Defining Types of Sin
Defining the Types of Sins follow this link to download or print this resource
Sin, Iniquity, Transgression, Wickedness, Guile, and Lawlessness
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness: according to the multitude of Your tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” Psalm 51:1-2.
SIN: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans 6:23.
Sin is the act of wrong. Doing something against God or a person (Exodus 10:16) according to God’s perfect standard.
Flesh battles the Spirit and the Spirit battles the flesh (Gal 5:17) “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh…”
“Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin” James 4:17.
Iniquity: Bouncing from flesh to Spirit, living a life of inconsistency, double-minded, hypocrisy. Many times this has to do with our tongue; when we say one thing but live another.
Iniquity results in walking a path that is not level or equal, with obvious ups and downs in steadfastness. Signs of iniquity are reacting rather than responding.
A heart that is set on doing things “my way” rather than seeking God’s way and can also be doing God’s will “my way”; having a controlling attitude. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” Psalm 66:18.
Transgression: Taking freedoms to an extreme in thoughts, words, actions, and attitude. This has to do with going over a boundary line where we have no right to go.
Adding to the truth of God’s word; such as taking the word love to mean we must accept sin in others so that we don’t offend them. Living our life without absolutes; such as relativism, meaning that “your truth is not my truth” and disregard the absolute truth of scriptures. Mixing earthly wisdom with heavenly (godly) wisdom and calling them the same. Choosing rights, expectations, and comforts over the biblical standards that cause a mixing of the culture around with moral Christian values.
Gal. 6:1-7 “Do not be deceived”
Wickedness: This is not keeping your path straight and smooth. It is a falling back, a turning aside, crookedness, and loving the things of the world with those things as the top priority. It is planning schemes of destruction and choosing to serve false gods.
“Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them” Psalm 55:15.
Guile: This is deceitful, sneaky, trickiness, and cunning like a snake. It is making your life look good on the outside when you that it is full of gunk and self on the inside. Deceiving with disregard as to how it may destroy others as long as it maintains self. The intent of the heart is covered up at all costs. Many are guilty of guile in relationships.
Lawlessness: Making your own life the final authority for right and wrong. It is active rebellion set on doing what is right in their own sight determined to make their own independent choices. This is a defiance of God’s law with an attempt to redefine it; such as, legalize abortion, legalize immorality, and redefine marriage to include same-sex relationships.
“And because lawlessness shall abound, the love of many shall become cold” Matt. 24:12.
(Find other resources in teaching handouts under the Bible Study Resources heading)