What Is Sin? Understanding How We Miss the Mark
Sin separates us from God—but what is it really? Learn the biblical definition of sin, how it starts, and how to fight it with wisdom and surrender.
Proverbs 1:8-19
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Do you struggle with sin?
God created you to glorify and enjoy him forever. The easiest way to break your satisfying relationship with God is to sin. When we sin, it is a stab to the very heart of God and the number one way we create barriers in our relationship with him.
There are two chief ways to define sin, one from a broad perspective and the other from a narrower perspective.
Broad Definition – In its most general sense, to sin is to “miss the mark.” Picture an archery range. Just as a shooter can miss his or her target, sin in a person’s life is missing God’s intended goal. It is any violation of any law put forth by God (1 John 3:4). This includes what we know and do not know.
Narrow Definition – From a narrower point of view, sin is intentionally violating God's known will for our lives. We know what God has said about this act or decision, and we still choose to go against what he has commanded.
Everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). You were born with a desire to sin. Sin originated with Satan and came into this world as a result of one man’s choice. Romans 5:12 says sin and death entered into the world because of Adam, the first man ever created. Sin is serious because it separates us from God.
Proverbs 1:8-19 says,
8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction,
and don’t reject your mother’s teaching,
9 for they will be a garland of favor on your head
and pendants around your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you,
don’t be persuaded.
11 If they say—“Come with us!
Let’s set an ambush and kill someone.
Let’s attack some innocent person just for fun!
12 Let’s swallow them alive, like Sheol,
whole, like those who go down to the Pit.
13 We’ll find all kinds of valuable property
and fill our houses with plunder.
14 Throw in your lot with us,
and we’ll all share the loot”—
15 my son, don’t travel that road with them
or set foot on their path,
16 because their feet run toward evil
and they hurry to shed blood.
17 It is useless to spread a net
where any bird can see it,
18 but they set an ambush to kill themselves;
they attack their own lives.
19 Such are the paths of all who make profit dishonestly;
it takes the lives of those who receive it.
To sin is to miss the mark of God’s intended desire for our lives.
