Is Sin Really a Big Deal to God? When Society and Scripture are at Odds.

Sin is really a big deal to God! Sin is defined as one who doesn’t keep God’s Word ( 1John 3:4).  Unfortunately as our society drives farther and farther away from the Word of God, more and more of what God says is sinful is not considered sinful anymore.  Does this mean that now it is OK to do the things that are clearly stated in God's Word as being sin?  No!  Sin is still sin to the Lord.  Remember, society's morals are very subjective because its morals are often not grounded on absolute truth. For example, marriage in our American society use to be held in high honor among many Americans a few generations ago; now many people in America view marriage as not necessary if a man and a woman wants to live together.  To cohabit together is considered by many of my generation the new normal, the new right thing to do when a man and a woman love each other.  Although society sees cohabitation as perfectly fine in 2011, is it truly fine with God?  Actually, cohabitation is not fine with God—it is sin! God’s Word is still the same—cohabiting together outside the bonds of marriage is fornication (Hebrews 13:4).  This issue is just one of many in our society today whereby it and the Bible are in direct conflict. 

Since sin is still a big deal to God, what should you do when your society is in conflict with the Scripture? What happens if you find yourself in a conflict between those who oppose your view of God and the Scripture?

1. Remember, do not fear humanity, but rather keep trusting what you know the Lord has said in His Word:

"The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."  Proverbs 29: 25

"In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?" Psalm 56:4

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. " 2 Timothy 3:14-16

2.  Pray for the Lord to strengthen you and help you be salt and light to those you interact with:

 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1

“You are the salt of the earth" Matthew 5:13

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 

"Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day." 1 Kings 8:28

3. Pray for those who you are in conflict that the Lord will open the door for you to lovingly share the truth of God's Word, if possible,  in a non-confrontational way.  Leave the results to God.

"Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness"2 Timothy 2:14-16

"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. " 2 Timothy 2:22-26

"I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:1-5

I hope this is helpful to you as you seek to serve the Lord in this increasingly wicked society that no longer respects the Word of God.  Sin is truly a big deal to God.  If you know the Lord, stand firm for the truth, and lovingly seek to win your opponents.  Who knows, by your strong Christ-like testimony, you may just give a door for the Holy Spirit to break down the hard heart of those who are caught up in society's ungodly lifestyle.

Rev. Steve
Psalm 119:89