For a few verses now we have been studying what John the apostle tells us about being the beloved sons and daughters of God. We have been learning that God desires a family, and He has removed the barriers so that anyone who will can come unto Him, have their sins removed, and enjoy fellowship with Him. We have understood that because Jesus is coming again this has a purifying effect upon our attitudes and actions, and the expectancy of His return keeps us in ways that are not contrary to Him. Today John begins a new section of discussion that gives even greater clarity to what it means to be contrary to God's law. He states in First John chapter three and verse four:
Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
The word “commits” here means “practicing”. In other words, the idea is “whoever is practicing sin” transgresses the law. If we will recall, to “sin” is to “miss the mark”. It comes from the archery term when a person misses the appointed target. A “transgression” takes this idea a little further. It means to deliberately or willfully sin – to miss the mark on purpose. For example, let's suppose someone gave a boundary line and told us not to step over that boundary line. If we were not paying attention while walking or playing we might accidentally step over the line. That would be a “sin” against the line rule. However, if we know where the line is, walk over to it, and put our toe over the line on purpose, we have “transgressed” the line rule. The difference is a matter of our will.
Some of us may be able to relate this to children. Let's suppose we give a child a rule such as “Don't spill your milk, honey.” Then without regard to the laws of physics they goof around and knock the milk over accidentally. They have violated the rule, but did so just being a negligent child. However, if that same child knows the rule, looks her mommy or daddy in the eye, puts her finger on the milk and knocks it over on purpose, rebellion is present, and a transgression has occurred.
Remember also that we shared together about the difference between “sin” and “sins”. “Sin” is the nature that we have within us, and “sins” are the fruit of that nature. “We are not liars because we lie, but rather we lie because we are liars. If we were not liars, we could not lie” is the way one person puts it. John wants us to know that there is a natural tendency within all of us to go against the laws of God. Those who look for Jesus' appearing purify themselves and desire to stay away from transgressions and sins. This is in great contrast to many who are in the world who though they know the “rules of God” simply ignore them or outright rebel against them by practicing them over and over again. This distinguishes the children of God from the children of rebellion.
Let us not be presumptive. Let us not be rebellious for Jesus paid the price for our sin nature and our sins. It would be beneficial as we meditate upon these words today to ask the question of ourselves, “Am I in rebellion against God in any area?” or “Am I transgressing His rule in my life?” The word of God is often convicting, and today John the apostle has given us good reason for conviction to take root. Let us prayerfully consider these things so as not to be children of rebellion, but to be those who love to keep His rule.
Next time we will consider the purity and purpose of Jesus, so read ahead, and we shall share together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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