Lesson #14—Transgression of God’s Law

Shorter Catechism Q & A # 14

Q. What is sin?

A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.

Memorize Q & A – Exposition

Every sin or transgression is the heart’s purposeful disobedience and opposition to the righteous law of God; and therefore against God. Sin is nurtured first in the heart; from which proceed evil thoughts and deeds (Matt. 15:18–19).

What does it mean?

Discuss the meaning of ‘conformity’ and ‘transgression.’

Discuss the nature of sin revealed in the following Scriptures:

• 1 John 3:4–5: What does it mean to commit sin? How is sin defined? How does sin affect our lives?
• James 4:16–17: How is sin defined? What does “such rejoicing is evil” mean?
• Romans 3:22–24: How is sin defined? How does the grace of God reveal the nature of sin?

What is our practice?

How does knowing the nature of sin help us in our relationship at home or in other social relationships? How do we deal with sin in our lives, or in the lives of our children or fellow Christians? What is our attitude toward those who practice evil?

Quotes for thought and discussion:

“A minister explaining the distinction between sins of omission and sins of commission, made use of the following simile by way of illustration: ‘Behold yonder fire which lately burnt with so much brightness; it is now dull; let it alone, and it will soon go out; but if you pour water on it, you will put it out. The first is an act of omission, the second of commission.’” (John Whitecross)

“The law of God is not the law of an inferior prince, but of Jehovah, who gives laws as well to angels as men; it is a law that is just, and holy, and good (Rom. 7:12). It is just, there is nothing in it unequal; holy, nothing in it impure; good, nothing in it prejudicial. So that there is no reason to break this law, no more than for a beast, that is in a fat pasture, to break over the hedge, or to leap into a barren heath or quagmire.” (Thomas Watson)

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