Day 8: Escaping the sins of “Pornea” by Focusing on Jesus

 

Day 8: Escaping the sins of  “Pornea” by Focusing on Jesus

Pornea is a deadly sin. Once it has you in its grip, it is difficult to escape. Pornea is easy on the eyes, but hard on the heart and mind. In fact, few escape its ferocious grip outside of a miracle of Grace. You have been warned. Flee pornea.

You guessed it! Pornea is the Greek word for the sins that include pornography, bestiality, sodomy, homosexuality, child sexual abuse, etc. It’s the Greek word from which the English word “porno” comes from. There are many sins which youth face today that were not in existence even ten years ago. Ten years ago, no one imagined the explosion of the internet, or of cell phones, smart phones, tablets, ipads, ipods, etc. With the explosion of technology, come new breeds of sin. We live in a sinful and destructive society, and unless we guard and protect ourselves, we are bound to fall into the grasp of pornea.

However, there is an even deadlier word than pornea (from which comes our English word, “pornography”). It is the word hamartia. Hamartia is the word sin in greek. It means to “miss the mark”, “transgress”, “go beyond the limits and boundaries.” The Bible’s clear teaching on hamartia or sin is that “… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We have all missed God’s mark, transgressed his Law, and gone beyond the limits and boundaries that God has marked as being safe. No one is exempt. However, sins (plural) are the result of SIN (capitalized). We commit sins (plural) like fornication, gossip, lying, etc., because of SIN. Sins are the result of having SIN in our life. So what is SIN? Romans 14:23 says, “… for whatever is not from faith is sin.” The real SIN in our life is living a life outside of a faith relationship with Jesus Christ. That is the real SIN in our life. Sins are the result of living in SIN. Get it?

Definitions of Sin in the Bible

If we are honest to the Bible, there are at least three Biblical definitions of “sin” or “hamartia” in the Bible. First, there is Romans 14:23, which says, “… for whatever is not from faith is sin.” This verse tells us that basically anything good that is done outside of a faith relationship in Jesus Christ is sin. Even mowing your neighbors lawn or being nice to elderly people can be sinful acts when they are not grounded in a faith relationship with Jesus. You may just be trying to establish a good reputation for yourself in your neighborhood, or trying to get into the elderly person’s will. A second definition of sin is found in 1 John 3:4, which says, “Sin is lawlessness” or “sin is the transgression of the law” (the breaking of God’s commandments). When we disobey and go beyond the limits and boundaries of God’s Ten Commandments for our life, we sin. A third definition is found in James 4:17: “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does it not do it, to him it is sin.” Here again, we find the Bible’s clear teaching on sins of omission. When we fail to do something that is good, moral, and right and we had the opportunity to do it, it is also sin. I like what Pastor Lafitt Cortez from New Jersey, NY says about sin. He says, “there are basically two definitions of sin in the Bible. One is to go beyond the limits and boundaries of God’s laws for our lives. It’s like an archer missing the mark, or a basketball player who has gone out of bounds. The other type of sin is to live in outright rebellion against God. It’s like raising your fist at God and saying I don’t care what you think. I will live my life my way!”

God's Solution to SIN problem

Did you know that God is never caught by surprise or off guard? He is always has a plan in place just in case. In the story of Adam and Eve, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit had a plan of redemption to save the Adam and Eve if they sinned, by disobeying God and choosing to be on Satan’s side instead. The Bible tells us that the promise of salvation from SIN is through the seed of the woman in Genesis 3:15. The promise is that though the serpent would strike the seed of the woman, He (Jesus) would crush the serpent (Satan’s) head. At Calvary, Jesus was struck by the serpent on the heal, but delivered a deadly blow to Satan’s head. The plan of redemption was completed. Now, no one needs to fear SIN or sins, nor be under the dominion of sin. Jesus showed us that the answer to the SIN problem is the SON of God. What will you do with Jesus today?

Conclusion

If what we have shared so far is true, what do you think is more important? Trying to give up pornography, smoking, drinking, pre-marital sex (i.e. “sins”), or choosing today to enter into a faith relationship with Jesus Christ, the answer to the real SIN problem (SIN, singular)? You see the real victory over “sins” (plural) in not found in trying to overcome them by focusing on them and giving them your attention. If you do that, you’re as good as dead. “Whatever gets your attention gets you.” If your sins are your focus, you will be a slave to your sins. But if by God’ Grace you make Jesus your focus and you make your faith relationship with Him your number one priority, then Jesus will get you. He’ll take of your “sins” (plural) for you. You just have to willing to trust Him and to give up anything that destroys your relationship with Him. So are you ready to make this kind of commitment today?  Just let Jesus get your attention, and He’ll get you!

Practical Steps

1.           Thank God for Giving you Victory over SIN (singular) by sending Jesus Christ to restore the broken relationship that existed between you and God. John 3:16-17.

2.           Focus on Getting to know Jesus Christ better in your life, and on Growing in your relationship with Jesus. Isaiah 55:6; John 17:3. 1 John 1:2.

3.           Don’t focus on your “sins” (plural). Focus on your relationship with Jesus instead. Be willing to give up any “sins” that are hurting your relationship with Jesus. John 10:10; 1 John 1:9; Philippians 3:8.

4.           Flee from “sins” and “temptations” by focusing on Jesus when you are tempted. Matthew 27:24-54. Visualize the cross of Jesus when you are tempted to sin. His cross has power to save you and keep you from SIN and sins.

5.           Keep memory verses or the lyrics of a Christian song in your heart at all times. When you are tempted to leave Jesus and commit “sins”, recite the memory  verse like psalm 119:11, or the song “Mighty to Save” by Hillsong. Remember that Satan can only tempt you to sin, but the Holy Spirit can give you the victory over sins by focusing on Jesus instead.

       Be blessed!

     ~ Pastor Salvador Garcia