Category: Sin
Subject: Sin
From the Preacher’s Pen: Politeness and Choice
In the Fort Worth Star Telegram on the crosswords page, there are two “jumble” type puzzles, where you have to rearrange letters to uncover the intended words. Each of them have a “payoff” word that comes with a clue. I liked the “Scramlets” puzzle from Tuesday. The clue was:
Politeness is the art of choosing among your thoughts.
Wisdom comes from the most unexpected places. The quote acknowledges that everyone has thoughts that are rude or inappropriate, but a polite person chooses carefully those thoughts he will express.
This reminds me of James’ thoughts regarding temptation and sin in James 1:14-15, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings for death.”
All are tempted to sin. No matter the enticement, no matter the desire, sin is avoided when we choose not to pursue it. The choice is not always easy to make, and is made easier only as a Christian matures spiritually. However, two things are indisputably true. First, we can resist the temptations to sin. Paul wrote, “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Second, we are accountable for the choices we make! “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Sermon: The Consequences of Sin
The sermon describes both the physical and spiritual consequences of sin, using King David as an example and object lesson.
Painful Consequences
One of the many reasons why sin is so popular in our society is that people have been able to convince themselves that such activity can be enjoyed with few consequences.
While certain sins in the past carried with their commission a certain stigma, such is not the case today. Pregnancy outside of marriage, sexual promiscuity, drug use, homosexuality — all are accepted by society, or at the most are looked upon as a mild indiscretion. We witness the famous engaging in bizarre and destructive behavior, and they are continually enabled and excused in their lawbreaking and infidelities. Authority figures in our country, including policemen and educators, often have their hands tied when trying to deal with crime and delinquency. We are a society that defends, rationalizes and enables. Sin is seldom dealt with as God intends — even in the church.
Sermon: Perilous Times
The lesson is an examination of Paul’s warning of perilous times in 2 Timothy 3:1-9. The description given of ungodliness is explained, and the warnings to “turn away” from “such people” is noted.
Sermon: Learning from Israel’s Mistakes
The apostle Paul instructed the Corinthians, using the sins of Israel as an example from which to learn. The church today can be guilty of the same mistakes and failings if we do not learn from Israel’s example.
Sermon preached by Josh Cox
Sermon: Characteristics of a Fool
The fool has certain common characteristics he shares with others of his ilk. He denies God’s existence, does not control his base impulses, ignores the dangers of sin, refuses godly counsel because of prideful heart, and never prepares himself for his inevitable death.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Shining Your Light VS Fitting In
I recently came across an article that was discussing advice given by a “preacher” to a young Christian who was wondering if it was acceptable for Christians to go to night clubs. The preacher wrote him:
“… I urge you to stop living under that unbiblical legalism and live more like Jesus. Jesus hung around prostitutes and sinners and partied with tax collectors.”
Later, the preacher ridiculed what he considered that legalistic view:
“We can’t hang out with sinners but — at most — we can stand at a distance and preach at (usually condemn) them. Not a brilliant tactic. Not successful. Not like Jesus…”
In reality, the Lord ate and drank with sinners (cf. Luke 5:30) — He didn’t “party” with them. And, He had a purpose in approaching them, “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’” (vs. 31-32).
We are to be in the world, but we are not to be of the world (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11). And, we are certainly not to be like the world (cf. Philippians 2:14-15). The young man was not asking permission to “shine his light” he wanted to be justified in “fitting in.” That is something Jesus never sought to do! In this unfortunate example, the preacher’s words are shameful and wrong!
Invitation: That’s Irrational
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
Among other irrational thoughts discussed, Justin points out the absurdity of the idea that a person can be a Christian while practicing sin (cf. 1 John 3:4-9).
Invitation: Striving for Perfection
Invitation delivered by: Joshua Cox
It is true that no one is perfect. We all sin (cf. Romans 3:23). But, the fact that we aren’t perfect does not give us the right to not strive for perfection. Passages such as 1 John 3:6 show us as Christians that we must strive for perfection.
Satan’s Deceptions
“Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly–and indeed you do bear with me. For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”
(2 Corinthians 11:1-3)
The apostle Paul greatly desired the faithfulness of the brethren in Corinth. It was his intent that through his efforts they might fully please God. Therefore, he exhorted them, realizing that there were great impediments strewn by the Adversary.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Illicit Pleasure Brings Diminishing Returns
I recently came across the following quote from the pen of C.S. Lewis in his book, The Screwtape Letters, (pages 41-42). They are the words of a demon tempter to his young apprentice, explaining the difference between God given pleasure, and illicit perversions of it.
“Never forget that when we are dealing with any pleasure in its healthy and normal and satisfying form, we are, in a sense, on the Enemy’s ground. I know we have won many a soul through pleasure. All the same, it is His invention, not ours. He made the pleasures; all our research so far has not enabled us to produce one. All we can do is to encourage the humans to take the pleasures which our Enemy has produced, at times, or in ways, or in degrees, which He has forbidden. Hence we always try to work away from the natural condition of any pleasure to that in which it is least natural, least redolent of its Maker, and least pleasurable. An ever increasing craving for an ever diminishing pleasure is the formula.”
How true! Sexual activity within the loving confines of marriage is pure and uplifting. Fornication of all types leads to dissolution and complications. The same can be said for illicit drug use, the pursuit of money, and all sorts of activities that are not even objectionable if practiced with the moderation and priority God prescribes.
Remember, the devil seeks our ruin! (cf. 1 Peter 5:8). Sin is alluring, but it’s end is never satisfying to the soul.
The Intolerance of Toleration
I recently came across an internet article listing the 5 most hated YouTube videos in internet history. This list was based upon the number of “thumbs down” designations given. Fifth on the list is the music video, “Baby”, by teen pop singer Justin Bieber. First on the list is a young lady who videotaped her opinion that the earthquake and resultant tsunami that devastated Japan was an answer to prayer, that God might convince the atheist of His existence. Interestingly, the girl later admitted that her video is a hoax, deliberately outrageous with the intent of provoking the ire of viewers.
Sermon: Sin, Suffering and God
Why do men suffer? Is suffering caused by sin? Is suffering inevitable? What part does God play in man’s suffering? Is God to blame? Can suffering be profitable? All of these questions are answered by Wayne Goforth in this lesson.
Mining the Scriptures: Jude 5-11
To illustrate the condemnation reserved for false teachers, Jude used three examples in this text. First, those of the Exodus who exhibited unbelief despite the miraculous intervention of God. He “destroyed those who did not believe.” Second, the rebellious angels. Though little is revealed about this rebellion of higher beings, we know that God placed them under “everlasting chains.” Third, the immoral cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, that suffered by His hand, “the vengeance of eternal fire.”
These serve as an object lesson to the current false teachers that Jude warns his readers about. These evil men are sensuous and rebellious. Because of their evil ways, they are worthy of condemnation.
In verse 9 of the text, a reference is made to a conflict between Michael, the archangel, and the devil, about the body of Moses. We have no knowledge of the nature of the dispute, and it is worthless to speculate. However, the occasion is used to point out the audacity of the false teachers Jude condemns. Their brashness leads them to do things even Michael himself would not.
In the News: Another Rock Star Dies
British singer Amy Winehouse died on July 23, 2011. Winehouse was a talented performer with a distinctive voice and style, who died following a history of drug abuse, at the age of 27.
Her death is one in a long line of untimely deaths of celebrities and performers. In fact, the age of 27 seems to be significant, as singers Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix and Janice Joplin all died at that age as well. All were heavy drug users, and Hendrix and Joplin died of drug overdoses. Cobain committed suicide.
