Many years ago, someone, I know quite well had a triple heart bypass surgery. And the operation had to do with unclogging the blood vessels. Now, the blood vessels feed the heart, and you can imagine when the blood vessels stop supplying blood to the heart, death becomes inevitable. But thanks be unto God for medical science and doctors who were able to carry out this complex procedure, and today the patient is as healthy and fit, albeit, with a drastic change to dietary options, and regular exercise routines.
Sin is a stumbling block! Sin is like the clog which blocks the blood vessel from supplying blood to the heart! Selah. So what then is sin? Well, the Bible helps us define what sin is; “Anyone who indulges in sin lives in moral anarchy, for the definition of sin is breaking God’s law.” Read 1 John 3:4 (TPT). Oh, my God, this is too heavy. Can you see this? Let me say it this way, ‘anything that we do which is not consistent with God’s Word is sin.’ And the extent to which God hates sin is clearly evidenced for you and me to read in the book of Jeremiah. The people refused to acknowledge God and did whatever they wanted, and they got punished. When you look at society, nations and governments, what do you see? Anarchy leads to lawlessness, and this is very evident in this 21st Century including in some of our churches.
I heard a presidential candidate say, “If we don’t deal with corruption, corruption will kill us.” In the same manner, if we do not deal with sin, sin will destroy us. I know, we are in the era of grace, and God understands; but, please let us not be deceived!
Studying the Book of Ephesians, I will highlight some key sentences for you and me to take note of:
- “Let go of the lifestyle of the ancient man, the old self which was corrupted by sinful desires that spring from delusions.” Read Ephesians 4:22 (TPT). Scripture says, “The old has passed away, the new has come.” Read 2 Corinthians 5:17.
- “So discard every form of dishonesty and lying so that you will be known as one who always speaks the truth.” Read Ephesians 4:25 (TPT).
- Don’t let anger control you or be fuel for revenge, not for even a day.” Read Ephesians 4:26a (TPT).
- “But don’t let the passion of your emotions lead you to sin.” Read Ephesians 4:26b (TPT).
- “And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth.” Ephesians 4:29a (TPT).
And how are we to conduct ourselves as believers in Christ? Scripture helps us answer this question:
- “But instead, let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.” Read Ephesians 4:22-29 (TPT).
- “Let every word you speak be drenched with grace and tempered with truth and clarity.” Read Colossians 4:6 (TPT).
Beloved, anything we say which is not consistent with the Scripture will be used against us in the court of the enemies judicial system. Ask Job, and he can tell you The Bible says, “when the hedge is broken, the serpent will strike.” Read Ecclesiastes 10:8. Watch this, sin breaks the hedge of protection over one’s life, thereby, exposing one to the attacks of the enemy. Listen to this, “There must be a divorce between you and sin, or there can be no marriage between you and Christ.” Charles Spurgeon.
My Father in heaven, thank You for giving me Your Spirit to encourage and reveal the truth to me, and for that, I am grateful.
We write. You read. Be encouraged.
Kolumns 