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.

Poor and Unworthy Example

If we were to live a self-centered, self-absorbed, selfish life that cared nothing about others, then this particular sin would not be so serious.  But since we are to related to others and are even responsible for others, the sin of setting a poor example before others is entirely understandable.

Jesus Himself should be our primary example.  This is set forth in 1 John 2:6: “The one who says he abides in Him, ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.”  We look to Jesus as our model of living, thus we must walk (live) as he walked.  Peter also says the same: “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).  We are to love as Christ loved (Ephesians 5:2).  Similarly, we are to be “imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1; cf. 1 Peter 1:15-16).

Not only this, but we are to follow the example of other people.  We are to “imitate” the faith of those who spoke the word of God to us (Hebrews 13:7), and are to be “imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (6:12).  Elders or overseers have a special position of influence through their example, for they are to “be examples to the flock” under their care (1 Peter 5:3).

Especially the example of Paul the apostle should be our pattern of living and teaching.  He wrote, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).  Notice this clear passage: “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” (Philippians 4:9). He was able to say, “You yourselves know how you ought to follow our example” (2 Thessalonians 3:7).

He told one believing body, “You also became imitators of us and of the Lord . . . so that you became an example to all the believers” (1 Thessalonians 6-7). This is the proper order: we follow the worthy example of others, then we also become an example ourselves.

This obligation of being a good example to others is not optional, but necessary.  Paul wrote to Timothy, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:12).  Not only was Timothy to follow Paul’s example, but he was to be an example to others.  Titus also had such a responsibility: “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us” (Titus 2:7-8). Do you consciously go through life with the realization of your being an example to others in your character and actions?

Do you think that young men and women, age 14, 16 or 18 are mindful of this example responsibility?  Do young people follow the devoted example of older men and women who have followed the Lord twice as long as the young person?  Do they model their attitudes, their behavior, their speech, and their lifestyle after the example of aged men and women who have walked with God for many decades? Do they follow the example of the brother or sister who brought them to the Lord?  Do they ridicule the commitment, devotion, and life of the most spiritual adults—or do they gladly seek to emulate the worthy example of others?

If they have a worthy father and mother, do they deliberately seek to emulate their good example? Do they also earnestly purpose to be a good example before younger ones who need a good example?  Do they watch how they dress, how they speak, where they go, what kind of car they drive, how they drive, and how they work for the Lord—so that they will be good examples to the saints and to outsiders?  “In speech, conduct, love, faith and purity,” do they show themselves an “example of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:12)?

When a young man and woman are considering marriage and beginning to court, do they make sure that they don’t have any intimate contact with their beloved?  For example, do the young brothers relate to “the young women as sisters, in all purity” (1 Timothy 5:2)?  Do they seek to follow the example of older brothers and sisters who have been married for some years, ever maintaining a high degree of holiness and purity in the relationship?

Do you think that older men and women are willing to seek the example of still older brothers and sisters in the things of God?  Do you believe that older saints deliberately seek to walk carefully in order to be worthy examples to those who are younger?  When you are driving a car, do you purposely try to drive carefully to be a good example to those around you? When you are on the job, do you try to be a model employee so that your fellow-workers can look to you as an example?  When you are in a supermarket or other public place, do you do all you can to conduct yourself with love, kindness, gentleness, honesty, and truthfulness—so that observers will have you as an example of what a true Christian should act like?

Think of the poor examples that abound all around us.  We can’t be a good example if we become angry in our spirit or if we use bad language.  We can’t be a worthy example if we use tobacco or do drugs, if we become intoxicated, if we eat junk foods or use soft drinks, if we dress immodestly, or if we own a sports car or drive recklessly.  We can’t be a good example to others if we are intimate in a wrongful way with our boyfriend or girlfriend.  We can be a poor example before others in hundreds of different ways!

We can see that a failure to be a good example is a poor testimony of God’s work in the human heart.  A poor example will ruin your influence for good before others, and it may be something you can’t outlive in the future.  A poor example fails to have an effect for good before those who observe your behavior and hear your speech.  A poor example definitely is a sin that calls for repentance and confession to others.