In Many Things We Offend All (James 3:2)

“In many things we offend all.” — James 3:2

 

Summary:

We must measure our sins by God’s judgment rather than by our partial, self-protective view. We forget countless offences, but none are hidden from him; and failure appears in our response to Christ, our worship, charity, use of time, conduct under discipline, temper, and speech. The confession that all offend must never excuse personal sin or become empty words. When sincerely felt, it produces repentance, dependence on Christ, humility, openness to correction, patience with others, longing for holiness, and watchful prayer for greater progress in the divine life.

 

Outline:

• Measure sin by God’s judgment
  • Self-love and a deceitful heart keep us from seeing our offences as God sees them.
• Forgotten sins are not forgotten by God
  • Past transgressions remain present to him and are recorded in his remembrance.
• Our failures reach many areas of life
  • We offend in relation to Christ, devotion, charity, time, trials, temper, and speech.
• Confession must be personal and sincere
  • We must not use universal failure to excuse ourselves or repeat the words without conviction.
• True conviction produces holy fruit
  • It leads to repentance, Christ, humility, teachableness, compassion, vigilance, and hope.