Christian Growth lesson 11

Sin and the Christian

What is sin?

While it has become politically incorrect to talk about sin, the Scriptures make it crystal clear that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Romans 3:23 KJV 1900

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

But what is sin from a biblical perspective?

First, sin is not just murder, rape, or robbery.

Sin is failing to do the things we should and doing those things that we should not.

In short, sin is a word that describes anything that fails to meet God’s standard of perfection.

Thus, sin is the barrier between you and a satisfying relationship with God.

Just as light and dark cannot exist together, neither can God and sin.

Furthermore, sin is a barrier between us and other people.

You need only read the newspaper or listen to a news report to see how true this really is.

We live in a time when terrorism abounds and when the world as we know it can be instantly obliterated by nuclear aggression.

Finally, sin is the deprivation of good.

As such, sin is characterized by a lack of something rather than being something in itself.

As noted above, sin is a break in relationship to God and others rather than being an ontological substance.

1 John 3:4–6

1 John 3:4–6 KJV 1900

4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

Sin is failing to do the things we should . . . Sins of Omission

Not forgiving (Matthew 6:15)

Matthew 6:15 KJV 1900

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Failing to honor others (Romans 12:9)

Romans 12:9 KJV 1900

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Failing to keep your fervor (Romans, 12:9)

Failing to serve or give (Romans, 12:9)

Failing to live at peace (Romans 12:18)

Romans 12:18 KJV 1900

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Failing to love God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:30)

Deuteronomy 6:4 KJV 1900

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:

Mark 12:30 KJV 1900

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Failing to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31)

Mark 12:31 KJV 1900

31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Failing to trust God (Proverbs 3:5; Isaiah 26:4)

Proverbs 3:5 KJV 1900

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding.

Isaiah 26:4 KJV 1900

4 Trust ye in the Lord for ever: For in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Failing to trust Christ (John 14:1)

John 14:1 KJV 1900

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

Failing to worship God (Deuteronomy 6:13)

Deuteronomy 6:13 KJV 1900

13 Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

Failing to honor God (Proverbs 3:9; John 5:23)

Proverbs 3:9 KJV 1900

9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

John 5:23 KJV 1900

23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Failing to honor the Son (John 5:23)

John 5:23 KJV 1900

23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Failing to believe in Jesus (John 3:16–18; 6:29)

John 3:16–18 KJV 1900

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 6:29 KJV 1900

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Failing to honor one’s parents (Exodus 20:12)

Exodus 20:12 KJV 1900

12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

Failing to give thanks to God (Psalm 105:1; Romans 1:21)

Psalm 105:1 KJV 1900

1 O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: Make known his deeds among the people.

Romans 1:21 KJV 1900

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Failing to glorify God (Psalm 34:3; Romans 1:21)

Psalm 34:3 KJV 1900

3 O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt his name together.

Romans 1:21 KJV 1900

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Failing to fear the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:13; Proverbs 3:7)

Deuteronomy 6:13 KJV 1900

13 Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

Proverbs 3:7 KJV 1900

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: Fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

Failing to test new teaching by Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21;Acts 17:11)

1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV 1900

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Acts 17:11 KJV 1900

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Failing to discern and guard against false teachers and prophets (Matthew 7:15–20;Acts 20:28–31)

Matthew 7:15–20 KJV 1900

15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Acts 20:28–31 KJV 1900

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Failing to learn and believe Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:6; 2 Timothy 2:15)

Deuteronomy 6:6 KJV 1900

6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV 1900

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Failing to guard life and doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16)

1 Timothy 4:16 KJV 1900

16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Failing to repay debts (Romans 13:7)

Romans 13:7 KJV 1900

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Failing to care for orphans and widows in distress (James 1:20)

James 1:20 KJV 1900

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Failing to defend the faith (1 Peter 3:15)

1 Peter 3:15 KJV 1900

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Failing to share the gospel (Matthew 28:19)

Matthew 28:19 KJV 1900

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

and doing those things that we should not. Sins of Commission

Wrong teaching (Matthew 23:15)

Matthew 23:15 KJV 1900

15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

Insincere love (Romans 12:9)

Romans 12:9 KJV 1900

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Causing someone else to sin (Mark 9:42)

Mark 9:42 KJV 1900

42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Sexual impurity (Romans 1:24)

Romans 1:24 KJV 1900

24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Homosexuality (Romans 1:26–27)

Romans 1:26–27 KJV 1900

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

Idolatry (Romans 1:24)

Romans 1:24 KJV 1900

24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Greed (Romans 1:29)

Romans 1:29 KJV 1900

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Blasphemy (Mark 3:29)

Mark 3:29 KJV 1900

29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

Misusing the Lord’s name (Exodus 20:7)

Exodus 20:7 KJV 1900

7 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.

Selfish ambition (Galatians 5:20)

Galatians 5:20 KJV 1900

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Fits of rage (Galatians 5:20)

Galatians 5:20 KJV 1900

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Slave trading (1 Timothy 1:10)

1 Timothy 1:10 KJV 1900

10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

Lying (Exodus 23:1; Revelation 21:8)

Exodus 23:1 KJV 1900

1 Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

Revelation 21:8 KJV 1900

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.

Hypocrisy (1 Peter 2:1)

1 Peter 2:1 KJV 1900

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

Drunkeness (1 Corinthians 6:10)

1 Corinthians 6:10 KJV 1900

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Stealing (Exodus 20:15; 1 Corinthians 6:10)

Exodus 20:15 KJV 1900

15 Thou shalt not steal.

1 Corinthians 6:10 KJV 1900

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Sorcery (Deuteronomy 18:10)

Deuteronomy 18:10 KJV 1900

10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Witchcraft (Deuteronomy 18:10)

Deuteronomy 18:10 KJV 1900

10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Divination (Deuteronomy 18:10)

Deuteronomy 18:10 KJV 1900

10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Interpreting Omens (Deuteronomy 18:10)

Deuteronomy 18:10 KJV 1900

10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Consulting the dead (Deuteronomy 18:11)

Deuteronomy 18:11 KJV 1900

11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

Astrology (Deuteronomy 18:9–13; Isaiah 47:13–14)

Deuteronomy 18:9–13 KJV 1900

9 When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. 13 Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God.

Isaiah 47:13–14 KJV 1900

13 Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, Stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. 14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: There shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.

Depravity (Romans 1:29)

Romans 1:29 KJV 1900

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Envy (Romans 1:29;1 Peter 2:1)

Romans 1:29 KJV 1900

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

1 Peter 2:1 KJV 1900

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

Deceit (Romans 1:29; 1 Peter 2:1)

Romans 1:29 KJV 1900

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

1 Peter 2:1 KJV 1900

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

Murder (Romans 1:29)

Romans 1:29 KJV 1900

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Strife (Romans 1:29)

Romans 1:29 KJV 1900

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Malice (Romans 1:29; 1 Peter 2:1)

Romans 1:29 KJV 1900

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

1 Peter 2:1 KJV 1900

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

Gossip (Romans 1:29)

Romans 1:29 KJV 1900

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Slander (Romans 1:30; 1 Peter 2:1)

Romans 1:30 KJV 1900

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

1 Peter 2:1 KJV 1900

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

Hating God (Romans 1:30)

Romans 1:30 KJV 1900

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Insolence (Romans 1:30)

Romans 1:30 KJV 1900

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Arrogance (Romans 1:30)

Romans 1:30 KJV 1900

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Boastful (Romans 1:30)

Romans 1:30 KJV 1900

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Inventing evil (Romans 1:30)

Romans 1:30 KJV 1900

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Disobeying parents (Romans 1:30)

Romans 1:30 KJV 1900

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

What Happens When Christians Sin?

Understanding Just What happens When a Child of God Sins

1 John 1:6 – 2:2

1 John 1:6–2:2 KJV 1900

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

I. Introduction (1 John 1:6 – 2:2)

1 John 1:6–2:2 KJV 1900

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

A. It is a fact - Christians sin.

B. But do we realise just what happens when we do sin?

C. So many believers become dominated, discouraged, and defeated by sin in their lives.

Sometimes they are so ashamed they no longer profess to be saved (they can’t bear being the hypocrites they know they have become).

Sometimes they are so confused they no longer even KNOW if they are saved.

D. Oh that we all wanted to be free from sin’s dominance

E. Let us consider this morning, what happens when Christians sin.

I believe it will help us immensely as we learn to battle its presence in our lives.

II. Message - What Happens When Christians Sin? (1 John 1:6 – 2:2)

1 John 1:6–2:2 KJV 1900

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

A. What Does Not Happen

1. You are never disowned (2Tim 2:13). Oh blessed truth!

2 Timothy 2:13 KJV 1900

13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

a. When a person is saved, they becomes a child of God (Jn. 1:12) by a supernatural birth (1 Pet. 1:23) on the inside.

John 1:12 KJV 1900

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

1 Peter 1:23 KJV 1900

23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

b. And since nothing can change the fact that a child was born into my PHYSICAL family, nothing changes the fact that you are God's child if you have been spiritually born again.

You have eternal life and you are secured for heaven.

That is settled.

According to God (Heb 13:5)!

Hebrews 13:5 KJV 1900

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

2. You are not damned (John 5:24).

John 5:24 KJV 1900

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

God has written FORGIVEN all over every act and thought you ever committed, or ever will commit!

3. HOWEVER ... even though a believer's sins have been paid for, the sins he commits in his daily life after he is saved DO have consequences.

This is why we need to fear God, and change our attitude towards sin.

B. What Does Happen?

1. Closeness to God suffers (1John 1:6) – Oh learn this folks!

1 John 1:6 KJV 1900

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

a. Although my child is still my child, we don't get along when they are disobedient.

So is fellowship with God hindered when a believer sins.

b. Sweet fellowship can almost become nonexistent, which can make the person feel that he is not even part of God's family.

c. Not only do you feel it. But God is grieved, as well (Eph. 4:30).

Ephesians 4:30 KJV 1900

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

d. Our closeness to God is connected with how much sin we hold on to.

Hey! No longer is sin holding onto us! Sin’s power has died!

e. That’s why God’s word loses its attraction – the small voice can’t be heard from a distance – you have to be close to the heart of God!

2. Calmness of spirit is hindered (Isa 57:21).

Isaiah 57:21 KJV 1900

21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

Restlessness is often a result of spiritual rebellion.

A Christian who doesn't live for God will not have the same peace of mind as does an obedient believer.

a. Maybe people don’t understand just what a Christian is – a new person.

Different than before. Hey. Different than last year

b. A follower of Jesus Christ yearns to be obedient to God’s word

c. A Christian loves the calmness of God’s presence and grace in his or her life.

When we only have anger, and restlessness, we have sinned.

3. Cheerfulness in Jesus fades (Ps 51:12) When a believer sins, he will begin losing the joy of church going, Bible reading, soul-winning, praying, and other Christian activities.

He may finally lose the joy of living.

Sad!

a. People in this room are backslidden

b. Used to go soul-winning

c. Used to pray

d. Used to come to church Sunday night

e. Used to love church

f. Folks – none of those things have changed

g. The problem is SIN has crept between you and God!

And it shows on your face!

4. Capability of witnessing suffers (Matt 5:16) No Christian is perfect, but a disobedient Christian is not likely to be very convincing when he tries to tell someone how to be saved. It is a spiritual law:

Matthew 5:16 KJV 1900

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

a. A sinning Christian is 100% powerless to bear fruit

5. Confidence in prayer departs (Ps 66:18) When fellowship is broken between you and God, you lose the confidence and the willingness to talk to Him.

Psalm 66:18 KJV 1900

18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear me:

Likewise, He loses the desire to hear from you, unless you repent.

6. Companions in the Church body know it (1Cor 12:26; Gal 2:9-14).

1 Corinthians 12:26 KJV 1900

26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Galatians 2:9–14 KJV 1900

9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. 11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Because no one of us lives alone – we affect others.

Oh that we would be burdened to affect each other for Good (Heb 10:24,25)!

Hebrews 10:24 KJV 1900

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Hebrews 10:25 KJV 1900

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

7. Crowns are lost (Rev 3:11; Heb 11:24-ff) Salvation is a gift.

Revelation 3:11 KJV 1900

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Hebrews 11:24 KJV 1900

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

However, the Bible teaches that in heaven REWARDS, or crowns, are given out, which are based on SERVICE, and our efforts for the Lord.

God's gift of eternal life cannot be lost, but rewards CAN be lost, to the shame of the believer who sacrificed heavenly praise and privileges for earthly pleasure.

8. Chastisement is experienced (Heb 12:5).

Hebrews 12:5 KJV 1900

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

God slaps His disobedient children, every one of them.

No believer who does wrong "gets by" with it.

If he does, he is not saved.

And, let me tell you, GOD knows how to give a spanking!

Maybe some of YOUR troubles are the chastisement of God!

C. What To Do.

Are you a Christian who has gotten away from God?

Are you out of fellowship with God due to your sin?

1. Here's what people normally do:

a. They get mad – at the preacher, their husband, their wife, kids, boss – everything except themselves

b. They get out – decide it is better not to deal with sin in their own life and just blame the sins in everyone else’s life

c. They just get harder and harder until they finally crumble.

2. Here is what you should do:

a. Confront it (Pr 28:13) Don't try to cover it up. Don't try to deny it.

Proverbs 28:13 KJV 1900

13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Realize you have a problem: a SIN problem.

And it is only in your heart – most painful place to work on!

If you don’t sense sinful desires, and thoughts, then there are only two possibilities

1) Either they aren’t there – which I doubt

2) Or you are blind to them – hardened towards them.

It is time to pray Psalm 139:23,24, and then “batten down the hatches!”

b. Confess it (1Jn 1:9) To confess your sin means you recognize that what you have done is rebellion against God.

To confess is NOT to tell God that you want to get right IF you have sinned.

It means that you name what you have done wrong, and accept responsibility for it.

1) When was the last time you NAMED some sin in your life?

2) When did you see a wicked WAY (habit) and realise just how filthy that habit must be to God’s sight?

3) Today is a good day to do some heart searching, and pouring out of our hearts the sorrow for the sins in there!

c. Consecrate (Pr 28:13; Ps 51:12,13)

1) Confess your sin, forsake it, and begin immediately working to do right.

Replace the sin!

If you're saved, that means such things as: get baptized; join the church; attend it every service; tithe; read your Bible; pray; go soul-winning; and other such activities.

2) If you stumble, go through the above steps again. Don't ever stay down. Keep getting up!

Consecration is Godly determination!

III. Conclusion

A. What Does Not Happen When a Christian Sins. Never disowned or damned

B. What Does Happen?

1. Closeness to God suffers (1John 1:6)

1 John 1:6 KJV 1900

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

2. Calmness of spirit is hindered (Isa 57:21).

Isaiah 57:21 KJV 1900

21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

3. Cheerfulness in Jesus fades (Ps 51:12)

Psalm 51:12 KJV 1900

12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with thy free spirit.

4. Capability of witnessing suffers (Matt 5:16)

Matthew 5:16 KJV 1900

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

5. Confidence in prayer departs (Ps 66:18)

Psalm 66:18 KJV 1900

18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear me:

6. Companions in church know it – no good trying to hide it

7. Crowns are lost (Rev 3:11)

Revelation 3:11 KJV 1900

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

8. Chastisement is experienced (Heb 12:5)

Hebrews 12:5 KJV 1900

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

C. What To Do.

Are you a Christian who has gotten away from God?

Are you out of fellowship with God due to your sin?

Here's what to do:

1. You must Confront it!

2. You must Confess it

3. You must Consecrate your life – make it stay on the strait and narrow!

Otherwise you will constantly be discouraged – never full of the joy that is intended for the life and heart of the Christian!

D. If you are not saved, then none of these great truths are for you!

Oh, don’t walk away from this meeting still lost – still damned.

1. You must heed the command, to be born again!

2. You MUST see your goodnesses as nothing compared to the perfection of the life of Christ!

Religion has blinded most people into worrying only about bad sins.

God says you better worry about your good sins as well!

3. You must repent of those good acts just as much as you might repent of sinful acts

4. You must ask to be saved – ask and ye shall receive thank God!