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Photo: Enigma-Sports

"God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast and when I run, I feel his pleasure."

Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire

Sin

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Last week we thought about fellowship but how do we deal with sin? Sin is another of those difficult words to define. Dictionary.com’s “any act regarded as such a transgression, especially a willful or deliberate violation of some religious or moral principle” doesn’t help us that much.

The Greek word hamartia, which is used in the New Testament literally means “to miss the mark”. As sportspeople we understand that. In basketball, football, golf or tennis etc the aim is to put the ball into a particular space, if you miss the mark you are penalized. In athletics it is called a no-jump if you overstep the mark. We understand the concept.

In Romans 3:23 Paul writes that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Sin is falling short of God’s standard. So what are we to do about sin? First of all admit it: John writes: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves”. Then confess it and God has promised that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”. You may have seen the bumper sticker: “Christians are perfect, just forgiven”.

As you train or compete today you can do so knowing that sin has been dealt with through the death of Jesus. You have been set free from the power and consequences of sin. You can have fellowship with God restored.

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