Study #21: VAV

THE NATURE OF SIN

What we have learnt is that VAV is synonymous with sin.

Sin is not just an action but our nature before we accepted Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

It is the one disease for which there is no human cure – except for the Blood of Jesus.

Jesus said in Mark 2:10 ” The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sin”.

1. SIN HAD A BEGINNING.

When Adam disobeyed God’s command in Genesis 2:17, he was infected by sin which he passed it on to everyone who has been born since. All are natural-born sinners ( Romans 5:12 )

2. THE SIN NATURE OPERATES WITHOUT RESTRAINTS.

Natural man operates solely through his fleshly desires ( Galatians 5:19-20).

His sin nature will condemn him to death and eternity apart from God ( Romans 6:23 ).

3. THE SIN NATURE HAS A RIVAL.

Through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, natural man has a choice – to follow or to reject God.

If we put off our old selves and put on Christ, Paul tells us our new selves will act “like God in true righteousness and holiness” ( Eph.4: 22-24 ).

4. THE SIN NATURE BATTLES WITH GODLINESS.

Paul describes the conflict within him vividly in Romans 7:17-19 – a struggle every believer has with sin.

5. THE SIN NATURE CAN BE OVERCOME.

The old nature does not disappear with salvation. It is still present in our flesh.

Paul gives us two options – to walk by the flesh ( Gal. 5:16 ) or by the Spirit.

Father God, an unbeliever cannot battle against the sin nature because it is his nature. But believers can overcome by making the right choice. James 4:7 is a timely reminder to us to do two things: “Submit yourselves, then, to God.Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”.