Sin: Will You or Won't You?

All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. 1 John 5:17-18

Some people are known for a trait or characteristic that is so consistent it's impossible to imagine him or her without it. You might have a friend you think of as “the funny one,” but do you think he's never been sad in his life? Do you think the person you think of as “the honest one” has never, ever lied?
John spends verses 16 and 17 telling us what to do,when people in the family of God sin. Then, verse 18 says people in the family of God won’t keep on sinning. Which is it? Is it normal to sin as a Christian, or not? It’s a lot like that person who is characterized by being funny but isn’t funny all the time. Christians do sometimes sin, but in general, we should be characterized by holiness. When John writes that Christians don’t “keep on” sinning, he means that Christians won’t have sins that they do repeatedly and without repentance.
If there is a sin in your life that you are hiding or are reluctant to give up, remember that “the evil one does not touch” you! God wants holiness for you, and the Bible tells us that He always makes a way for us to resist temptation (I Cor. 10:13)

Questions for reflection and discussion
1. Do you have a sin you are “keeping on”?
2. When you sin is it difficult to repent immediately?

Dear God, please help us give up sin and keep on pursuing holiness. When we do sin, give us true repentance. In Jesus’ name, amen.