Category: Sin
Subject: Sin
Sermons: And Such Were Some of You
Ian Tilley discusses the state of sin as men transgress God’s laws, and assures that no matter the sin, forgiveness is possible for all.
Lessons from a Millstone
We speak of God’s word as sublime. In this we acknowledge both that the word of God is understandable, and that it is unfathomably deep and productive as we study it each day. The simplest of babes can derive from it the “words of eternal life” (John 6:68), and yet the ablest of students can spend a lifetime of learning from it each day.
Lessons can be learned from unexpected places. For example, we can learn much from the Bible’s reference to the millstone. The millstone was extremely important in ancient times. To turn grain into flour, the grain would be crushed into powder between two heavy stones. Smaller versions of such stones were found in the homes of the people. Larger stones were fashioned in ancient societies to increase production. Regardless, as the Bible refers to such millstones, there are three thoughts to keep in mind. First, they were necessities. Second, they were hard. Third, they were heavy. With this in mind, consider the following truths:
“Woe to Him”
On the matter of offenses Jesus said, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones” (Luke 17:1-2). It can be said that Jesus is not happy with those who offend others.
But, what is it that Jesus refers to as an offense? The words is found a total of 15 times in the New Testament. In the KJV of the Bible, the term is translated offence (9x), stumbling block (3x), occasion of stumbling (1x), occasion to fall (1x), thing that offends (1x).
Thayer defines the term, (skandalon) – a trap, snare; any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall.
So, Jesus frowns upon the one who would cause another to stumble or fall — that is, to sin against Him. It is bad enough when we ourselves sin, but if we lead others to sin, “woe to him”!
We should think of this when considering the proper attitude we should have toward those who teach error. When we think about teaching others ourself. When we consider how our actions will affect or influence others. As parents and grandparents as we consider our children and grand-children are watching us closely, and learning from our words and actions. Offenses will certainly come, but “woe to him through whom they do come!”
Click below to…
Sermon: The Unequal Yoke
In the text of (2 Corinthians 6:14-18), the apostle Paul instructs Christians not to be unequally yoked to unbelievers. What is that unequal yoke?
<<———><><———>>
Sermon: Why Lament?
People will only understand the severity of the problem of sin if we look at it from God’s eyes. The Old Testament prophets Elijah and Jeremiah help us to do so.
Did Jesus Heal a Homosexual Soldier’s Slave?
This past week, I was made aware of an argument, made by some, to contend that Jesus implicitly approved of a homosexual relationship. The account is Luke 7. I would like to examine that text and the argument.
In my research, it seems that the argument has two main features, both based on the meaning of Greek words. The first word is pais. Thayer defines the term — 1) a child, boy or girl. 2) A servant or slave.
Continue reading “Did Jesus Heal a Homosexual Soldier’s Slave?”
Sermon: “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter”
It was traumatic to Peter when the Lord looked at him, and he realized he had denied Him three times. We too seek to avoid such trauma, by rationalizing, covering up, lying about, and hiding our own sins.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
The Danger of Assumption
When the wicked in the world engage in evil without suffering consequences, what do we think? Do we think that this not fair? Do we think that God is not fair? Do we think that God is evil? Some have gone beyond thinking it, and have actively said as much.
God has something to say on the matter. In Psalm 50, He speaks to the wicked regarding their evil works. Consider His words:
“These things you have done, and I kept silent;
You thought that I was altogether like you;
But I will rebuke you,
And set them in order before your eyes.
“Now consider this, you who forget God,
Lest I tear you in pieces,
And there be none to deliver:
Whoever offers praise glorifies Me;
And to him who orders his conduct aright
I will show the salvation of God.”
(Psalms 50:21-23)
It is a mistake to assume that God is anything at all like the wicked. Though He does not always work in ways we understand, we know two truths absolutely. One, those who “forget God” will eventually pay for their sin, (cf. Romans 1:28-32). Two, the one who “orders his conduct aright” will be saved by God (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:5-7).
God is righteous in character and judgment. In the end, righteousness will prevail!
Click below to…
Causing Grief
In 2 Corinthians 2, the apostle Paul gives instructions to the church to “forgive and comfort” the man who had been disciplined by them. It’s almost certain that the man under consideration was the man guilty of fornication, referred to in 1 Corinthians 5. They had done as Paul commanded, and withdrew fellowship from him. The text obviously intimates the man’s eventual repentance, and now Paul calls upon the Corinthians to forgive him, and receive him back into their fellowship.
Why would they hesitate to bring him back? Because his sin and rebellion had caused them grief! He hadn’t personally grieved Paul, as Paul was not part of that congregation, but all of them in Corinth, “to some extent,” had been caused grief by him.
The word grief here, (lupeo), means to make sorrowful, to offend, (Thayer). Two simple, but important points are here made.
First, no matter the trouble, sorrow and offense we endure from a man who is caught and remains in sin — we are called to forgive and comfort him upon repentance. It is not right for us to hold sin against another. We are to express our love to them and receive them back, regardless of the grief they may have caused us.
Second, when you sin, your sin causes grief to others. It may be slight, it may be great, but your actions impact your brethren! Sin is characteristically selfish and self-centered. You’re not only hurting yourself. Something to think about!
Click below to…
Sermon: Night and Darkness
Day and Light are contrasted with Night and Darkness in scripture. The lesson discusses the realm of spiritual Night and Darkness, and the Holy Spirit’s call to Wake Up!
Sermon: What is Fair?
An examination of Ezekiel 18, which give us much insight as to the grievous nature of sin, and how our righteous God deals with both those who pursue sin, and those who pursue righteousness.
The Patternists: Transgressions Bring Judgment
The book of Amos begins with declarations of judgment against various nations. The form of the declarations is uniform, beginning with the phrase, “for three transgressions… and for four.” For example, “Thus says the Lord: ‘For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they have threshed Gilead with implements of iron” (Amos 1:3). Also included are declarations against, Gaza (1:6), Tyre (1:9), Edom (1:11), Ammon (1:13), Moab (2:1), Judah (2:4) and Israel (2:6).
These simple declarations reveal why God’s judgment comes upon any people, either collectively or individually. They come because of transgressions. The Hebrew word in this context (pesa) is translated in the Old Testament using words like, transgression, sin, trespass and rebellion.
Continue reading “The Patternists: Transgressions Bring Judgment”
Sermon: Abomination
A discussion of what men believe are abominations, and what is an abomination to Almighty God. (Hint: They are often very different!)
Sermon: The Humbling of Kings
A discussion of kings Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar and Darius when they witness the power of Jehovah God. (Daniel 2-6)
Sermon: Jehoiakim’s Knife
The evil king Jehoaikim, when warned of coming judgments, did not fear nor repent. His rebelliousness brought destruction upon him and Judah.
