Ghana Teaching - The Doctrine of Sin: Understanding the Problem Christ Came to Solve

Why We Must Understand Sin

Today we are talking about sin. This is not a comfortable topic, but it is a necessary one. If we misunderstand sin, we misunderstand salvation. If we minimize sin, we minimize the cross. If we avoid teaching about sin, we weaken the church.

Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.”

Every person on earth has the same foundational problem. And Jesus came to solve that problem completely.

2. The Nature of Sin

2.1 Sin is rebellion against God

Isaiah 53:6 says, “We all like sheep have gone astray. We have turned every one to his own way.”

Sin is not only doing wrong things. It is rejecting God’s rule. It is choosing our own way instead of His. Sin is independence from God.

2.2 Sin is a condition, not just an action

Psalm 51:5 says, “In sin did my mother conceive me.”

This means sin is not only something we do. It is something we are born into. We sin because we are sinners by nature. The problem is internal.

2.3 Sin deceives, blinds, and enslaves

Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart is deceitful above all things. In John 8:34 Jesus says, “Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.”

Sin corrupts desires. Sin blinds judgment. Sin destroys identity. Sin enslaves the will. Sin always takes more than it gives.

3. The Consequences of Sin

3.1 Separation from God

Isaiah 59:1 to 2 says sin separates us from God. This is the greatest consequence of sin. It breaks relationship.

3.2 Spiritual death

Romans 6:23 says sin produces death. Not only physical death, but spiritual death. Separation from God means separation from life.

3.3 Destruction of character, relationships, and destiny

Galatians 6:7 to 8 says we reap what we sow. Those who sow to the flesh reap corruption.

Sin always destroys. It destroys families. It destroys confidence. It destroys callings. It destroys futures. Sin is not small. It is deadly.

4. The Cross Is God’s Answer to Sin

The cross is not just a symbol. It is the place where God deals with sin completely.

4.1 Christ bears our sin and satisfies justice

Isaiah 53:4 to 6 teaches that Christ carried our sin and was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was placed on Him.

God’s justice required payment. Christ became the payment. God’s mercy wanted to forgive. Christ made forgiveness possible.

4.2 Christ breaks the power of sin

Romans 6:6 to 7 says our old self was crucified with Christ so that sin would lose its power. First John 3:8 says Christ came to destroy the works of the devil.

Through the cross Christ breaks sin’s grip. Through the Spirit Christ breaks sin’s habits.

4.3 Christ restores relationship and identity

Second Corinthians 5:17 to 21 says we become new creations. Old things pass away. New things begin.

We do not simply receive forgiveness. We receive a new identity. We do not simply escape judgment. We enter reconciliation with God.

5. The Ongoing Battle Against Sin

Salvation removes sin’s penalty and breaks sin’s power, but the flesh must still be crucified daily.

5.1 The flesh must be crucified daily

Galatians 5:16 to 17 says the flesh and the Spirit are in conflict.

5.2 The mind must be renewed

Romans 12:2 says to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

5.3 The believer must walk in the Spirit

Galatians 5:24 to 25 says those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh and must walk in the Spirit.

Holiness is impossible without the Spirit. Victory over sin is a daily walk, not a one time experience.

6. Why Ministers Must Teach Clearly About Sin

6.1 Without sin the cross makes no sense

If sin is not serious, the cross is unnecessary.

6.2 Without sin repentance becomes unnecessary

Acts 17:30 says God commands all people everywhere to repent.

6.3 Without sin the gospel becomes shallow

Ministry that avoids confronting sin produces weak believers. True love tells the truth. True love calls people out of darkness into light.

7. Invitation and Ministry Time

Now we respond.

Is there hidden sin in your life that needs to come into the light? Is there compromise you need to surrender? Is there an area of your flesh still ruling your habits or desires? Are you ready to allow the Spirit to produce holiness in you?

Pray:

“Lord Jesus, thank You for dying to break the power of sin. I confess my need for You. Cleanse my heart. Break every chain. Renew my mind. Form holiness within me. Strengthen me to walk in the Spirit. Help me to preach truth with love and clarity. Let Your power transform every part of my life. In Jesus name, amen.”