Everyday Discernment: The Importance of Spirit-led Decision MakingSample

Discernment of Sin

Sin can be defined as “transgression of God’s will, either by doing what He forbids, or failing to do what He requires.” Sin came into the world through one man, Adam, and death through sin came to all people because all have sinned (Rom. 5:12). We are forgiven of our sinful past when we repent and decide to follow Jesus. 

Sin can also be defined in James 4:7. “If anyone then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” The more we learn and grow as Christians, the more we are held accountable to our knowledge, but with that knowledge, we have more tools to resist sin with the help of the Holy Spirit. 

The Bible tells us the consequences of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). This death is often believed to only be after we die; however, if we look at sin while we are Christians, it separates us from a relationship with God with our burden of guilt; it keeps the Holy Spirit from living comfortably in our lives.

It is crucial that we use discernment when faced with a choice to sin (remember that we get discernment from the Bible, Godly relationships, and the Holy Spirit). Sin is figuratively crouching at the door waiting to be let in. Sometimes, the temptation to sin will never go away completely, but the less that we entertain sin by letting it enter our spiritual home, the more comfortable we are in combatting it.

We cannot hate the sin more in other people's lives than we do in our own.  Sin promises what it cannot deliver.  Sin destroys relationship with God.  

What is an area of sin in your life that you need increased discernment in?  What are ways you can overcome that sin once and for all?