What Is Sin?

Memory Verse: "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4).

Scripture Reading: Romans 7:7-25.

Introduction: What is sin? The inhabitants of earth have been subjected to pain, sorrow, decay and death. Why is this earth so far short of paradise? Why is there a conflict between man and his elements? Why is man unable to live peacefully with other men? Why is this blight? These conditions have often been attributed to one word: sin. So, then we ask, "What is sin?"
  The Bible teaches that "sin is the transgression of the law." There is no other source of definition for sin than that given in the Bible. We are persuaded that sin exists because of: 1) the presence of disease, suffering and blight of earth; 2) the constant warfare among men and nations; 3) the inward war of the conscience, "...when I would do good, evil is present..." (Romans 7:21); and 4) the phenomenon of the endurance of the Bible which reveals the existence of sin as a warning to mankind.
  Sin brought a carnal character over man, who was originally created in the image of God in innocence. Man became degraded by sin and lost the glory given him at creation. His countenance was marred by sin, and his heart tended toward evil. His physical being is racked by pain and disease. His will power and moral faculties are stunted, until in mercy God shortens his days on earth to relieve him of the extended misery that would have attended a prolonged life.
  Selfishness and greed are seen in the world to the extent that moral and spiritual matters are neglected and deserted for the sake of monetary or other such gain. Even as man knows he faces certain death, he is goaded by an evil nature. Prompted by powers of darkness, he tries to capture power and wealth. In love and mercy, God calls for man to repent. He calls us to overcome sin in our lives so that we can experience the glorious transformation from the carnal nature to the spiritual one--through new birth in Christ (John 3:3).

Questions:

1. How does the Bible define sin and how is it recognized? 1 John 3:4; 5:17; James 2:9-11; Romans 7:7.

2. Since the "curse causeless shall not come" (Proverbs 26:2), what then brought the curse upon earth and mankind? Genesis 3:16-19; 6:11-13; 18:20; 19:24,25.

3. How is the modern age compared with ancient times? Luke 17:26-30.

4. How is sin described as a fruit? Deuteronomy 32:32; Hosea 10:18; Matthew 7:17.

5. How is the harvest of the fruit of sin described? Isaiah 17:11; Jeremiah 12:13; Galatians 6:7,8.

6. When will a harvest of sin in general take place? Joel 3:12,13; Revelation 14:15.

7. How and when will sin be fully eradicated? 2 Peter 3:3-7; Jude 6; Revelation 20:5,13.

8. What are the future promises of God? 1 Corinthians 15:24-26; Revelation 21:3,4,27; 22:3.

9. What will the spiritual harvest be? Psalm 126:5,6; Hosea 10:12; Galatians 6:8,9.

10. What are the fruits of sin? Galatians 5:19-21.