What Is Sin? | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message reminds us that we were all once dead in our trespasses and sins, living according to the world's standards rather than God's. The Bible warns us that sin is not just a minor mistake, but a fundamental rebellion against God's holiness. We are not defined by our own self-perceived goodness or morality, but by our relationship with God. This message challenges us to re-examine our lives and ask ourselves if we are following the crowd or following Christ.

Key Scripture References

• Ephesians 2:1-3 - The Bible says we were dead in our trespasses and sins, living according to the world's standards rather than God's. This passage highlights the severity of sin and its effects on us.
• Romans 6:23 - The wages of sin is death, emphasizing that sin has consequences and leads to spiritual separation from God. This truth underscores the importance of understanding sin as a fundamental rebellion against God's holiness.
• James 1:14-15 - Temptation grows, and when we give in to it, sin conceives and eventually gives birth to death. This passage illustrates how sin progresses from temptation to full-blown rebellion against God.
• Romans 3:23 - All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, emphasizing that sin is not just a minor mistake but a fundamental aspect of human nature. This truth challenges us to see ourselves as we truly are in relation to God's holiness.
• Matthew 7:13-14 - There are two roads in life: one leads to destruction, and the other leads to life. The Bible warns us that many follow the crowd down the wide road of sin, while few find the narrow path of righteousness. This passage encourages us to carefully consider which road we are on.
• Romans 2:14-15 - Even our consciences can deceive us into thinking we are doing what is right when, in fact, we are not. The Bible reminds us that it is the Lord who judges us, not our own self-perceived goodness or morality.
• Matthew 7:12-13 - We should not be surprised if the world rejects us for following Christ, as they often reject those who follow God's standards rather than their own. This passage encourages us to stand firm in our commitment to God's Word and principles.

Key Takeaways

• We must recognize that sin is not just a minor mistake but a fundamental rebellion against God's holiness. The Bible warns us that sin has consequences, leading to spiritual separation from God.
• The world may tell us what is right and wrong based on their own standards, but the Bible reminds us that we are accountable to God alone. We must not follow the crowd down the wide road of sin but instead seek to follow Christ and His teachings.
• Sin progresses from temptation to full-blown rebellion against God, leading to spiritual death. The Bible warns us to be aware of this progression and to resist the temptation to give in to sin.
• We must not rely on our own self-perceived goodness or morality but instead seek to understand ourselves in relation to God's holiness. The Bible reminds us that it is the Lord who judges us, not our own consciences.

This Week's Challenge

This week, take two specific steps:

1. Reflect on your life and ask yourself if you are following the crowd or following Christ. Be honest with yourself about where you are in relation to God's standards.

2. Seek to understand the concept of sin as defined by the Bible, rather than relying on your own self-perceived goodness or morality. Study Scripture and pray for wisdom to see yourself as God sees you.

Reflection Questions

• How do I define sin in my life? Is it something that is serious and worthy of attention, or do I minimize its importance?
• Am I more concerned with being popular or following Christ? What does the Bible say about this choice?
• What are some areas in my life where I am tempted to give in to sin? How can I resist these temptations and seek to follow God's standards instead?