Brothers and sisters, most of our actions and behaviors are done out of ignorance, we get disciplined by it without knowing that we have sinned against the Living God who is Holy, intensely Holy.
I never knew disobedience and hardened heart is sin, although somethings they are done in ignorance, but ignoring the voice of the Lord is also sin. All of these I do frequently and get disciplined often by the Lord. When I started my studies, (Master of Arts in Theological Studies) I spent more time studying out of ignorance, and I was disciplined often.
My middle finger was bent and painful, frequent boils, painful knees and waist, dizziness, and much more. But as soon as I decided to do two hours of schoolwork each day, I was completely healed. The Lord wanted me to spend more time with Him, and I did not know it, I now pray frequently during the day, and read at least two chapters of the Bible daily.
I have learned to repent immediately as soon as I realize my wrong, getting down on my knees, pray and weep to the Lord for repentance, and asking the Lord for forgiveness. I also fast for at least 3 days each month, praying and asking for forgiveness and repentance, for I, my family, every individual on this planet earth that we call home, and the Church.
As a servant of God, it is important to be obedient to God for He is intensely Holy. It is also important that one listen when God speaks, because ‘disobedience follows upon failure to hear correctly.’
A Scholar, Elwell Walters Affirm. “Sin is not only an act of wrong-doing but a state of alienation (isolation) from God.” According to Erickson, Millard J. a Scholar. “Sin is any evil action or evil motive that is in opposition to God. Simply stated, sin is failure to let God be God and placing something or someone in God’s rightful place of supremacy.”
Testimony:
What comes to mind is Idolatry. For example, years back, I loved wearing gold so much that I would wear double rings, necklaces, bracelets before stepping out of the house. I felt as though my joy and beauty came from wearing much gold, and the Lord took all of that away from me. Scripture tells us, “Do not let your adornment be merely outward, arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel, rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” (I Peter 3:3-4) (NKJV).
The core of sin is also unbelief, this has firm biblical support: in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve trusted the word of the serpent over the word of God; in the Gospels where Jesus Christ is rejected by the leaders of the Jews; in Acts 7, where Stephen is martyred at the hands of an unruly crowd; and in John 20:24–25, where Thomas arrogantly dismisses the resurrection of Jesus.
What should Christians do regarding the many unbelievers on this planet earth that we call home? Since unbelieve is sin, we must pray for their repentance. Scripture tells us, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24; Matthew 21:22) (NIV). So, we must believe and pray for the unbelievers in Jesus’s name.
Some Bible verses that talk about sin: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Roman 6:23).
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, and witchcraft; hatred, discord (strife among individuals) jealousy, fits of rage, (anger) selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21).
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us, but if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word is not in us.” (1 John 1:8-10).
Please surrender the old man to be crucified on the cross daily (dying to self-daily) Apostle Paul said, “I face death every day.” (1 Corinthians 15:31) to be transformed into a new self.
“For we know that our old self was crucified with Jesus so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” (Romans 6:6) Why are we still slaves to sin? Why do we still lie, why do we still hate our brothers and sisters? Why do we still have a jealous feeling? Anger, pride, deceit, condescending ways, evil thoughts? Evil desires? And Lust? Please let the old man be crucified and follow Jesus to the cross in total surrender.
The Book of Galatians 5:16 tells us to “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
Please walk in the Spirit, to quench the lust of the flesh and focus on Jesus. “You are a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” 2nd Corinthians 5:17) please let the new come.
What have you been able to let go regarding your character?
-Have you been able to let go of pride?
-Have you been able to let go of verbal abuse? Physical abuse?
-lies? Condescending ways? Gossiping? Anger?
-Question, what have you been able to let go?
A new sin free live, daily surrendering to the Lord. I am not saying it is easy, but the Holy Spirit will help us if we only ask.
Brothers and sisters, the way to heaven is very narrow, but the way to hell is extremely broad. Please take the narrow way and “cling unto Jesus.” (Jeremiah 13:11) The broad way is very sweet, enjoyment, drunkenness, fornication, harlotry, and by the time you realize what is going on, you are in deep hell, hell is very dark and smelly. Please avoid going there.
“Pour out your heart before the Lord” (Psalm 62:8) for He is our loving Father.
Amen.