SIN TOPICS:
Portions of sermons on the subject of SIN.
STOPPING WILLFUL SIN THINGS GOD CALLS SIN
THE UNPARDONABLE SIN WHY DO WE TURN FROM GOD AND
EMBRACE SIN?
CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
Welcome-
I pray you turn from Sin and accept the Savior
Most people do not "Stumble" into sins (I'm not convinced that an Accidental wrong is judged in the same way a sin is judged--An untruth by a "slip of the tongue" is not the same as a deliberate lie. This is what we base our "age of accountability" on. We believe that a Child is not held responsible for their sin nature until they come to the knowledge of right and wrong. Even though Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, the Bible says it was Adam who sinned because HE DELIBERATELY DEFIED GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS- Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:). [Some use this to say that the Heathen aren't lost because they don't know they are doing wrong. Romans says, however, that they have the witness of their conscience and of nature and will be judged accordingly-- just as God felt justified in killing all the Canaanites when Israel invaded the promised land. They had sinned against the light they had].
I. THE SOURCES OF SIN:
A) DESIRE- James 1:14-15 But every man is
tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust
hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth
forth death. NOTE- The Desire is not a sin; it, however, can lead to sin.
Temptation is not sin; it is the temptation TO SIN.
B) DEVIL- John 8:44 Ye are of your father
the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the
beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he
speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
C) DEFIANCE- Rom 3:23 For all have sinned,
and come short of the glory of God; Rebellion against the will and work of God.
Putting your goals and good ahead of God's Desires and Directions.
(Just examine yourself in the light of the TEN COMMANDMENTS:
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image,
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain;
for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor thy Father and Mother
6-10. Thou Shalt not Kill, Steal, Commit Adultery, Covet,
Bear False Witness.
These cover our Relationship with God, Family, and Society. Are you deliberately choosing to violate any of these rules because YOU or SOCIETY think that it's alright. Remember that Sin is choosing YOUR way over GOD's Way!
If you find that sin is beginning to build Strong holds in your life, apply these THREE PRINCIPLES
1. CONFRONT IT- Don't pretend it doesn't exist or isn't serious. It will DESTROY YOU and those around you. Look it straight in the eye and realize you're staring at something that want's to send you to HELL!
2. CONFESS IT-Psa 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and
mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the
LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Most of the time we Confess it to God. Sometimes we must
confess it to someone else also (God will direct it this).
Sometimes Confession involves RESTITUTION-
Num 5:7 Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall
recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth
part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.
Confession also involves FAITH- Rom 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in
thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
(Confession can also BRING HEALING- James
5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may
be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Many
people are sick in body because they harbored Hate or Bitterness in their
heart).
3. CHANGE IT- Mat 12:43-45 When the unclean spirit is gone
out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44
Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he
is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh
with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and
dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so
shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Change your Location, your Friends, and your manner of life.
Don't make it easy for Satan to trip you up.
God's Power is greater than the Power of Sin. That's one of the reasons Jesus was Resurrected, to show His ability to conquer Sin's Power. Don't allow Satan to delude you into believing God can't give you the Victory- Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!. Meet with Christ at the Alter today- If we Confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Rom 6:23 The Wages of Sin is death; but the gift of God is
eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord. This is a classic "commonly Known"
verse that has tremendous implications. While most Christians would willingly
say "amen" to the verse they find it a little harder relating it to real life
situations. It is easy to say that God's wrath rests upon the sinner but it has
become increasingly hard to define just what sin really is. It used to be "sin"
to own a TV but today almost everyone has one and our Church is using Videos as
a method of outreach. Drugs, Divorce, Preacher Scandal, etc. have all invaded
the Church today and many preachers who preached against sin now find an excuse
for it when it happens in their life.
If sin is as bad as it seems- it will send a person to hell
and it cost Jesus his death on the Cross - then we need to know What Sin really
is and learn how to Avoid it.
I. THE PRINCIPLES OF SIN--The Westminster Short Catechism
defines SIN as "any want of conformity unto, or any transgression of, the law of
God." Paul says in Rom 14:23 for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Faith is
responding to the Will of God. When I do not seek, or do not obey, the will of
God then it is Sin. It may seem cultured or refined; or crude and vulgar, but if
it is a violation of God's will it is Sin- That's why Jesus would Berate
"righteous" Pharisees and offer forgiveness to prostitutes.
"Sin" is from an old English word that means "To miss the
mark" and was used to describe an archer missing the bull's eye on the target.
It is used several ways:
A) A Transgression of the Law as laid down by God.
B) Iniquity- an act that is Wrong (Usually known by
the conscience even if not written in the Law- Rom 2:12-15)
C) Scofield also lists Trespass (the intrusion of self
will into the sphere of divine authority), lawlessness (Spiritual
anarchy), and Unbelief (Insult to Divine veracity) but all of these are
basic to the original meaning of sin MISSING THE MARK
The basis of Sin therefore is to go outside of the
bounds and plan of God. You may be "good" as far as the world is concerned but
you've missed the mark of God's Plan either by Omission or Commission and
have violated the Divine plan.
The Word Sin is used in three ways:
1. A Man's Actions in regards to God's Laws. Man Sins
2. A Man's Nature of Rebellion against God's Plan. Man is
Sinful
3. A Man's Standing in Regards to Relationship with God. A Sinner
Sin Separates us from God; Deteriorates our lives; and Slays us. One Basic principle you must keep in mind is that YOU must answer for YOUR sins- Deut 24:16 The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers; every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
II. THE PRACTICE OF SIN - People practice sin in Two ways:
A) Attitude Sins-
1. Jealousy- To allow someone's elses
success to cause you to fail to do your part (Saul has just been make King and
Samuel said) I Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin
against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and
the right way. James 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and
are convinced of the law as transgressors.
2. Hating Brother- Lev 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother
in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin
upon him. I John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know
that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
3. To demand Your "Rights" at the expense of a weaker
Christian I Cor 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethern, and
wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
B) Action Sins- There are a number of "Common Sins" listed in the
Bible by Godly Men
- Joseph called Adultery Sin- Gen 39:9.
- Moses Called Idolatry Sin- Ex 34:31 And Moses returned unto
the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them
gods of gold.
But there are some things that God calls Sin:
1) Blaspheming: Levi 25:15 And thou shalt speak unto
the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.
2) Failure to Function for God- Deut 32:23 But is ye
will not do so,(That is, be faithful to your service for God)behold, ye have
sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.
James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and
doeth it not, to him it is sin.
3) Not heeding the Cry of the needy- 24:14-15 Thou
shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy
brethern, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates: At his day
thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is
poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and
it be sin unto thee.
4) Failure to keep a Vow to God- Deut 23:21 When thou
shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the
Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.
5) God even lists some things that will keep you out of
Heaven: I Cor 6:9-10 Know ye not that the
unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither
fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of
themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers,
nor exhortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the
abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and
all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and
brimstone: which is the second death.
III. THE PARDON FOR SIN- II Cor 5:21 God made Christ to be
sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in
him. Christ paid the "wages of Sin" (Death) for us and now we can receive PARDON
and FORGIVENESS by placing our Faith in Christ.
But God does not just pardon our Past sins; He provides us
ways to avoid sin-
Reverence God Ex 20:20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God
is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin
not. Ps 4:4
Avoid Sinners- Ex 23:33 They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make
thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare
unto thee.
Read the Bible- Ps 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might
not sin against thee.
ARE YOU A SINNER? OR ARE YOU SAVED BY GRACE???
Matt 12:22-37 (Mark 3:22-30)
There is a time, I know not when
A place I know not where
Which marks the destiny of man
To heaven or despair
There is a line by us not seen
Which crosses every path
The hidden boundary between
God's patience and His wrath
SUMMED UP: 2 Chr 36:15-16 And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: 16 But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
I. WHY WORRY ABOUT THE UNPARDONABLE SIN???
A) All sins may be forgiven- except one!! (And it has NEVER
FORGIVENESS)
B) Many fear lest they have fallen into this sin
C) To shun it- we must first know it.
II. WHAT IS THE UNPARDONABLE SIN??
A) Some things it's not- Murder, Adultery, Stealing, Lying,
Drunkenness...All of these can and have been forgiven (David, a man after God's
heart, committed Adultery, Murder, Drunkenness...and still got forgiveness).
"It is not any one particular, isolated sin of excessive
vulgarity, impurity, or criminality,"
B) What is it:
1. Note the People warned about it- "Very Religious" people
who were strict outward keepers of the Ten Commandments.
2. Clearly some form of sin against the Holy Ghost- Mat 12:32
but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him,
neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
3. It is THE Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost (Blasphemy=
Insulting) "The ascribing of the Holy Spirit's gracious and holy activities to
the devil himself"- Mark 3:29-30 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy
Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: 30 Because
they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
The factor which makes it unpardonable-- It being
intelligent, knowing, willful, and determined (Had their sinister libel on the
Holy Spirit been uttered ignorantly and unknowingly, it would at once have been
pardonable--Paul committed this sin of Blasphemy before his conversion and was
forgiven- 1 Tim 1:12-13 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me,
for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before
a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I
did it ignorantly in unbelief.
These Pharisees however had seen and heard God's marvelous
works and knew God's word so that they knew this could only be of God and yet
they refused to believe.
III. WHY IS IT UNPARDONABLE??
A) Because rather than one act or statement it is a fixed
attitude of mind and heart. Not a continued sin (though this may lead to) but a
fixed attitude . Compare to souls saved after a life of horrible sin. Paul
writes the Church and list horrible sins and then says "...but such were some of
you. (I Cor 6:9-11)
B) They could not be pardoned because they would not REPENT.
KNOWING AND SEEING THE TRUTH THEY REFUSED TO TURN FROM THEIR WAY TO GOD'S WAY.
"He came unto his own and his own received him not"
He who "would" not repent may come to him who "could" not
Repent. This makes the unpardonable sin one reached by a process of sinful
refusal towards God and divine truth. Compare Pharaoh who hardened his heart.
NOTE the arguments Jesus used to show that his works were
divine (vs 25-33)
1. A kingdom divided against itself falls (vs 25)
2. I've done as your children, and you say they're right (vs
27)
3. Bad trees bring bad fruit- and I've done only good (vs 33)
IV. HOW DO WE PREVENT IT??
A) Know that it can be committed.
B) Know the Path of Commitment:
1. Postponing- continuing to "put
off" Salvation
2. Presuming- intending to be saved
but presuming to pick your own time (No man can come unless God calls)
3. Pretending- Playing the hypocrite
till you believe you are what you pretend.
NOTES:
1. The unpardonable sin can only be committed by sinners
(Christians commit Apostasy)
2. Blasphemy against Son of Man forgiven but not against Holy
Spirit (Key here is Son of MAN. To insult man is one thing; to deliberately
insult and disregard the wooing of the Holy Spirit as he calls to eternal life
is something else all together.
3. If you're worried about having committed the unpardonable
sin; you haven't. If the spirit still troubles your soul and calls you to life
in Christ then you still can, and should, heed the call. BUT DO IT TODAY.
Missed Opportunities: To Serve For Salvation
Missed Guidance of Holy Spirit
- Look to Fleshly Wisdom and Human Reasoning
- Teach our Children to ascribe works of God to Nature or
Science.
THE UNPARDONABLE SIN TODAY
There is an old saying "As long as there is life there is
hope". That may be true with man but it's not true with God. That is why I feel
the need and the urgency to preach this sermon on the unpardonable sin.
The word blaspheme comes from the greek word "blasphemia"
which means evil speaking.
What is the unpardonable sin?
Is it attributing the work of God to the devil?
Is it the final ultimate rejection of the Lord Jesus?
An important statement in understanding what this sin is to read verse 25 "Jesus knew their thoughts"
1. The Holy Ghost is a person and has a job to do
a. John 16:7-11
b. It is his call that offers salvation
c. It is thru him we are regenerated
d. It is him that can be sinned against that is unpardonable
2. Bible-Examples of those who Committed this Sin
a. Pharaoh- said I no longer want to see you (Ex. 10:28)
Moses- you will see my face no longer (Ex. 10:29)
b. Herod killed John the baptist in Mk 6 and Jesus would not
speak to him- Lk 23:8-9 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he
was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of
him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with
him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
3. There is a process whereby this Sin takes place: A man is sick and I have the remedy but he resists help time after time until he finally insults me and I still come and offer help but not as frequent until I finally just quit coming at all.
4. The End Result is Hopelessness
a. Eph 4:17-19 This I say therefore, and testify in the
Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their
mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God
through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to
work all uncleanness with greediness.
b. No more feeling of conviction
c. God calls no more
d. All hope is gone John 6:44 No man can come to me, except
the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
WHY DO WE TURN FROM GOD AND EMBRACE SIN?
(Gen 3:1-8) Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? {2} And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: {3} But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. {4} And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: {5} For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. {6} And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. {7} And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. {8} And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
This is the first incident in the Bible in which someone turned from God and embraced sin. What can we learn from this incident that will help us avoid the same problem?
Before she embraced Sin Eve's viewpoint changed about :
1) The Will of God
2) The Word of God
3) The Worship of God
What were the results of Eve turning from God to Embrace Sin?
1) For Her Family
2) For Her Faith (Her walk with God, Her knowledge of good
and evil)
3)For Her Future (Long Term Consequences of sin)
CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
(Hag 1:5-6) Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.
This verse shows us that wicked ways give bad results. It shows us to be
aware of the Consequences of Sin:
- - In the Life of the UNSAVED: No Relationship with God, No Peace of Heart, No
ability to produce meaningful change in their life, and No Hope of Heaven
- - When a CHRISTIAN SINS, he loses: Fellowship, Fruit, Rewards, Testimony,
Blessings
Someone has said there are at least 20 CONSEQUENCES OF SIN:
1) A Little Sin leads to more sin.
2) Sins invites God's discipline
3) Time spend in sin is forever wasted.
4) Sin never pleases, but always Grieves God
5) Sin places a greater burden on my spiritual leaders.
6) Sin causes Heaviness of Heart
7) Others, including my family, suffer consequences due to my sin.
8) Sin makes God's enemies rejoice
9) Sin deceives me into believing I have gained when I lost.
10) Sin may keep me from being a spiritual leader.
11) Sin's benefits are never as great at it's consequences
12) Repenting of sin is a painful process
13) My sin may lead others to sin
14) My sin may keep others from knowing Christ
15) Sin makes light of the suffering of Christ on the Cross
16) It is impossible to sin and follow the Spirit at the same time
17) Others have been destroyed by sin and so may I
18) God chooses not to hear the prayers of those who cherish sin.
19) My unwillingness to deal with my sin may grant it control over me
20) Sin does not allow Christ to be Lord of my life- and I promised Him that
Position.
Sin Destroys lives, Divides Families, Distresses God, and
Dooms a person to Hell. It cost men their Riches, their Righteousness, and their
Rightful place in society but none of these could fully pay the debt it incurs.
Only the shed blood of Christ, the precious Son of God who left Heaven to die on
a rugged cross in our place, can pay the debt of Sin. Only He can change the
consequences of Sin into the eternal comforts of Heaven.
Can we pray with you? Can we show you more of what Christ did
for you and how you can escape the consequences of sin? Contact us.
Rev Mike Jones
2434 Allen Road
Effingham, S C 29541