Another good article from The Pentecostal Herald: slightly revised
The Sins listed in this post are not specifically mentioned as the “seven deadly sins” in the bible. However, this list of sins: Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride- Has existed since the fall of man.
When we mention these sins as “deadly” it does not imply that there aren’t other deadly sins. All sins are potentially deadly. Also, the fact that these and other sins are deadly, does not mean forgiveness is unavailable to those who repent. And its important to remember to repent means to have a change of mind and behavior. Human nature is fallen and we are all capable of committing any of these seven deadly sins among other sins as well.
John said, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cline us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar. and his word is not in us.” (I John 1:8-9). Proverbs 28:13 states, “He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
The following are quotes taken from reputable pastors and ministers in the UPCI concerning these sins.
The Sin of the World
“To distrust God’s goodness is to live in a system of suspicion and fear exiled from God. Such a system, the sin of the world, can only produce death and decay. It is this death-dealing system of suspicion and fear that the Lamb of God came to abolish and thereby end the exile of humanity. The Lamb of God takes away the sin of the world by invalidating the premise upon which sin operates- that god is less than trustworthy.” (Roy Fisher)
Lust
“Lust is choosing to think about something in our mind that we would like to do with our body that if acted upon would be sin. Because we deliberately choose to think about it, God calls even the thought sin.” (Into the word)
Greed
“I AM GREEDY. I want a nicer house that is at least 2,500 square feet in an affluent city like Scottsdale, Arizona. I want a luxury SUV that had at least separate climate controls for driver and passenger to maintain a happy marriage. I want a 6 figure 401k so I can retire at age 62, I would even settle for 65.” (Patrick Dotson)
Sloth
“In our culture, the word sloth connotes laziness. The man who refuses to earn his living is our picture of sloth. Early greek speaking christians, however used the term acedia, which was a term that wasn’t limited to suggesting physical laziness. Rather it is referred to dejection, emotional neutrality, discouragement, depression, the waning of hope and love- in sum the habitual failure to care. I will use the two terms interchangeably, with the proviso that they both have this broader meaning.” (Jeremy Painter)
Gluttony
“Thomas Aquinas wrote that there are five ways to commit gluttony: (1)Eating food that is to luxurious, exotic or costly, (2)Eating food that is excessive in quantity, (3)Eating food that is too daintily, or elaborately prepared, (4)Eating too soon, or at an inappropriate time, (5)Eating too eagerly.”(P. Daniel Buford)
Anger
“Anger may very well be one of the most destructive of the vices referred to as the “seven deadly sins”. How many unsuspecting lives have been impacted by deep-seated rage taking its toll on the hearts and lives of individuals with long held resentment and hatred resulting from real or perceived grievances? Far too many have had precious relationships destroyed, even as they take up a lifetime of strife, all due to uncontrollable rage. Perhaps this is why Scripture is filled with so many principles for understanding and dealing with this vice. When the word of God is applied to our hearts, it can be used by the Spirit to help remove fear and anger and make our lives whole again.” (Telmadge L. French)
Envy
“This side of Heaven most of us are guilty of envy and most of the time we envy without even knowing it. To envy is the natural feeling in most of us. It is not uncommon for us to want what someone else has. Envy is rooted in pride, the one envying justifying himself by feeling he is more worthy to possess the desired thing, position, honor happiness than the one possessing it.” (Arthur Hodges Jr.)
Pride
“Decide to be happy without being famous. You may never have your own billboard or name on a church sign, but greatness is what God does in you, not around you. Rather than seek things humans will applaud, seek what will matter to God. Enter a ministry of intercession, do alter work, and learn to comfort those who grieve. Why seek great things for yourself when you can do great things for others? Give a word of encouragement to a neighbor and pray with a co-worker. Want to do something great? Take time each day for devotions and prayer with your children and grandchildren.”(Daniel J. Koren)