Chapter 9

The topic of sin makes us feel uncomfortable, or worse. But there is a reason why some notion of sin is necessary. Crooked only makes sense if we have some idea of straight; brokenness is meaningful only if we have some idea of wholeness; sickness implies that there is such a thing as health. Sin reminds us that we can and should be different. Sin is not what God intends for humanity. We detest failure because we want to succeed. We should hate sin because we were made for God and for goodness. Sin and evil are inextricably related. Sin is a turning away from God. Such turning inevitably creates disorder in the world, which is the essence of evil. If sin is the explosion, the destruction that results is evil. As Augustine wrote, evil is the perversion of the good. The goal of this session is to lead you to repentance and restoration. If there is a passage of scripture that explores this theme with exceptional power, it is Romans 7 and 8. What do you learn about sin in the following texts? About redemption?

Psalm 32; Psalm 36; Psalm 51; Psalm 73; Romans 7:1-6; Romans 7: 7-11; Romans 7:12-25; Romans 8:1-11

As was already stated, crooked implies the reality of straight, broken the reality of wholeness, sickness the reality of health. Take one of the Seven Deadly Sins—perhaps the one you struggle with the most—and imagine what your life would be like if you submitted this to God and started living in holiness, purity and truth. For example . . .

1. If you struggle with gluttony, what would it mean to approach food in moderation, to receive it in gratitude, to practice hospitality?

2. If you struggle with lust, what would it mean to see people not as objects but as God’s beloved image-bearers and as people to love and serve?

3. If you struggle with avarice, what would it mean for you to enjoy the good things God gives, to steward them responsibly and to share them with others?

4. If you struggle with sloth, what would it mean to develop a healthy rhythm of hard, patient, steady work, punctuated by periods of rest, refreshment and recreation?

5. If you struggle with anger, what would it mean to develop patience in difficult circumstances and in difficult relationships?

6. If you struggle with envy, what would it mean for you to take pleasure in the success of others, and in your own too?

7. If you struggle with vainglory or pride, what would it mean for you to treat God’s opinion as the most important in your life?

Be as specific as you can in this section. Imagine a life of faith and obedience instead of a life of sin and selfishness. What does it look like? What does it feel like? How can you move in that direction? What help do you need?

What did you learn about sin, evil, and repentence in the chapter, Bible study, and spiritual exercise? What is your point of greatest struggle? What would life look like if health replaced sickness in your life?

Psalm 51:10-12