SIN IS PROLIFIC AND PROGRESSIVE
" . . . sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." -Genesis 4:7 (NKJV)
Sin is not passive; it is prolific. Scripture describes it as crouching just outside the door of our hearts, waiting for an opportune time to attack and subdue us. The very nature of sin is to grow and spread itself in as many lives and situations as possible. And whether we like it or not, our relationships can serve as channels through which our own sin can pass and infect others.
Here's one example of how this works. Let's pretend that you know something really juicy about a man with an addiction. A Christian is supposed to cover over another person's shame (Proverbs 17:9), but your flesh is having a difficult time keeping this quiet. So, in a moment of weakness, you find yourself picking up the phone and dialing the number of one of your friends. It's just a matter of time before you start to discuss this man's dirt.
That's bad enough, but it doesn't stop there. Now your friend feels the need to pick up the phone and call one of his friends, and on and on it goes until word gets back to the one with the addiction. Imagine how he must be devastated! What happened? Not only did you sin, but there's now a trail of sin winding its way through many hearts.
Again, sin is not passive; it is prolific. And when it isn't dealt with in your heart by the power of the Holy Spirit, it will seize the opportunity to infect others via your relationship with your spouse, parents, children, employers, and friends. Our relationships should serve as channels for blessing, not sin. If we're guilty of letting a relationship be used for sin, let's ask God's Spirit to change our hearts and help us change the channel.
So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. (Galatians 5:16 NLT)
Discuss, Dig, Decide
Discuss with your group the infectious spreading of sin. Why do you think our response to someone else’s sin can be just as sinful as their actions?
What does slanderous sin cost those involved?
Dig into Genesis 4. What impression does this story make on you? How does it remind you of your own struggle with sin? How does Galatians 5:16 offer you the hope you need?
Decide to take action against the spreading of sin in your life. Take time as a group to pray and ask God to help you in that area of temptation that keeps creeping in.
Meditate on Psalm 119:11 and obey it!
