Sin: The Fight Inside- by: Francis Jackson

What does sin mean?

1. Missing the mark of God's will by choice and because of human weakness (Jas. 1:14-15,Rom. 7:24-25)
2. Action or attitude that disobeys God, betrays Him, or fails to do good. (Rom. 3:23, Jas. 4:17)

I. What parts of our human nature does sin have opportunity? (1 Jn. 2:15-16)
   A. Lust of the flesh (Gen. 3:6, Lk, 4:3-4)
   B. Lust of the eyes (Gen. 3:6, Lk. 4:5-8)
   C. Pride of life (Gen. 3:6, Lk. 4:9-12)
*Note - Those are the only areas where sin can have opportunity (Lk. 4:13)

II. For believers, our sinful nature wars against the Holy Spirit that's within us. (Gal. 5:17-23)
   A. The deeds of the flesh are evident(vv. 19-21)
   B. The fruits of the Spirit work in a completely opposite direction (vv22-23, Matt.12: 33-37)

III. For non-Christians, sin is the dominant force in their lives (Rom. 5-20a)
   A. Without God's grace, unbelievers are liable to the standard of God's perfect law (Rom. 7:13-14, Rev 20:11-15, Rom. 6:23)
   B. Until a person dies and is made alive in Christ, sin will continue to have dominion in their life (Rom. 6:9-12)

Knowing now where sin has opportunities and the power that it has, make every effort in being proactive in cutting off any avenues that allow sin to reign in your life. When we fail to do that, we need to confess it as sin so that we can be cleansed from all unrighteousness.

God Bless