More on Sunday's Message "The Time of Need"

Grace & Peace, Saints!

I wanted to take a moment to clarify a statement I made in Sunday's message "The Time of Need". The statement I made was that "...Temptation is not sin, but yielding to temptation is sin..." I also stated that sin hasn't taken place when you're tempted, but sin takes place when you commit the act. What I failed to do was clarify when the actual act of sin has been committed.

What must be understood is that the act of sin does not have to be physical to be committed. Sin is a motivation of the heart. The key in determining sin is the intents of the heart. Let's use Matthew 5:27-28 as an example. "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

Now, while I still believe that temptation in and of itself is not sin, the clarification must be made by what I mean when I say it's how you 'respond' to temptation that determines when it becomes sin. "Responding" does not necessarily mean physically committing the act. Responding can be mental, or emotional. Taking a look at Matthew 5:27-28 we see that subject of adultery. Now, we will all agree that adultery is sin, however, we cannot say to ourselves (or anyone else) that adultery has not actually taken place because you did not physically engage in sexual relations with someone who is not your legal spouse. According to Jesus, anyone who looks upon a woman (or man) "to lust after her (him)"..... This means that a person is looking at another person with the intention of committing adultery if the opportunity presented itself. So if the opportunity never presents itself has sin taken place? YES! Because the person's HEART committed to the act long before their body did sin has still taken place.

Let's use another example. Let's say you see a friend's wallet left out with a wad of money sticking out. You know he wouldn't suspect you if you took it so as you motion to grab the cash, he walks in before you can take hold of the money. No harm, no foul, right? No, ...... the full intent of your heart was to steal your friend's money and what kept you from it was not your devotion to God or your spiritual power to resist temptation, but because you were about to be caught!

So, my brothers and sisters, if I was not clear before, please forgive me as I make it abundantly clear that sin lies in the thoughts and intents of the heart. By the way, it is not you who determines if those thoughts or intents are sin... the Word of God sets that standard (Hebrews 4:12)

Check your hearts friends... examine your motive+s... and follow the Word of God, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12) Do not for one moment think that you can allow lust (which is not limited to sex, but includes all other worldly desires that can entice us) to fester in your mind. The moment you chose not to take captive the thoughts that come to tempt you, sin has taken place and therefore according to James 1:15, "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

God Bless you all, and thank you for your commitment to the Truth of the Word of God and your faithfulness to the Ministry of Ruach! Keep yourselves in the Love of God!

In Christ,

Marlon Brocco, Pastor
Ruach Ministries