Bible Study

Bible Study March 19, 2025

“How Loud Do Our Actions Speak?”

1 Corinthians 6:9 (NLT)
9 “Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

I love a good conversation and yesterday was one of the times. The question posed was something along this line “Is any sin worse than another?” A great question. My answer was really a two-part answer. No one sin is worse than the other. If we were to look at the scripture above there are a number of things listed.

The second part of my answer was this and I used lust as an example. When a person lusts after someone of the opposite sex it only affects them however if they carry that desire (sin) out and commit a rape it affects more than one person. There was a follow up question to the original one. It was this “Why do we condemn one sin and not another?” I believe the reference was to a particular sin. I pastor a church which left a major denomination over the question of human sexuality. I believe the church made the right decision on that matter.

My answer was not that simple. First off scripture teaches what sin is and some examples are found in 1 Corinthians 6:9 although that is not all inclusive. There are other references to sin(s) in the scriptures. Secondly, scripture condemns us of sin if we are open to read and listen to the words that are written.

If we examine ourselves and are honest with what we find that we are not perfect in every way. While the scriptures do not explicitly state that we sin in thought, word, and deed in one single verse, the concept is supported by various passages that emphasize the importance of inner purity and outward actions, and that sin can manifest in both.

Sin in Thought:

Matthew 5:21-37: Jesus expands on the law, stating that even anger and lust in the heart are considered sin, demonstrating that sin can originate in our thoughts and desires.

Sin in Word:

James 3:2: James emphasizes that the tongue can be a source of sin, highlighting the power of words to both build up and tear down.

Sin in Deed:

1 John 3:18: This verse emphasizes that love should be demonstrated through actions, not just words.

Our words speak loudly but our lives speak louder. Does you words speak your life? No one sin is worse than another (other than the implications it has on others) but we are to avoid sin. If I had days I could add more.

God Bless.