John wrote:
If you regard sins of character as legitimate aspects
of the biblical view if "sin," as I do, are you a sinner
and sinning at this time. Is there no degree of selfish
within you? No degree of the lazy's, no pride
whatsoever, no conceit, an anger, no arrogance.
Whatever?
We apparently are working with different definitions and a different model
of man's makeup. I will break down your questions and try to answer each
question briefly.
You should keep in mind that I perceive a dual nature to man's makeup, as
per Romans 7. There is the physical body, the flesh, which is the source of
the sin within man, and then there is the spirit, which is connected to God
in the Spirit-filled man. I perceive that Jesus also had this sin nature
within his flesh. In other words, he had a source of pride, laziness,
conceit, anger, arrogance, etc. within his flesh, his physical body.
However, he never sinned because he did not yield unto these temptations of
his flesh. Therefore, I look to Jesus as the perfect example of how we may
walk when we abide in him.
1. Am I a sinner? Yes, in the sense that I have sinned in the past. I am
a sinner who has been washed in the blood and sanctified by the Spirit of
grace.
2. Am I sinning at this time? No.
3. Is there any degree of selfishness within me? Yes. The flesh is
selfish and is a source of temptation for me to be selfish.
4. Is there any degree of laziness, pride, conceit, anger, and arrogance
within me? Yes. Within my flesh, a sin principle resides that is a source
of temptation in these areas. Nevertheless, because of the work of the
Spirit in my life, I find my flesh is dead, and so I do not incline myself
toward the appetites of my flesh. The spirit works contrary to the flesh
and leads me into paths of righteousness. I trust the Lord will always
provide a way for me to escape yielding to the sinful desires of the flesh.
I do not sin daily in thought, word, and deed. I live in Romans 8, not
Romans 7. I could say some more about when evil thoughts become sin, but I
will keep this post short for now.
Peace be with you.
David Miller.
I now understand your thinking much better..Looking forward to the next
one. I have always wondered when a tempting thought becomes a sinful
thought. I have had both, and recognize both for what they are, but
have trouble finding the dividing line. Your thoughts may help shed
some light.
