SIN
The Bible teachings that sin is the state of being lost or separated from God and His will by our choices and actions. Sin interrupts, opposes, or delays the reign of God. Sin is a terrible condition, which is why it required a horrible sacrifice to save us from it. Although we are all born in sin, we must “wage war against it” (Romans 7:22-23) and “aim for perfection” (II Corinthians 13:11). Praise the Lord that Christ our Savior “set us free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2)!
1. Genesis 3:8-21 I can easily imagine my children trying to hide when they are about to get caught. Then pretending they didn’t do anything and blaming anyone else when playing innocent doesn’t work. Hopefully, all parents can easily see themselves doling out the earned painful and appropriate punishment. After explaining the consequences of disobedience we should show love and forgiveness by an act of kindness while still enforcing the punishment. Did you realize the Lord God made clothes for Adam and Eve?
2. Numbers 5:5-7 Punishment is a painful part of discipline, and unfortunately there’s more! We all should confess our sins and make full restitution for them. As parents it is our job to teach this to our children. Here’s where teaching by example becomes a major challenge!
3. I Samuel 15:22-23 These words are important to remember when our children disobey us. If we do not take a definite stand against rebellion we enable our kids to seriously offend our Lord, embarrass parents, and harm themselves.
4. II Chronicles 7:14 I always relate redemption to the new testament, but this is over-simplistic and incorrect. Christ was “slain from the creation of the world” (Revelation 13:8), and healing words like these gave hope before Jesus graced the earth in the form of man.
5. Hebrews 12:5-13 This passage explains so eloquently how discipline heals and the lack of discipline cripples us. Sadly, many today think the opposite.
You might be asking how do I put into practice what the Bible preaches? Here are some suggestions to consider…
† Take sin seriously. Don’t overlook or make excuses for disobedience.
† If the Bible doesn’t clearly label a situation you are dealing with as sin, think about whether or not it helps or hinders a relationship with God and a Christian witness to the lost.
† Effective punishment does not mean your kids stop being disobedient. Punishment should cause your child to fear consequences of sin, and as a result sin less.
† PRAY without ceasing!
