The following is a part of my sermon from Psalm 51. Prayerfully we understand as we observe ,the life of David, how terrible it is to walk in sin as a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps a quick overview of exactly what we are dealing with will be a big help.
Personal sin
1. Definition: Personal sin is any thought or attitude, act or failure to act, that violates God’s standard of perfect holiness.
2. Scripture
– James 3:2 “We all stumble in many ways”
– Romans 3:23 “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
3. Penalty. The unbeliever’s sins prevent him from having fellowship (a personal relationship) with God until he is saved. The believer as well loses the enjoyment of fellowship with God when he lives with sins unconfessed (1 John 1:9). Note: Personal sins are obviously related to inherited sin and imputed sin. Personal sins are the visible and “knowable” expression of our inherited sin nature and imputed sin. Personal sins are how a person knows he has a sin problem.
The Remedies for sin
| Problem | Remedy | Response Required |
| Inherited Sin (Ephesians 2:3) |
Christ died for sinners (Romans 5:8). The Holy Spirit “regenerates” us (spiritually changes us Titus 3:5). |
We must personally put our trust in Christ’s sacrifice for our sin (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 1:15,16 etc.) |
| Imputed Sin (Romans 5:12) |
The righteousness of Christ is “imputed” to us (2 Corinthians 5:21). | This takes place when we trust in Christ (Romans 3:21,22). |
| Personal Sin (Romans 3:23) |
– Unbelievers – The death of Christ (Ephesians 2:13)- Believers – The death of Christ (1 John 1:7) |
– Trust in Christ (above)- Confess Sin (1 John 1:9) |
Sin in the life of a Christian
1. The reality of sin in the believer.
Christians still have the sin nature (Romans 7:14-25; especially 7:17,20,21,23). Believers have both the sin nature and the new nature (Romans 8:10; Ephesians 4:22-24). The old nature is not “eradicated” (destroyed) in this life. That is why we continue to commit personal sin (1 John 1:8).
2. The consequences of sin in the life of a believer.
Sin in our life will interrupt the joy of our relationship with God. Persisting in sin may bring God’s discipline (Hebrew 12:5-11), even sickness and death (1 Corinthians 11:30; James 5:19,20; 1 John 5:16). Excommunication from the local church is necessary for some sin (Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5).
3. The remedy when believers sin.
– The remedy when we sin as a believer is to simply confess our sin (1 John 1:9). “Confess” literally means to “agree with” God about that sin. If we still defend the sinful thought or act in any way, we have not confessed.
– True confession produces a desire to change. But even if we sin the same way again, the solution is again confession.
– Confessing sin is a major truth of the Christian’s life. Confession brings the cleansing Christ provided (1 John 1:7). Positionally, all sin is already forgiven, but we claim and experience that forgiveness by confession. The joy of fellowship with God is then restored. The Holy Spirit is then free to “fill us” and change us (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22,23; Romans 8:13 – see notes on the “Holy Spirit”).
This particular piece came from: (Survey of the Bible: Man and Sin. By Sid Litke…bible.org)
May God bless and continue to inspire you. I’m blessed.