Practicing... sin

[B-A-C]

The word practice is an interesting word...
Often it is used in the context of learning.... as in we practice something over and over again until we get it right. You see it used this way in athletic sports frequently... most teams have "practice".
Another way it is used is in the context of doing what you know how to do... there are lawyers who practice law, and doctors who practice medicine. Although these fields are constantly changing, typically the word practice doesn't mean learning here, it means doing what you already know.
In both definitions... practice is something you do repetitively. You can't do something only once and practice it.
In Romans 1:21-31; we see list of sinful things that some people do...
Rom 1:32; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
This verse doesn't say those who have ever done these things are worthy of death. It says those who "practice" these things are worthy of death. It goes on to mention those who approve of others
who "practice" these things.
in Galatians 5:19-21; we have the well known passage about the fruit of the flesh.
Gal 5:19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
Gal 5:21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Much like Romans 1, there is a list of things we shouldn't do. But also like Romans 1:32; it doesn't
say those who have ever done these things will not inherit the kingdom of God... it says, those who
continue to "practice" such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
In Hebrews 5 it mentions milk for infants and meat for the mature... this isn't talking about age,
it's talking about spiritual maturity...
Heb 5:13; For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.
Heb 5:14; But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
There are certain people... it doesn't matter what their physical age is... in fact it doesn't even really matter how long they have been a believer... but for various reasons, they only accept the basic principles of the Bible and never move on to the deeper principles. It says the mature "because of their practice" have been trained to discern good and evil... not only in others, but in themselves.
So far we have been talking about practicing bad things... but we are also told to practice good things.
1 Jn 3:9; No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
1 Jn 3:10; By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.
Verse 9 above doesn't say those who ever sinned isn't born of God. It says those who "practice" sin.
Verse 10, talks about practicing righteousness... it isn't enough to know righteousness, we have to practice it. If we don't, we aren't from God.
Finally we see in Revelation 22...
Rev 22:11; "Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy."
It says let those who are righteous "practice" righteousness. There are a number of ways to do this, but non of them involve doing "nothing". Practice is doing something over and over until we get it right, or doing what we know how to do.

 

[B-A-C]

There is a different between sin.. and "practicing sin".

1 Jn 2:1; My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

It isn't talking about unbelievers here. Unbelievers do not have an advocate.

Matt 18:15; “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.

Does this mean our biological brother? No it means any one who is a Christian. Sometimes Christians sin.

Luke 17:3; Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
Luke 17:4; And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”

Sometimes Christians sin.

1 Jn 1:8; If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1 Jn 1:9; If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 Jn 1:10; If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

Anyone who says they do not sin... is a liar.

 

[B-A-C]

Jas 3:2; For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.

Prov 24:16; For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity.

Again, there appears to be a difference between "stumbling"... and willfull (practiced) sin.

Heb 10:26; For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27; but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.

 

[B-A-C]

There are some things we should practice.

Php 4:9; The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

2Pet 1:10; Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;

1Jn 1:6; If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;

Gal 6:7; Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
Gal 6:8; For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Again.. what you "sow"... what you practice... is what you will reap.

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

It is never a good idea to change the words of God. It is written that the wage of sin is death, not the wage of “practicing” sin is death.

How many times did Cain have to kill before it is considered a sin? Did Cain have to “practice” killing others before it is considered sin? See what I’m saying?

In some of the examples you gave in your first post, you could use the term “practicing” sin. But not in all , let’s take this one here you posted…

Rev 22:11; "Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy."
It says let those who are righteous "practice" righteousness.

Here is KJV.
Rev 22:11 - He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”

That phrase “let him be righteous still”. Means “to justify” or let him be justified, to be righteous

KJV Translation Count — Total: 40x
The KJV translates Strong's G1344 in the following manner: justify (37x), be freed (1x), be righteous (1x), justifier (1x).

Strong’s Definitions
δικαιόω dikaióō, dik-ah-yo'-o; from G1342; to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent:—free, justify(-ier), be righteous.

So to say it means “to practice” is not correct. I would advise all to stick with the KJV of the Bible.

 

[B-A-C]

It is never a good idea to change the words of God. It is written that the wage of sin is death, not the wage of “practicing” sin is death.

All verses above are printed exactly as they are in my Bible.

1Jn 5:16; If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this.
1Jn 5:17; All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not leading to death.

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

Here is another example from your OP. You quoted 1 Jn 3:9; No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

Here is the KJV…
1Jo 3:9 - Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

The words “commit sin” means to sin….

Strong’s Definitions
ἁμαρτία hamartía, ham-ar-tee'-ah; from G264; a sin (properly abstract):—offence, sin(-ful).

KJV Translation Count — Total: 174x
The KJV translates Strong's G266 in the following manner: sin (172x), sinful (1x), offense (1x).

Notice in the above there is no mention of “practicing” it is just “sin”

So I would advise sticking with the KJV.

 

[B-A-C]

Here is the KJV…

KJV is considered less accurate.

 

[Br. Bear]

Greetings,

my 'mother tongue' is KJV and i have never had a problem with understanding that this reference of 'sin' is a 'doing word'. Meaning, doing sin, as in practicing.

If i can expand a little...
if sin is mute and has no actual activity or action, how can it be 'bad'?
At the same time, sin is a 'state of being' - practicing or not. the wages thereof are death... but thanks be to God Who has given us His Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have eternal life

And yes, there are other 'versions' or 'translations' that often express in English of today, far better than the KJV.

I helps to remember also that there are lots of tongues out there and each has a 'version' or 'translation' which expresses the original tongue of Greek or Hebrew (and Chaldean) in their language. Let us pray that other language groups don't get so many 'versions' that they bicker and fight and forget the One Who granted that we may have even the simplest words of Christ recorded.

Jesus is Lord


Bless you ....><>

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

Our first man nature in Adam does not need to “practice” at sinning, it comes quite naturally by reason of the sin nature in Adam.

This is why we need a new nature in Christ, where doing righteousness will come supernaturally.

 

[Br. Bear]

Our first man nature in Adam does not need to “practice” at sinning, it comes quite naturally by reason of the sin nature in Adam.

This is why we need a new nature in Christ, where doing righteousness will come supernaturally.

Greetings,

perhaps it is in the 'understanding' of the word used, being 'practice/practicing'?

It is not referring to how one might practice playing the piano. It is more describing the ongoing action of something, and in this case, sin.

The word practice is an interesting word...
Often it is used in the context of learning.... as in we practice something over and over again until we get it right. You see it used this way in athletic sports frequently... most teams have "practice".
Another way it is used is in the context of doing what you know how to do... there are lawyers who practice law, and doctors who practice medicine. Although these fields are constantly changing, typically the word practice doesn't mean learning here, it means doing what you already know.
In both definitions... practice is something you do repetitively. You can't do something only once and practice it.

Bless you ....><>

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

Greetings,

perhaps it is in the 'understanding' of the word used, being 'practice/practicing'?

It is not referring to how one might practice playing the piano. It is more describing the ongoing action of something, and in this case, sin.




Bless you ....><>

I was referring to the way it was used in the first words of the first post.

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

This below is what the Op states….

The word practice is an interesting word...
Often it is used in the context of learning.... as in we practice something over and over again until we get it right. You see it used this way in athletic sports frequently... most teams have "practice".
Another way it is used is in the context of doing what you know how to do... there are lawyers who practice law, and doctors who practice medicine. Although these fields are constantly changing, typically the word practice doesn't mean learning here, it means doing what you already know.
In both definitions... practice is something you do repetitively. You can't do something only once and practice it.
In Romans 1:21-31; we see list of sinful things that some people do...
Rom 1:32; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practicesuch things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
This verse doesn't say those who have ever done these things are worthy of death.

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

The suggestion above is that sin must be repetitive in order to lead to death.

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

Let me simplify my position for all to understand. If I only murder 1 person is it sin? Or do I need to repeat the act of murder over and over again for it to be sin?

If I only do it once, and never again, then that’s not repeating the sin. So according to the OP that’s not “practicing sin” which only leads to death.
Is the first murder a freebie? How many times can I murder before it is considered a “practicing”sin that leads to death?

Hopefully you get my point.

 

[B-A-C]

Let me simplify my position for all to understand. If I only murder 1 person is it sin? Or do I need to repeat the act of murder over and over again for it to be sin?

If I only do it once, and never again, then that’s not repeating the sin. So according to the OP that’s not “practicing sin” which only leads to death.
Is the first murder a freebie? How many times can I murder before it is considered a “practicing”sin that leads to death?

Hopefully you get my point.

They are both sin. No argument there.

You can be forgiven of stumbling.
If you choose to continue in willfull sin, and refuse to repent - you will not be forgiven.

That is the difference.

 

[Beetow]

• 1John 3:9 . . No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in
him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

I was born of Adam's seed (Acts 17:26), and I have undergone regeneration by the
Spirit (John 3:3-7); but I have never been born of God's seed. So then, seeing as
how I am only human rather than divine, then it will always be possible for me to sin
in this life.
_

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

• 1John 3:9 . . No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in
him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

I was born of Adam's seed (Acts 17:26), and I have undergone regeneration by the
Spirit (John 3:3-7); but I have never been born of God's seed. So then, seeing as
how I am only human rather than divine, then it will always be possible for me to sin
in this life.
_

If you are born again of the Holy Spirit, then you have God’s seed dwelling in you, and that seed is Christ.

Galatians 3:16
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

 

[Beetow]

• 1John 3:9 . . No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in
him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

The regeneration spoken of at John 3:3-7 doesn't make somebody God's progeny,
It makes them God's handiwork, just as Adam was once God's handiwork.

• 2Cor 5:17 . . If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:

• Gal 6:15 . . For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor
uncircumcision, but a new creature.

• Eph 2:10 . . For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus

• Eph 4:24 . . Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and
true holiness

• Col 3:10 . . You have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after
the image of Him that created him

The thing is: were God to give birth to a child of His own-- a.k.a. progeny --the
child would be a reproduction of God, i.e. more of Himself, just as Adam's children
are more of himself. In other words: seeing as how God cannot lie (Titus 1:2, Heb
6:18) nor can God be tempted to sin (Jas 1:13), then neither can His true progeny
lie nor be tempted to sin.

Born-again Christians are not meant to be God's true progeny. They are placed
with His true progeny as adopted children (Gal 4:5, Eph 1:5). Were born-again
Christians God's true progeny they'd be divine, but alas, they are only human.

• 1John 1:8-10 . . If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His
word is not in us.

By his use of the pronouns "us" and "we" and "ourselves" the author identifies
himself with the folk to whom his letter was written: identified as "my little children"
(1John 2:1) and "brethren" (1John 2:7) and "the sons of God" (1John 3:2). In other
words: John didn't claim himself to be sinless nor to be incapable of sin: and if
John wasn't a born-again Christian, then nobody is.
_