Exalting the Solution more than the pollution

Defining Sin: Some cultures and religions refer to human errors or “bad behavior” as “sins”; and we do find the term “sin” used in the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. Your Concordance will confirm that for you. But did you know that the word “sin” comes from the Sport of Archery?

Am I a Sinner? In the game of archery, one can “sin to the right” or “sin to the left” of a target. Having said that; we can safely assume that we are all “sinners,” since it is a certainty, that at one time or another, “thoughts, words, or deeds” which we have “projected out from ourselves,” have indeed, fallen short of the bull’s eye…..and at times, way short of the mark.

But even when we err, we can grow from those discoveries; we can thank God for the “exposure” of our problem areas and turn to the Written & Living Word (Holy Spirit) for strength and perspective, remembering that the Mercy of God is new every day.

The Law of Sin & Death: The Ten Commandments are sometimes referred to as the “Law of Sin and Death,” defining sin with a list of behaviors while also implying consequences for failure to conform to The Law. But as people discovered over time, the “Law” can only describe “sin & consequences,” (Sin & Death) but never has had the power in and of itself, to overcome human-nature (or “sin-nature”). Hence, the Prophet Jeremiah spoke of “something coming” which we could anticipate in the future that would help us “overcome” . . . and that Prophecy leads all the way to the birth of Jesus, who did give Hope to those who follow the path of Mercy & Grace (Holy Spirit within us.)

“But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” - Jeremiah 31:33 (KJV)

Overcoming the “Sin-Nature”: Now let’s look a little closer at this “Covenant” which Jeremiah spoke of, especially these words: “I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts.” What Law? What Covenant? I believe that Jeremiah's prophecy was pointing to what would become known as the “New Covenant,” giving us that ultimate connection to the Holy Spirit within us (“in their inward parts”)? 

But how can we obtain this Law/Spirit that can lead us from our “inward parts?” Well, we have learned that as we receive the Mercy of God in passing through the Cross, (commemorated by our water Baptism), we also can ask for (at the second part of our Baptism) the Gift of the Holy Ghost which is the Spirit of Christ, that it might abide within us. We also know that our growth experiences don’t stop at our entry into the Body, but continue all throughout our time in the Body of Christ. That brings us to another commonly used term, which is “repentance.”

About “Repenting”: We all have heard that we are to “repent” as we come into the Body of Christ, and then again, as often as needed; but what is that about? Though this word has been described as “over-used” in some people's estimation, even shouted from some pulpits, “repent” is a really cool word with a great meaning, simply pointing to "making a change" in one's life or "changing one's mind." It can also refer to “turning to a new direction,” something which under supportive circumstances, would be a cause for celebration and joy. When we couple the meaning of this word with how we can learn from our “sins” and “mis-takes,” (as God allows exposure of our issues in events), we find that Faith in this process of growth becomes stronger with each transformative experience. According to Romans 8:28, the key is to Love God and remain the called, according to God's purpose; then we can see His Mercy at work teaching us and bringing about what only He can. We are not always spared from some of the consequences of our choices, but with “repentance,” we seize the opportunity to assess our soul's condition, to then come up higher.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Time in the Word: So, to re-cap this lesson thus far, we could say that part of the answer to “sin” is to continue spending as much time as we can, close to the Spirit of God and to the Written and Living Word, while keeping the company of others who do the same, since we do take on attributes that reflect who and what we associate with.

Bullseye! As for “archery” . . . I think we can safely assume that we will be able to learn to “hit the target” more often as we grow. As we keep our eyes on Christ Jesus, we will likely observe over time, a change in our core motivation from self-based to spiritual. With this change of natures, we might also observe that the various “lusts” within us will fade over time in favor of pursuing that which expresses our love for God and others the most.

Positive hopes for our journey: In response to some who may be concerned that I am failing to emphasize “sin” or “hell” enough and hence confuse BTC teachings with an “ear-tickling Gospel”; know this: 

I support education about the sin-nature, but foremost, I support education about the solution to the sin-nature which is walking in Mercy and Grace, involving death to the self nature. To dwell on the pollution instead of the solution just does not seem as efficient. It is God’s promise to us that His Grace from within us can produce the desired change. It has also been my experience that a focus on the Spirit will bring about a nature-change naturally and out of a sense of joy in the journey, rather than from a motive of fear of damnation. There is a time and place to speak of the consequences of remaining in the flesh, yet where the Body of Christ needs our utmost support is in the deepening of that relationship to Christ Jesus from within and without, all of which will bring an end to the story of the old man and its ways. 

In short, the answer to sin or death is “Life Abundantly”; and the Spirit of God (Christ) within us is the doorway to that Life now and forever. Those of us who have been blessed with Grace and learn to Stand, turn and help others to Stand who are making the discovery. For this we give thanks and resolve to serve until our Last Breath.

Conviction vs. Condemnation: Since we are on the topic of overcoming the “sin-nature,” as you follow the Spirit, you may get a nudge from time to time (maybe everyday), that lets you know when you are off course and getting back into the flesh. After all, Jesus is the Shepherd and He will keep an eye out for us. So just use that moment to receive “course-correction,” give thanks and keep moving forward. 

As for “condemnation,” that vibe comes from the dark side, ready to pull us under and back into guilt, self-loathing, and all those sad conditions; but here is our hope of freedom and release from all of that suffering:

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1 (KJV)

So, the conditions of release from the chains of condemnation are to remain “in Christ Jesus” (close to the Holy Spirit) and “walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” We must remain intentional in our daily walk to embrace the Holy Spirit as we continue to walk in Mercy. 

Oh…one last thing. Do we have to give up all bad habits? Don’t worry about “what you might have to give up” or “change” as a precondition to enter the Body of Christ; because as you walk with the Spirit of God you will likely adjust many things about your life and habits. By the Spirit, not only will you be able to identify and make needed changes, but also, chances are that you will naturally want to and likely be ready to do so. So just begin your journey with peace; and as you trust in God, His Grace will lead you through.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”- Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

"The Solution to Sin" by Ann M. Wolf  © 2016, All rights reserved.

Check Understanding:

Question for discussion or add your answers to your notebook:

• How does the word “sin” connect to archery?
• What is the solution to the “sin-nature?”
• What is the difference between “conviction” and “condemnation."?
• What does Romans 8:1 (KJV) say and what must I do as my part to no longer experience condemnation?

Apply Understanding: 

Discuss or notate how you would like to apply what you have learned or what the Holy Ghost has reminded you of with this Lesson; and jot your thoughts down about the following questions as well:

• What can we do to be proactive in spiritual practices that will help overcome the “sin-nature?”