Bible Study: Absolution from in dwelling Sin

To begin our journey toward absolving dwelling sin, it is important to first understand what sin truly means. In Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus, the word for sin is "ḥaṭā'," which translates to "missing the mark." This isn't just a description of doing something wrong; it conveys a sense of failing to fulfill the purpose for which one was created. Sin, then, is a deviation from the intended path—a spiritual disorientation.

In today's world, sin is often misunderstood or diminished to mere mistakes or moral failures. But from the biblical perspective, sin is a force that actively works against God’s intentions for us. It is not just an error in judgment or a failure to adhere to rules; it is a state of being that distances us from our Creator, obscuring our identity and purpose. Recognizing sin in this light gives us clarity on why we feel lost, confused, or distant from God and allows us to see the significance of Christ's sacrifice to redeem and restore us.

Mansa’s Journey: Recognizing Sin’s Presence and Power

Let’s consider the story of Mansa, a young man wrestling with his inner turmoil. Mansa, like many of us, battled anxiety and depression from an early age, which slowly led him into a mindset of victimization. He began to expect that he would be blamed whenever something went wrong, always feeling like the first one “voted off the island.” Over time, these thoughts and feelings shaped his identity—he became a meek and insecure young man who found solace in his charismatic nature and his hyperactive behavior, fueled by ADHD.

In the midst of his struggles, Mansa didn’t realize how sin was lurking at his door, waiting to ensnare him. This mirrors the story of Cain, whom God warned in Genesis 4:7, saying, "Sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must rule over it." Sin, in this sense, is not passive; it is like a predator waiting to consume its prey, just as it was for Cain, or when Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, displeased with his decision to marry outside their culture (Numbers 12:1-10). God revealed that their secret conversations had the same implication of a lion stalking its prey.

Sin, in Mansa's case, began to shape his choices. He sought to define himself not by his weaknesses but by the strength he believed he found in his charismatic identity. He engaged in relationships that were toxic, started arguments with his exes, cheated, and repeatedly entered and exited unhealthy cycles. He was on a path that seemed strong and self-assured, yet it was one that led him further from God.

Then came a turning point—a dramatic encounter. Mansa found himself poisoned, unconscious for an hour, his life hanging by a thread. A homeless Mexican man, led by a voice he believed was from God, found Mansa and saved his life. When Mansa regained consciousness, he was forced to confront his actions, his decisions, and the reality of sin in his life. This was his moment of awakening.

Upon reflection, Mansa realized that he was me. I was Mansa. And his story was my story. In that moment, I understood that sin had not only been lurking at my door but had already stepped in, taking root in my heart and mind.

Understanding the Nature of Sin and Satan

Sin is not just an abstract idea or a mere mistake. It is often equated with the devil, whose name in Aramaic, "Satan," means "accuser" or "adversary." The devil is depicted as the one who brings accusation, causing doubt and division. But it is important to understand that sin and Satan are not the same. Sin is the condition or state of being separated from God's intention, while Satan represents the adversarial force that seeks to exploit that separation.

Sin can be something we do, someone we become, or even a person or situation that leads us away from God. For example, it can be the unresolved bitterness in our hearts or the pride that blinds us to our faults. Over the years, sin has been confused with the devil, but they are distinct. Sin is the missing of the mark, the failure to live up to God's standard, while Satan is the personification of the force that pushes us toward that failure, whispering doubts, and exploiting our weaknesses.

When we understand this distinction, we see that sin can take many forms: a mindset, a habit, a distraction, or even a seemingly harmless pursuit that becomes an idol. Sin's corruptive nature distorts our self-perception and our relationship with others, leading to a life of deception and narcissism—a life centered on self rather than on God.

Clearing the Path: Steps to Cleanse from Sin

1. Confession and Vulnerability: James 5:16 instructs us, "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." Bringing sin into the light through confession removes its power. It requires vulnerability but leads to freedom and healing.

2. Repentance and Realignment: Repentance goes beyond feeling sorry; it involves a conscious decision to turn away from sin and back toward God (Acts 3:19). It’s about changing our direction and returning to God’s path.

3. Renewal Through the Word: Romans 12:2 encourages us to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This renewal comes through immersing ourselves in Scripture, allowing God's Word to reshape our thoughts and behaviors.

4. Dependence on the Holy Spirit: Galatians 5:16 reminds us, "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Walking in the Spirit means daily surrendering to God’s guidance and allowing His power to overcome the sin that entangles us.

5. Practices of Prayer and Fasting: Jesus taught that certain strongholds require prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). These disciplines help us draw closer to God, break the hold of sin, and gain spiritual clarity.

6. Accountability in Community: Being in fellowship with other believers provides support and encouragement. As Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." A community holds us accountable and helps us stay true to God’s calling.

The Corruptive Nature of Sin and Its Cleansing

Sin has a deceptive quality that blinds us to its true nature. It can disguise itself as self-empowerment or self-fulfillment, leading to a narcissistic attitude that places our desires above God's will. This deception can make us believe that we are self-sufficient, needing nothing beyond our own strength and wisdom.

Yet, as Mansa discovered, and as I learned, this path is ultimately hollow. It leads not to freedom, but to deeper bondage. The Bible provides clear guidance for cleansing these traits from our lives. We are to “put to death” the deeds of the flesh (Colossians 3:5), “clothe ourselves with humility” (1 Peter 5:5), and seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).

Cleansing ourselves from sin means embracing a life centered on Christ, where our identity is no longer defined by what we do, who we know, or what we achieve, but by who we are in Him.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for the blessings You have bestowed upon us—far more than we deserve or could earn on our own. We ask for Your protection over our families, guidance in our careers, and wisdom in all our endeavors. We especially lift up those who are pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams; may they be led by Your Spirit and grounded in Your truth. Thank You, Lord, for all You have done and continue to do in our lives. Help us to walk in Your light, cleansed from sin, and empowered to fulfill Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.