CONTENTS

- What is sin?

1 John 3:4

KJV ⁴ Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. NLT ⁴ Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God.

{commentary}Sin is defined as the transgression of God's law, emphasizing that the moral law remains central to Christian living. This verse highlights the need for a clear understanding of God's commandments to avoid sin and align our lives with His will.{commentary}

- Importance of the law.

Romans 3:31

KJV ³¹ Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. NLT ³¹ Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.

{commentary}Faith upholds the law rather than nullifies it. Genuine faith leads believers to a life of obedience, establishing God's law as a guide for holy living, in line with our commitment to follow Christ.{commentary}

- Need to be like Jesus.

1 Peter 2:21-22

KJV ²¹ For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: ²² Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: NLT ²¹ For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. ²² He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.

{commentary}Jesus is our ultimate example of righteousness and humility. As we face trials, we’re called to walk as He walked, aiming for sinlessness in our lives by His grace and strength.{commentary}

- If we love Jesus...

John 14:15

KJV ¹⁵ If ye love me, keep my commandments. NLT ¹⁵ “If you love me, obey my commandments.

{commentary}Love for Christ is shown through obedience. Following His commandments is the highest form of respect and love, proving our devotion and connection to Him.{commentary}

- Sin of neglect.

James 4:17

KJV ¹⁷ Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. NLT ¹⁷ Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

{commentary}Knowing what is right and failing to do it is considered sin. Our Christian walk calls us to actively live out God’s will, reflecting His character in all areas of life.{commentary}

- Be perfect.

Matthew 5:48

KJV ⁴⁸ Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. NLT ⁴⁸ But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

{commentary}Christ’s call to perfection is a reminder of our high standard as children of God. Though challenging, it’s made possible through His grace as we strive to mirror God’s holiness in our daily lives.{commentary}

- Abiding in Jesus.

1 John 3:6

KJV ⁶ Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. NLT ⁶ Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.

{commentary}A close relationship with Christ leads us away from sin. Those who continually abide in Him reflect His character and are transformed, moving away from sinful practices.{commentary}

- Holiness.

Hebrews 12:14

KJV ¹⁴ Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: NLT ¹⁴ Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.

{commentary}Holiness is essential for a relationship with God. As we pursue peace and holiness, we prepare to meet God and partake in His divine nature.{commentary}

- Life in Christ.

Galatians 2:20

KJV ²⁰ I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. NLT ²⁰ My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

{commentary}Through faith, we are crucified with Christ and led by His life within us. This transformation results in a life of surrender, where Christ is the center, guiding all we do.{commentary}

- Embrace goodness.

1 Thessalonians 5:21

KJV ²¹ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. NLT ²¹ but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.

{commentary}Discernment is crucial in the Christian walk. We are called to examine everything and hold to what aligns with God’s truth, rejecting anything that leads us away from Him.{commentary}

- Righteousness in Christ alone.

Isaiah 64:6

KJV ⁶ But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. NLT ⁶ We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.

{commentary}Our righteousness is inadequate without Christ. We depend on Him entirely for true righteousness, recognizing our own efforts as insufficient.{commentary}

- Law points out sin.

Romans 5:13

KJV ¹³ (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. NLT ¹³ Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break.

{commentary}The law reveals sin and guides us to Christ. Understanding this relationship underscores our need for His grace in our journey toward holiness.{commentary}

- Need to listen to Jesus.

John 14:24

KJV ²⁴ He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. NLT ²⁴ Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.

{commentary}Those who truly love God obey His Word. The teachings of Jesus come from the Father, and they are vital in living a life that pleases Him.{commentary}

- Born of God do not sin.

1 John 3:9

KJV ⁹ Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. NLT ⁹ Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.

{commentary}Being born of God means His principles are deeply rooted in us. As we walk in His Spirit, we will increasingly resist sin, displaying a life transformed by His power.{commentary}

- Justification through Jesus.

Romans 5:18

KJV ¹⁸ Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. NLT ¹⁸ Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.

{commentary}Christ’s righteousness brings us justification and new life. Through His sacrifice, we receive forgiveness and the promise of eternal life, freeing us from condemnation.{commentary}

- Dead to sin.

Romans 6:7-8

KJV ⁷ For he that is dead is freed from sin. ⁸ Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: NLT ⁷ For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. ⁸ And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him.

{commentary}Our union with Christ means that we are dead to sin and alive to God. This transformation empowers us to resist sin and live a victorious Christian life.{commentary}

- Sinners belong to Satan.

1 John 3:8

KJV ⁸ He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. NLT ⁸ But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.

{commentary}Sin originates with Satan, but Christ’s purpose was to destroy his works. Through Christ, we are called to reject sin and embrace a life that defeats the enemy’s influence.{commentary}

- Justification by faith.

Romans 3:28

KJV ²⁸ Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. NLT ²⁸ So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.

{commentary}We are justified through faith alone, not by our works. This truth invites us to rest in God’s grace while remaining committed to His commandments out of love.{commentary}

- Law doesn't save – only Jesus saves.

Romans 8:3

KJV ³ For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: NLT ³ The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

{commentary}The law exposes sin but cannot save. Only Jesus, who fulfilled the law, offers salvation, inviting us to live in obedience as a response to His sacrifice.{commentary}

- Need to be born again.

John 3:3

KJV ³ Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. NLT ³ Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

{commentary}Spiritual rebirth is essential for salvation. By being born again, we enter a new relationship with God, empowered by His Spirit to live a life free from sin.{commentary}

- Be holy!

1 Peter 1:16

KJV ¹⁶ Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. NLT ¹⁶ For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

{commentary}Holiness is a direct command from God, reflecting His character in us. As we seek holiness, we align our lives with His pure, loving nature.{commentary}

- Jesus became like us.

Philippians 2:5-7

KJV ⁵ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: NLT ⁵ You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. ⁶ Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. ⁷ Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,

{commentary}Jesus humbled Himself, identifying with us to save us. His example encourages us to live humbly and selflessly, serving others as He served.{commentary}

- Need to be born of water and spirit.

John 3:5

KJV ⁵ Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. NLT ⁵ Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.

{commentary}Baptism and the Holy Spirit’s work are necessary for salvation. Through water and Spirit, we are cleansed and empowered to live in harmony with God’s will.{commentary}

- People naturally follow the law.

Romans 2:14

KJV ¹⁴ For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: NLT ¹⁴ Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it.

{commentary}God’s principles can be understood by those without the law, indicating that His moral standards are universal. As we follow Him, we align our conscience with His truth.{commentary}

- The law in our hearts.

Jeremiah 31:33

KJV ³³ But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. NLT ³³ “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

{commentary}God’s new covenant places His law within us, leading to a transformed heart. This intimate relationship allows us to walk faithfully with Him, motivated by love.{commentary}

- Be ready to give a testimony of your hope.

1 Peter 3:13-15

KJV ¹³ And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? ¹⁴ But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; ¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: NLT ¹³ Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴ But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. ¹⁵ Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

{commentary}A prepared heart testifies of God’s grace. We are called to share our faith, showing hope and courage amid trials as witnesses to God’s love and truth.{commentary}

- Awake... and sin not.

1 Corinthians 15:34

KJV ³⁴ Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. NLT ³⁴ Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.

{commentary}Staying alert in faith helps us avoid sin. A righteous life requires awareness and dedication, keeping us grounded in God’s teachings.{commentary}