Please take heed to the wording here. The Bible does not say that we are overtaken by a fault, but IN a fault. What is a fault? A fault is not necessarily a sin in and of itself although it certainly is tainted by sin. It is a moral or character weakness. It cannot always be detected by others because it is hidden below the surface. In itself it is not dangerous UNLESS someone allows that fault to leave them vulnerable. We deal with sin in people’s lives but often fail to deal with the fault.
Someone who is overtaken in a fault is one whose fault has allowed a sin to erupt in them. Scientists explain that earthquakes are caused by faults. We may never see the fault but we feel the tremors caused by the fault. Most people who are overtaken in a fault have a sin that has erupted that causes some level of damage, sometimes even devastating damage. So, when we see major sin we must be aware that there is a fault which has led to that sin. I know my faults and you probably do as well. Deal with your faults and sin can be avoided.
But how do we deal with our faults?
1. Find fault in yourself NOT in others.
2. Confess your faults to the Lord.
3. Be accountable to others for your faults not your sins.
I have a fault I want to confess. I like ice cream. No, that is not true. I LOVE ice cream. Sorry but that is the only fault I plan to confess publicly. Now that fault is not soon going away. I eat ice cream less than once a month. Why? First, we don’t have any ice cream in the house. Second, I avoid going to ice cream parlors. Third, I have confessed this fault to my wife. So, she helps me avoid it. I could eat a half gallon of ice cream at one sitting. Know the fault and you can avoid the fall.
OK, I will confess a real fault. I am very insecure. No doubt I am not alone in this fault. That insecurity can lead to multitudes of sins. I
believe that I was overtaken not BY insecurity but in it. I have NEVER had anyone deal with that fault but I have had many deal with my sins. People think that if they can fight the sin they will help you get the victory. However the fault still exists.
Let me give you a (partial)Â list of faults that many people have that lead to sin.
- Bitterness
- Hurt feelings
- Bad Memories
- Loneliness
- Emptiness
- Depression
- Discouragement
- Anti-social
- Pride
- Haughty spirit
- Procrastination
- Avoidance
- Day dreaming
- Lack of schedule
- Financial irresponsibility
- Too much free time
- Feelings of Abandonment
- Frivolous
- Anger
- Jealousy
- Ill will
- Over thinking
- Overly sensitive
- Argumentative
- Cocky
- Snobbish
Warning! Do not make your fault your excuse. A fault is a weakness and must be dealt with. We are all without excuse but not without reason. Faults are often the reason why we fail the Lord and others.
Know your faults and deal with lest they lead you into sin.