Will We Get Away With It? – Lesson Notes

(I John 1:8-10)

 

Introduction: All have sinned and fallen short (Rom. 3:23).

  * We put off repentance (Felix - Acts 24:25).

   * We can never avoid the consequences of habitual sin (Heb. 3:12-13).

  

1. Habitual sin in the Bible.

   * People have thought they could hide sin since the moment of Creation.

   * Sin shames us (Adam & Eve – Gen. 3).

   * II Kings 5 – Gehazi sinned and took money from Naaman. Also lied to Elisha. Gehazi struck w/leprosy for his sin (II

      Kings 5:27).

   * Joshua 7 – Achan stole things that he had no right to and hid them in his tent. Was stoned for his sin (Josh. 7:25).

   * David – Got Bathsheba pregnant & killed Uriah her husband (II Sam. 11). Sorrow plagued him (II Sam. 12:10-11).

   * Jonah thought he could hide from God (Jonah 1&2).

   * Ananias & Sapphira thought they could keep back some money (Acts 5). They were struck dead (Acts 5:5&10).

   * This behavior worse than leprosy! It tries God’s patience (II Peter 3:9). It is:

      Folly (Prov. 9:17-18).  Tragedy (Heb. 3:12-13 – desensitized). Dangerous – Should be delivered to Satan (I Cor. 5:5).

  

2. Christ’s teachings about sin.

   * Joseph thought Mary had sinned. Ready to put her away. He was told what happened (Mt. 1:23). Jesus would save

      mankind (Mt. 1:21).

   * Jesus’ mission to seek & save the lost (Luke 19:10).

   * Some remarks misapplied. Woman taken in adultery (John 8:7). Many believe it’s wrong to judge. Not so!

            - Christians should judge one another (I Cor. 5:12-13).

            - Judgment must not be on appearance, but “righteous” (John 7:24).

            - Jesus hadn’t broken the Law of Moses. He pointed out His actions were no different than circumcising on the

              Sabbath.

            - Jesus didn’t condone her sin. “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11).

            - Jesus revealed the crowd’s hypocrisy. Where was adulterous man? Both parties had to be charged (Lev. 20:10).

            - Laws of accusation not obeyed.

            - Jesus had right to forgive sins however He wanted as long as He lived (Mark 2:10).

   * Some of His sayings are hard to understand.

            - “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no excuse for their sin” (John

                15:22).

            - Jesus didn’t say they were sinless, but that when He came, they had a choice: accept or reject Him.

            - Stubborn Jews rejected Jesus and were held accountable (Matt. 22:5-7).

   * Other teachings of Jesus teach the nature of sin.

            - Sin is a master (Jn. 8:34).

            - The Truth will set us free (Jn. 8:32).

            - Sin is blinding (Jn. 9:39-41).

            - Quiets our conscience (Heb. 3:12-13).

            - Sin causes us to miss positive influences (Luke 8:12; Romans 1:20,21,24,26,28; 2:4-5).

   * Some sayings on sin revealed His purpose in coming.

            - The paralyzed man (Luke 5:20). Was made whole.

            - Woman who washed Jesus feet w/tears. Her sins were forgiven (Luke 7:47-48).

            - Ate w/sinners. The sick need a doctor, not the healthy (Luke 5:31-32).

            - Luke 15 – “lost” chapter. Jesus came to seek the lost (Luke 19:10).

 

3. Why is sin so devastating?

   * It separates us from God. Is transgression (disobedience) of the Law (I John 3:4).

   * Only in Him do we have access to His blood’s cleansing power (I Cor. 12:13; I Jn. 1:7).

   * Matt. 26:28 – Jesus’ blood shed for our sins.

 

Take advantage of His blood today! Obey Him (Jn. 14:15). Be baptized (Rom. 6:3-4). Live faithfully (II Tim. 4:7).

 

                                                                                                                                    R.W. McAlister   8/3/08 p.m.