Who Will Know?

“Who will know?”

One way Satan likes to tempt us into committing sin is to lessen its importance. When everyone is committing a sin, it suddenly normalizes it, and makes it such that we are not regarding it as a great danger. Even worse, when we are completely alone, it is very easy to give over to temptation. We may subconsciously ask, “who will know”?

I. OTHERS WILL KNOW

A. If they are with you in committing the sin

1. Anyone you participate in this sin with will know you have done it.

2. What will that do for any possible Godly influence?

3. John 15:1-5 - are we producing good fruit in our relationships with others?

4. Exodus 23:2 You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice,

5. 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals."

B. If you do nothing to stop it (collective and/or habitual sin)

1. 1 Corinthians 12:12, 21-27 - Even if none of your Christian friends know, the fruit of your sinful mindset will become apparent eventually (conversation, behavior, etc.).

2. Ephesians 4:14-16 - Those who are faithful, studious Christians can see when something is “off”. Not that they are judging anyone, but worldly influence exposes itself.

3. Galatians 5:16-17 - God gives the Christian the tools to hear the wrong thing from someone else. The more sinful we are, the more uncomfortable we will be among those who are trying to be like God.

II. I WILL KNOW

A. Because faith is NOT the foundation of sin

1. Romans 14:22-23 “...whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

2. This should be enough by itself to avoid sin. Even if no one else finds out, I will ALWAYS know.

3. Faith is the very being of a Christian. We operate motivated by faith.

4. Primarily, I will always know that this was a decision that NEVER had anything to do with my faith in God.

B. Because sin makes me an UNFAITHFUL child of God.

1. Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

2. We should have a vested interest in being found by God to be faithful.

3. Philippians 3:8-11 - We must work to be found “in Him”!

C. Because I should have more honor for myself.

1. While the Christian is to have a mindset of humility and service, we must have a sense of self-interest and self-worth.

2. Luke 12:6-7 - “You are of more value than many sparrows.”

3. When I violate God’s Law, it doesn’t only mean that I have forsaken Him (bad enough!), but that I don’t consider myself to be worth saving.

4. God tells us we are worth something to Him! We are valuable to Him!

II. GOD WILL KNOW

A. When no one else knows.

1. God is omniscient – all knowing.

2. Job 10:14 If I sin, you watch me and do not acquit me of my iniquity.

3. You can get away “scott free” in Man’s eyes, and God still knows.

B. When I think I can get away with it

1. Genesis 39:9c ...How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?"

2. Psalm 139 – For the Christian, this is comforting and uplifting! For the sinner, this is terrible!

C. When I work to keep it a secret

1. Hebrews 4:12-13 - We must give ACCOUNT to Him!

2. 2 Samuel 12:12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'"

IV. WHEN CHRIST COMES, ALL WILL KNOW

A. Nothing is hidden that will not be uncovered.

1. Matthew 10:24-31 – God knows every detail about me, and everything will eventually be revealed.

B. This “uncovering” will be associated with the final judgment.

1. 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

2. Galatians 6:7-8; John 5:27-29

3. 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

1 Timothy 1:12-14, 1 John 1:6-10 - There is great hope, only in His grace!

Job 17:9 Yet the righteous holds to his way, and he who has clean hands grows stronger and stronger.

Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."