Overcoming Sin through Christ

A Comprehensive List of Sins

(Alphabetically Arranged)

Richard Hollerman

The plan of this study is simple.  We will look at a large number of sins, one by one, alphabetically.  We will define the sin, describe it, and comment on it, along with noticing Scripture references on the particular entry.  Some illustrations will be offered along with the description.

Pessimism

Pessimism has been defined as “a tendency to stress the negative or take the gloomiest possible view.”^[1]  Again, pessimism is “the tendency to see only what is disadvantageous or gloomy or to anticipate the worst outcome.”^[2]  Although “pessimism” and “pessimistic” are words not found in Scripture, there is much in God’s Word that speaks to the subject.

We must admit that there is much in this world that could conceivably feed the pessimist’s view of the world.  Sin is rampant, wars are found in a number of countries, immorality seems to know no limits, America and other countries seem to be on the decline, national debt is unbelievable, and personal tragedies abound.  Indeed, when we look at life and the world everything does seem to be “gloomy” and the outcome seems to be disastrous.  The gospel is perverted, false teaching is extensive, false teachers are widespread, and the way of God seems to be narrower than we’ve ever known!  Paul put it this way: “Evil men and imposters will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13).

In fact, Jesus did say that conditions would be very bad, with persecution against His followers the standard throughout history.  Paul said the same.  The false religionists who say that “everything will be better and better” are faulty in their theology.  Those who look for a worldwide “revival” seem to have missed key Scriptures about the prevalence of apostasy.

While we must admit all of this and it could lead to pessimism, there is a difference.  The Christian who is guided by the Word of the living God knows that God is in control of history.  It is actually “His Story.”  He is working out His plan from the very beginning until the end.  Presently, God has graciously given us His Holy Spirit to help conquer sin (Romans 8:13).  He has given us His Word to lead us to His will and ways (2 Timothy 3:15-17).  He has given us His gospel, the gospel of Christ, to lead us to salvation (Romans 1:16).  God has brought into existence the body of Christ, that body in which the Lord is working (Matthew 16:16-18; Ephesians 1:22-23).

God has given us “His precious and magnificent promises” so that we may become “partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust” (2 Peter 1:4).  God has promised “new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).  This shows that we must not be pessimistic but we should be filled with comfort in the present and hope for the future!  The Christian is not one who complains about everything, but one who expresses love for all, a faith in God’s working, and a hope in a beautiful tomorrow!

[1] The American Heritage College Dictionary.

[2] Random House Webster’s College Dictionary.