The Christian and Sin (1 John 3:1–9)

Most people today—and, unfortunately, many Christians and churches—treat sin more like empty calories than like cancer, something that can be enjoyed in moderation but not something to necessarily fear and fight. But even a cursory reading of the Bible reveals sin to be more the latter than the former. It’s pervasive and powerful, corrupting and consuming, and deceptive and damning.  Sin is not something with which God’s people should approach casually. Indeed, every Christian can echo the puritan prayer that says, “Eternal Father, thou art good beyond all thought, but I am vile, wretched, miserable, blind … I bring my soul to thee; break it, wound it, bend it, mould it. Unmask to me sin’s deformity, that I may hate it, abhor it, flee from it.” Summarily, sin is a big deal to God and should be to God’s people also. Why? Well, for starters, because sin prevents the enjoyment of Christ, the modelling of Christ, and the honouring Christ.