All wrongdoing is sin,
but there is sin that does not lead to death.
THE STUDY:
This verse equates unrighteousness (wrongdoing) and sin. Extending the analogy, if all
unrighteousness is sin, then righteousness would manifest itself as an absence
of sin. Although only briefly mentioned here, John’s assumption is clear. We
can, if we submit to the will of God, stop the practice of sinning. Thus,
praying for that to happen in the lives of others is right and expected—he should pray for the brother (v 16). Sin may still intrude,
but it need not control the Christian. Even if sin and the child of God
occasionally meet, they cannot live together in harmony.[1]
One of the articles of faith that the Nazarene
Church has in regard to sin states: We
believe that sin is of two kinds: original sin or depravity, and actual or
personal sin. We further believe that original sin continues to exist with the
new life of the regenerate, until the heart is fully cleansed by the baptism
with the Holy Spirit. We believe that actual or personal sin is a voluntary violation
of a known law of God by a morally responsible person.
WHAT WE CAN WALK
AWAY WITH ….
- We walk away with the understanding that living a Spirit filled life empowers us to turn from sin and live a life that is SIN FREE! Not that we will never be tempted again but when we are, through the power of Christ that dwells inside us, we can turn from it. We can resist!
CONCLUSION:
Sin is
something that not only affects the sinner but those around them as well. This
is why John was saying we should pray for our brother in verse 16. Often someone
who has chosen to live a sinful life says, “It is my life! I can do with it as
I wish!” However, such an attitude will not stand up under examination. No one
sins in isolation, for it affects everyone the person touches.
This truth is well illustrated in
the case of Achan (Josh 7). His sin affected not only himself but his family
and nation. The same is true of each of us. We would all do well to heed the
words of Tennyson in his Ulysses. “I
am a part of all I have met.” And others are a part of you—for good or bad.
My encouragement today would be to
allow the Holy Spirit to reign in your life so that you can be empowered to
turn from the evil one and all his temptations to sin. Do it, not only for your
sake, but for the sake of others. You can RESIST!
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3
John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary
(170). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.
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