Sermon Central
-
The Steps Of Sin In A Believer's Life
Contributed by Rodelio Mallari on Jan 11, 2012 (message contributor)
Summary: God’s word and experience tell us that Christians do sin. The Bible makes it clear that sin has consequences even for believers. God does not intend for His children to sin once they have been born again. Sadly, some believers bring shame to themselves an
Intro: God’s word and experience tell us that Christians do sin. The Bible makes it clear that sin has consequences even for believers. God does not intend for His children to sin once they have been born again (1 John 2:1).
Sadly, some believers bring shame to themselves and God by the way they live. Yes, children of God get involved in sin. When he finally realizes what he has done, a backslidden Christian may ask: How did I ever do this? How did I ever get here? Answer: Via one step at a time! Consider with me from our text today – the six steps of sin in a believer's life:
I. Step #1: DISCOVERY – “... when I SAW ..."
Eve saw that the fruit was good and sinned (Gen. 3:6). Lot looked toward Sodom and sinned (Gen. 13:10). Lot's wife looked back and sinned (Gen. 17:26). David looked at Bathsheba and sinned (2 Sam. 11:2). Many sins begin with a LOOK of the EYES! (Matt. 5:28; Prov. 27:20)
A. Don't CHOOSE to look at the wrong thing (Psa. 101:3a; Prov. 23:31-32).
B. Don't CONTINUE to look at the wrong thing. Turn away from it! David kept looking until he did the wrong thing! (Prov. 4:14-15)
II. Step #2: DESIRE – "... I COVETED them ..."
Desire is natural but when it is focused on wrong things, it becomes lust. Lust breeds covetousness, and covetousness is idolatry! (Col. 3:5b; Deut. 5:21; Luke 12:15)
A. Achan thought about doing wrong (Prov. 15:26a)
B. Achan most likely talked about doing wrong (Matt. 12:34). Never waste time with someone who will talk to you about sinning or who will listen to you talk about sinning!
III. Step #3: DEED – "... and TOOK them ..."
A. Achan gave too much THOUGHT to sin.
B. Achan gave too much TIME to sin.
IV. Step #4: DECEPTION – "... and behold they are HID ..." Adam and Eve hid; Jonah hid; David hid! (Prov. 28:13)
A. The backslider lies to his own CONSCIENCE.
B. The backslider lies to his own COMPANIONS.
V. Step #5: DISPLAY – “… Achan.. was taken …”
(Joshua 7:14, 18). Adam and Eve's sin was revealed as they admitted that they knew they were naked and made aprons; their eyes were opened.
David's sin was exposed when Bathsheba became pregnant and when God told Nathan to confront David about his sin. In addition, Nathan said that David had given the enemies of God occasion to blaspheme, so they probably knew and gloated over his sin. (Num. 32:23b)
A. Sin is displayed before the Lord. (Psa. 90:8)
B. Sin is displayed before the lost. (2 Sam. 12:14) The enemies of the Lord probably learned of David's sin.
VI. Step #6: DISASTER – “… Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire …” (Josh. 7:24-25)
Achan's sin destroyed his family, his possessions, as well as himself (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:15). Yes, sin kills and destroys!
A. Sin destroys PEOPLE.
B. Sin destroys PLEASURE.
C. Sin destroys PROSPERITY.
D. Sin destroys PURITY.
E. Sin destroys PRAYER LIFE.
F. Sin destroys PEACE.
G. Sin destroys PRODUCTIVITY.
Conclusion: Flee and avoid sin as the plague! Abstain from its very appearance and do not make provision to sin. Do not give an occasion to sin. However, if you have sinned, there is still hope. Confront, confess and forsake your sins. Claim your cleansing for your sins as a child of God (1 John 1:9).
