Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin …
Summary: How do we keep others from falling into sin? Paul is instructing us on this topic, but we need to proceed with caution and love.
When was the last time you caught someone in a “sin?”
Be careful how you answer! (This is a trick question!)
When Paul talks about “sin” in this context, what does he mean? Is he talking about big sins or little ones? Does he mean sins of omission or only sins of commission? What, exactly, does he mean?
The Greek word Paul used is “paráptōma.” “Paráptōma” is one of several Greek words we translate into English as the word “sin.” (Much like the English word “love” has many Greek equivalents, each with a specific meaning.)
This particular word suggests a “lapse or deviation.”* Considering the nature of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, I wonder if Paul would consider the Galatians’ “deviation” from the gospel Paul preached to them as falling into this category.
Pointing to sin in others is a tricky topic! Jesus was very clear when he said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). He went on to explain that we all have a blind spot and it is best if we make sure we are right with God before we even think about correcting anyone else. (See Matthew 7:3-5)
If someone is “caught in a sin,” it would have to be a sin that is plainly spelled out in Scripture and agreed to by the members of the church. It would also likely be an unintentional sin as opposed to an intentional one.
For example, suppose a person in the church is offended by something another church-goer says. Should the offended one be angry with the other person? Not according to Jesus! He says we should restrain our anger (Matthew 5:22), love our enemy (Matthew 5:43-45), and forgive others as we want to be forgiven (Matthew 6:14).
If we see someone falling into this kind of sin, that is probably one we could help with. If a person harbors things in their heart that only God knows, that is more difficult.
There is no easy answer here. Dealing with our own sin is a full-time job for most of us. Trying to help others deal with their sin requires a level of maturity few have.
Brothers and sisters, if you think you have caught someone in a sin, be very careful. The greatest commandments include loving God above all else and our neighbors as ourselves. The love Jesus points us to is “agapé” love. It is very powerful, very patient, and very inclusive. Whatever course of action we choose, we should always start with love.
Application: Love as if your life depended on it.
Food for Thought: How many kinds of sins are there, and what are they?
*”G3900 – paraptōma – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 6 Aug, 2024. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3900/niv/mgnt/0-1/.
That’s quite a question.
I think people have tried to come up with a list based on the Bible, added to it, taken away from it, modified it according to “modern” circumstances.
I think for follower of Christ today, we should look at what Christ taught us about sinless living through the evidence of His life and in the Words of One who lived a sinless life. Meaning, believing He is the Son of God, and follows the Will of the Father, His life is a demonstration of a life without sin. Complete faith in God and His Will. If we model our life after Him, live in His Spirit, then we will live a life without:
Selfishness (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45)
Pride (Luke 18:9-14, Luke 20:45-47)
Unbelief (Matthew 16:1-4)
Hypocrisy (Matthew 22:13-39)
Greed (Matthew 6:24, Matthew 6:33, Mark 12:41-44)
Unforgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 18:21-35, Luke 23:34)
Hatred (John 13:34-35, Matthew 5:21-26)
Disobedience (Luke 11:28, John 14:15, Matthew 21:28-32)
Judging Others (Luke 5:27-31, Matthew 7:1-6 Luke 37-38)
Impurity ((Matt. 15:1-20, Mark 7:1-23)
Now, what I am about to say here is my personal belief, my personal understanding of sin. That God is perfect, Holy, righteous, and love. He is Life and the source of life. His Life gives life. Anything that says He is not perfect, Holy, righteous, and love is sin. Anything that says He is not Life and the source of life is sin. Anything that says His Life doesn’t not give life is sin. To me, this is the fundamental root of Satan’s rebellion and Adam’s original sin. To me this is the foundation of sin in my life and what I see in mankind. That when we cast our doubt on God about who He is, we no longer have faith in Him. When we cast away doubt, and place our faith in Him, when we believe He is who He says He is, will do what He says He will do, we can be brought back into His presence.
Chris,
Thank you for accepting the challenge of today’s question! 🙂
A agree that any denial of God is a sin against God.
Thanks also for pointing us to our need to place our faith in God. Ultimately, that is what we need to do regardless of past rebellion or sin.
This really is quite a question Jeff!
How many kinds of sins are there, and what are they?
Sin is a spiritual condition which separates us from God, and can only be covered by the shed blood of Jesus. I would say they, sins, are innumerable.
It’s common for people to claim that all sin is the same.
James 2:10 is often quoted: For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.
Then we have:
John 19:11 when He addresses Pilate at His trial: You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered Me over to you has the greater sin.
Sin is an act of breaking the laws of God, according to 1 John 3:4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. Rebelling against God is an act of lawlessness which means it is a sin.
Mark 3:29 says, But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven
There are two types of sins according to Bible; the original sin at birth, and personal sins, accumulated throughout life.
The Original sin: Psalms 51:5 that “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me” Therefore, everyone is born a sinner.
Personal sins: Galatians 5:19-21.19 Sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
John 16:8-11, 8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world about sin, and about righteousness, and about judgment: 9 about sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to My Father and you will no longer see Me; 11 about judgment, because the ruler of this world (Satan) has been judged and condemned.
All know when they are sinning, and when we are walking with our Lord. The Holy Spirit is convicting all so we have no need to try to keep track, or evaluate an act with our own limited abilities.
Thanks, Ron!
Yeah … I almost feel like I should apologize for today’s question. Yet there is value in pondering the question! 🙂
I’m glad you referenced 1 John 3:4 where it says “sin is lawlessness.” That is a great definition of sin and a good place to start.
I also like your conclusion. It is similar to where Chris pointed us …
The Holy Spirit keeps us in check. All we have to do is listen and obey.
Definitely value in pondering this question. It was great seeing what God’s word tells us about this.
Ron
How many kinds of sins are there, and what are they?
Too many to count and mankind has been so corrupt, turning away from God that it seems like men come up with a new sin all the time. Sin is something that is against our God’s character, anything that doesn’t bring Him glory. Every action can lead to sin in some way but our God knows our hearts and is still willing to find a way for us to be in a relationship with Him even though we are sinful creatures.