examples.
2 Thes. 1:8; Mark 9:43-48; Heb. 10:26-31; Rev. 21:8

7. What About Our Guilt? Jesus is the Savior.
Shed His blood for this. Matt. 26:28
The Lamb to take away sin. John 1:29
Came to seek and save the lost. Luke 19:10
Without God’s grace there would be no hope. Ephesians 2:4-7

8. What About Our Guilt? Jesus is the Savior with conditions.
Saves the obedient. Heb. 5:8, 9
The grace that saves requires an obedient faith. Eph. 2:8, 9; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38
Jesus remains the conditional answer for those who allow sin to reenter their lives. 1John 1:7-9
We can overcome sin and live for Him. Rom. 6:1-7, 11

9. Conclusion We know what sin is and the terrible cost it inflicts.
We know how to be forgiven.
The only unknown is what you will do about your sins.