1 John 3:4
This sermon explores the nature of sin as a transgression of God's moral law and its implications for believers.
John Gill emphasizes that sin, in any form, represents a deliberate and persistent transgression of God's moral law, which is essential for a righteous life. He clarifies that while human laws may vary, true sin is defined by its opposition to God's commandments, which encompass our thoughts, words, and actions. Gill warns that a continuous pattern of sin not only brings about guilt and condemnation but also jeopardizes one's status as a child of God. He underscores that sin is ultimately an affront to God Himself, as it violates His holy and just nature. The sermon serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of aligning our lives with God's will.
Text
Ver. 4. Whosoever committeth sin,.... This, in connection with what follows, is true of any sin, great or small, but here designs a course of sinning, a wilful, obstinate, persisting in sin:
transgresseth also the law; not of man, unless the law of men is founded on, and agrees with the law of God, for sometimes to transgress the laws of men is no sin, and to obey them would be criminal; but the law of God, and that not the ceremonial law, which was now abolished, and therefore to neglect it, or go contrary to it, was not sinful; but the moral law, and every precept of it, which regards love to God or to our neighbour, and which may be transgressed in thought, word, and deed; and he that committeth sin transgresses it in one or all of these ways, of which the law accuses and convicts, and for it pronounces guilty before God, and curses and condemns; and this therefore is an argument against sinning, because it is against the law of God, which is holy, just, and good, and contains the good and acceptable, and perfect will of God, which is agreeable to his nature and perfections; so that sin is ultimately against God himself:
for sin is a transgression of the law; and whatever is a transgression of the law is sin; the law requires a conformity of nature and actions to it, and where there is a want of either, it is a breach of it; it is concerned with the will and affections, the inclinations and desires of the mind, as well as the outward actions of life; concupiscence or lust is a violation of the law, as well as actual sin; and especially a course of sinning both in heart, lip, and life, is a continued transgression of it, and exposes to its curse and condemnation, and to the wrath of God; and is inconsistent with a true hope of being the sons and heirs of God: but then the transgression of what is not the law of God, whether the traditions of the elders among the Jews, or the ordinances of men among Papists, Pagans, and Turks, or any other, is no sin, nor should affect the consciences of men.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Definition of sin
- Types of sin: great and small
- Wilful and obstinate sinning
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II
- Transgression of God's law
- Distinction between moral and ceremonial law
- The consequences of transgressing God's law
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III
- The nature of God's law
- Sin as a violation of God's character
- The role of the law in convicting sin
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IV
- The relationship between sin and condemnation
- Hope for the sons and heirs of God
- The importance of understanding true sin
Key Quotes
“Whosoever committeth sin... designs a course of sinning, a wilful, obstinate, persisting in sin.” — John Gill
“The law requires a conformity of nature and actions to it, and where there is a want of either, it is a breach of it.” — John Gill
“Sin is a transgression of the law; and whatever is a transgression of the law is sin.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Recognize the seriousness of sin and its consequences in your life.
- Understand the importance of aligning your actions with God's moral law.
- Seek to live in obedience to God, reflecting His character in your daily life.