This is not a rhetorical question. We as Christians have a guide as to how to live our daily lives, but can we live that way 24/7?
So, what actually is a "sinful lifestyle?"
Keep in mind there are sins of omission as well as commission.
Thanks,
Does the Bible really teach us that any form of sin is something we are helpless over, or something that is a choice?
Before going into detail let me say this so the children and young men wont get the wrong idea about what I post below. I am not sinless or perfect and never will be, I still sin, but that said, I am no longer a sinner, but a sin-forgiven saint and sin does not have dominion over me in certain areas. I am still pressing toward the mark, I am renewing my mind, I will only be sinless perfection when I put on immortality, but Sin does not have dominion over me and it is a choice not an action or thought, just as the Bible teaches. With that out of the way, here are some thoughts.
Eve and then Adam made a choice in Gen 3:6
[SUP]6 [/SUP]When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make
one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.
Cain made a choice in Gen 4:6-7
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? [SUP]7 [/SUP]If you do well, will not
your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.
John 8:1-8-
Jesus gave the woman brought to him her choice back regarding sin
Romans 6 says we are risen into newness of life as sin-forgiven saints, that will still sin, but no longer a sinner[this is a condition Christ corrected] either you are a new man or you are not, light cannot exist or fellowship with darkness.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [SUP]2 [/SUP]fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We have victory over sin through the power of the Holy Spirit and empowering grace, that is our teacher
Titus 2:11-12
[SUP]11 [/SUP]For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, [SUP]12 [/SUP]instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age
We have victory over sin because are partakers of the divine nature.
2 Peter 1:1-11
Sin defined in the Bible
Romans 14:23
[SUP]23 [/SUP]But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because
his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.
James 4:17
[SUP]17 [/SUP]Therefore, to one who knows
the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.
Sin cycle defined in the Bible
James 1:13-16
[SUP]13 [/SUP]Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. [SUP]14 [/SUP]But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. [SUP]15 [/SUP]Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. [SUP]16 [/SUP]Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
SIN is willfully doing something the Holy Spirit said not to do.
A sinful lifestyle is a mind that is set on the flesh or that is carnal and therefore hostile to God and will lead to death.