Day 12: The Character of Sin (Bonus Lesson 1)

One of the meanings of wine which we looked at in the previous lesson is that it represents the pleasures of sin. There is no doubt that sin at the moment it's being committed is pleasurable, but it's false pleasure that eventually brings the bitterness of guilt, condemnation, and sin's consequences. If we must avoid these, we must be able to recognize sin when it stares us in the face. So what is the character of sin?

The character of sin is deception and three characteristics make many people, including believers, fall into its trap repeatedly. These characteristics are given in the Amplified version of Hebrews 3:13. It reads:

"But continually encourage one another every day, as long as it is called “Today” [and there is an opportunity] so that none of you will be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [its cleverness, delusive glamour, and sophistication]. "

Hebrews 3:13

To understand these three characteristics, we'll put this scripture with two others. The first is 1 John 2:16 which says:

"For all that is in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life- is not of the Father but is of the world."

And Genesis 3:6, the very origin of sin in the human race gives three reasons Eve ate The Tree of Good and Evil. It reads:

"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate..."

Now, the three characteristics of sin:

1. Sin's cleverness:

Sin usually appears better than God's ways and it does this by presenting man with instant gratifications and solutions. It takes advantage of a man's desire to have what he wants now and to have it the way he wants, not God's. It's what John called the lust of the flesh and Eve fell for it when she saw that the tree God asked them not to eat was good for food. She found another wisdom to fulfill her needs other than God's.

2. Sin's delusive glamour:

Sin is usually very attractive, especially from afar. Those doing it appear to be having the time of their lives. Sin is glamorous. It takes advantage of what you can perceive through your physical eyes in media and your environment. In Genesis 3:6, Eve saw that the tree was pleasant to the eyes. That is the lust of the eyes.

3. Sin's sophistication:

Sin is usually in vogue and it's always most likely the popular opinion. This characteristic of sin is usually fueled by the desire to be like other men or be accepted by them. It assures you of bragging rights among men, an achievement to be proud of. The pride of life. For Eve, this was that the tree could make one wise. She wanted to be as wise as God.

These three characteristic ways sin tempts are litmus tests to keep your desires in check so you don't fall into the trap of sin through its deception. Sin however cannot be dealt with by human willpower and strength. Sin must be exposed to love's light, which comes from accurate knowledge of how Christ dealt with sin on the cross.

PRAY WITH ME:

Lord, purge my heart of the love of the world, my desires to find pleasure in ways contrary to yours. In times of temptation, grant me the grace to see sin for what it is and overcome its deception. Amen.

REFLECT AND ACT:

• If there are any negative habits or recurrent sins you're dealing with, the book of Romans arms you to deal with them. Read this book over and over again, study it, put its key verses on your lips, and watch the darkness disappear as light shines in your heart.