Theology / Man and Sin

  • Sin That Leads to Death

    1 John 5:16–17

    While we may struggle to understand what the sin leading to death is, this verse encourages us to pray for one another. And even though John does not suggest praying for the person who has committed the sin leading to ...Read More

  • Speaking the Truth

    Ephesians 4:25

    Martin Luther purportedly said, “Peace if possible, but truth at any rate.” We cannot lie to others about the depth of our sin or the sin of others even if we know lies will maintain “peace” between different parties. We ...Read More

  • Suffering in the Spirit

    Romans 8:18–30

    How long has it been since you experienced any of the groaning Paul refers to in Romans 7 and 8? Is it possible that you have allowed your conscience to become hardened to your own waywardness? Ask the Lord to ...Read More

  • Testifying of God’s Mercy

    Psalm 51

    Read John 4:1–42. What did the woman do when she heard that Jesus was the Messiah? What was the result of her testimony? Do you feel compelled to tell others of the mercy of Christ? Think through your ...Read More

  • The Angel Brings Judgment

    1 Chronicles 21

    Our culture is accustomed to seeing Jesus as meek and mild; indeed, this is an accurate picture of Him. Yet it is not a full-orbed depiction, for He is also the great Judge to come who will execute God’s ...Read More

  • The Army of the Lord

    Joel 2:1–11

    John Calvin comments on Joel 2:1–11, reminding us that its final end is not to preach judgment for judgment’s sake but to warn people to turn from sin: “The object of the narrative, then, is to make ...Read More

  • The Battle Within

    Romans 7:7–25

    Only the person who has been given a new heart by the Holy Spirit can long for His precepts (Ps. 119:40); therefore, only the regenerate person has a real struggle within when he fails to obey. If you trust ...Read More

  • The Consequences of Sin

    2 Kings 17:1-23

    If we are in Christ, we need not fear that we will be exiled from the blessed presence of God forever. However, God may still discipline us for our sin, and we may feel the effects of His disciplinary rod ...Read More

  • The Curse of God

    Deuteronomy 28:15-68

    God’s blessing of eternal, resurrected life depends on perfect obedience (Gal. 3:10–14). We trust in Christ and His obedience to receive this blessing, for we fall short of the glory of God. While the Lord blesses us ...Read More

  • The Deception of Empty Words

    Ephesians 5:6

    There are men and women struggling with sexual sin in all of our congregations. They want to please God and are seeking to mortify the flesh, and we should do all that we can to help them. This means creating ...Read More

  • The Depth of Our Sin

    Psalm 14:2-3

    We must remember that we “sin because we are sinners” and not that “we are sinners because we sin.” All of us are born with a nature at enmity with God, and every wicked act we perform flows from our ...Read More

  • The Drama of Redemption

    Psalm 85:10

    Today’s passage contains the beautiful imagery of justice and peace (or mercy, as other translations put it) kissing each other. Our Father graciously restores peace between Himself and us in Christ Jesus. This peace is permanent, for it is ...Read More

  • The Duality of Man

    Daniel 12:1–2

    The Bible teaches duality — man is composed of body and soul that exist together harmoniously. This is different from dualism — body and soul are opposed to one another. We must be careful to take care of our bodies by eating ...Read More

  • The Extent of Our Sin

    John 6:44

    Understanding the extent of our sin should affect the way we conduct our evangelism. We should pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of those with whom we share the Gospel. We should not be surprised when ...Read More

  • The Fall of Adam

    Genesis 3:14–19

    Our culture tempts us to see work itself as a curse and to live for the day when we need not labor any more. But the Bible says we are made to work for God’s glory, and although there ...Read More