That Used To Be A Sin . . .

"Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness." 

~Romans 6:12-13 (NIV)

In today's world, we face a subtle but dangerous challenge: the redefinition of sin. What God clearly names as sin, our culture often labels as personal choice, alternative lifestyle, or even virtuous behavior. Paul's words in Romans 6 calls us to something radically different.

The apostle doesn't mince words. He commands us not to let sin reign in our bodies. This implies we have a choice-- we can either surrender to sin's authority or stand against it. Victory over sin begins with recognizing God's definitions, not the world's.  The world can call sin whatever it wants, but the Bible is clear.  

Paul balances this firm stance about sin with incredible hope. We're "those who have been brought from death to life." Our identity isn't primarily as sinners struggling to be good, but as the redeemed now empowered to live differently. This grace-filled reality makes victory possible.  But in order to do that we have to be clear about what is right and what is wrong.  What is virtuous and what is a sin.

How do you do that?  Start with this:

1. Return to Scripture Daily  Let God's Word, not social media, shape your understanding of right and wrong.  
2. Examine Cultural Messages  When encountering new ideas about morality, ask yourself, "Does this align with Scripture?"  If it doesn't, it's a worldly idea, not a moral one.
3. Seek Accountability  Connect with fellow believers who will speak biblical truth in love.  
4. Practice Confession  Acknowledge those places where you've accepted worldly definitions and turn back to God's standards.  
5. Celebrate Progress  Thank God in prayer for each victory against falling into worldly values as you grow in faith.  

There is a lot of false teaching out there about sin.  Too many churches are trying to please the world rather than preach the true gospel message.  Too many churches are trying to make the message palatable for our culture rather than using the power of God's Word to transform the world.  Too many churches are worried about offending people rather than teaching what the Bible actually says.  They'll take scriptures out of context and tell you they mean something they don't.  They'll tell you a verse no longer applies.  They'll tell you the translation is wrong.  They'll even tell you the Bible doesn't say something it actually says very clearly--and the only way you're going to know that, is if you know what the Bible says.  

We live in a very entitled culture that believes that if we don't like the rules, we can just change them.  That's not the way faith works.  We sometimes miss the point that God's Word is suppose to transform us--not the other way around!  When Jesus calls us to follow Him, he means for us to become like him.  To live in the spirit, not in the flesh.  And to use the excuse like so many churches do, that Jesus taught love therefore everything people do is okay, does not address the fact Jesus called out sin when he saw it.  He called on people to change. He called on sinners to turn away from our worldly values, repent, and "sin no more."  That just doesn't jive with their watered-down gospel.

The world will continue offering watered-down definitions of sin, but we stand on firmer ground. Through Christ, we have both the clear standards of Scripture and the power to live according to them.

~Pastor Todd Creason