Sin No More

‘As we interact with those who have not yet come to conversion, knowing that God reveals through the apostle Paul that there is no excuse for suppressing truth about God[1] sets the stage for navigating the excuses commonly offered. However, in the midst of all that is said, we must also be able to hear the possible pain and disappointment they have experienced due to the sin of others (often parents), the misguided influence of culture and the further darkening that their own sin has produced. Though we must be steadfast, confident, courageous and often straight-forward in our dealing with sinners, we must not overlook compassion, failing to operate from genuine concern for the broken heart of God and for the soul and potential transformation of the person to whom we address.

Drawing a quick conclusion from John 8:3-11 as the scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery, the goal of Christian ministry is not destruction and death, which appeared to be the intention of the scribes and Pharisees (Jn.8:5); it is not condemnation (Jn.8:10-11), though it should include conviction (Jn.16:8; Ep.5:11, 2 Ti.3:16, 2 Ti.4:2, Titus 2:15[2]) but, instead, the goal of Christian ministry is “go, and sin no more” (Jn.8:11).

[1] “…that which is known about God is evident within them…His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature…even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks…” (Ro.1:19-21).

[2] The word “expose” in Ep.5:11 and the words “reprove” or “reproof” in Timothy and Titus are the same word as is used in Jn.16:8 as “convict.”’

source: Mick Wolfe (comprehensium).