Symptoms of Sin

We have already discussed in detail how people react to spiritual pain. Denial, phobias, indecision, use of painkillers, etc. describe these reactions. A symptom, however, is a direct manifes­tation of a disease or injury. The difference between reactions and symptoms may be understood in this way. When people deve­lop stomach ulcers, they manifest such symp­toms as severe abdominal pain, especially after eating certain foods, and may notice signs of bleeding from the intestinal tract. These are symptoms. These same people, however, may clutch their stomachs and bend over, cry out from the pain, drink milk to sooth the inflammation, or do something else to relieve the pain. These are reactions. Reactions vary from person to person, and many times are simply choices. Symptoms are involuntary and automatic.

The inherent sinful nature manifests itself by various acts or symptoms of sin. Sinners commit individual sins involuntarily because of their sinful condition. People in sin automatically develop guilt, shame, loneliness, pain and emptiness as a by-product of sin. The scriptures give us several catalogs of sin which define these behaviors. All of them result from a sinful heart.

“Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, “Slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; They are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:28-32

In the Galatian epistle, these sins are described as the works of the flesh. Any person who walks in the flesh instead of in the Spirit will manifest telltale signs.

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; “Idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions And envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

It must be abundantly clear that the underlying culprit in all these areas remains the basic sinful nature of man. We must not succumb to the false, humanistic ideas that the problem is the social milieu, the cultural mix, or the “oppressive” tradition of religious influence. Social programs may help alleviate some injustice, pain and suffering. As long as sin exists, however, the root of evil will continue to produce harm.

Signs of Spiritual Activity

The first-aid caregiver must not only learn to detect symp­toms, it is also important to know whether the treatment is working. Spiritually, the soulwinner should be able to see the results of spiritual first-aid. The gospel always brings some kind of reaction from people. If it is received in faith, the seed of the Word will germinate and begin to grow. If it is rejected, it will manifest signs of that as well. Here are some scriptural examples of spiritual activity that resulted when people heard the Gospel.

• “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37
• “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.” Acts 10:44
• “As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” Acts 24:25

People often become very agitated when the gospel is preached to them and they resist it. We call this “conviction of the Spirit.” In other words, they feel a great deal of guilt and realize that they must make a decision. They are unwilling to act, however, in accordance with the will of God. In family situations, a person who is “under conviction” may show great irritation, erupt in fits of rage, start arguments or make life miserable for everybody in the family. In the workplace, a person who rejects the truth may cast insults, ridicule, or even plot to cause a believer to lose his/her job. Such behavior stems from the work of the Spirit in that person’s life. The soulwinner must take great care to react to each incident in a positive, loving way. Of course, even a Christian does not have to jeopardize a good job or position if a righteous and fair recourse is open, but whatever happens, integrity and honor must be preserved. The desire for revenge should never seize a believer.

A witness may not bear fruit immediately. In fact, in many cases, years pass by before someone acts on a gospel message or witness. Do not ruin the painstaking efforts out of exasperation. These efforts may still pay off some time in the future.