Three Things Sin Will Do

The Hebrew writer warned those to whom he wrote about the deceitfulness of sin when he said: “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13). Involvement in sin deceives its victims. It hardens the heart and can result in a heart that cannot or is very difficult to penetrate.

Just think of the alcoholic – there had to be the FIRST drink. The drug addict – there had to be the FIRST “hit.” And, the chronic gambler – there had to be the FIRST bet! All victims of such sins were deceived by it! If you ask anyone who has been deceived by these sins, they would quickly admit (if they are honest) that they gave little or no thought to the consequences of their actions (Gen. 3:1-23). Let us consider the question: What will sin do?

First, It Will Take You Farther Than You Wanted or Intended to Go! The first drink of alcohol, the first “high,” the first bet, is as far as many planned to go! But all who end up as chronic alcoholics, drug addicts and chronic gamblers had to take that first step. Involvement in one sin often leads to involvement in other sins and usually and the consequences come in a packaged deal (2 Sam. 11 & 12).

Second, It Will Keep You Longer Than You Wanted to Stay! Those who fall victim are blinded by the pleasure of the first drink, the first high or the first win (Heb. 11:25). It gave them so much pleasure the first time that they are “sucked in” and are overcome by the temporary pleasure, going after it again and again and again. Many think, “just one more time won’t hurt.” They intended to only drink alcohol to be social, or smoke marijuana socially or to place a bet just “once in a while,” then they find themselves entangled and overcome, thus deceived and unable to resist its urge (2 Pet. 2:20).

Third, It Will Cost You More Than You Wanted to Pay! Many never consider the consequences of their sinful actions? How many alcoholics planned on killing an innocent person with a motor vehicle? How many drug addicts planned on contacting AIDS or stealing to support their habit? How many considered the physical pain, mental suffering, wrecked marriages, neglected children, broken homes and lives that are destroyed by their involvement in sin. And most importantly, how many consider the fact that their souls are at stake (Acts 5:1-10)? True are these words, “...but the way of transgressors is hard” (Prov. 13:15).

CONCLUSION: Some might think "this can’t happen to me...I'm a good Christian and I don’t take part in such!” But what about brethren who smoke or look at pornographic material? What about those who dabble in the lottery? What about those who dress immodestly, not giving a thought that they could cause someone to lust and sin as result of their immodesty? What about those who are involved in adultery and fornication, religious error and compromise etc. (See Gal. 5:19-21)? Can these sins take you farther than you wanted or intended to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost you more than you wanted to pay? YES! Any sin that is not confessed and repented of will cost you your soul (Rom. 6:23)! Heed the words of the Psalmist who wrote: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Ps. 1:1, 2). Let us also heed the words of truth spoken by Solomon who wrote: “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away” (Prov. 4:14, 15). Brethren, “Be not deceived” (1 Cor. 6:9-10); be like Joseph and flee all evil (Gen. 39:1-13)! - tgmc 

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof” (Romans. 6:12).

The Church of Christ Is Distinct in Worship
By John Isaac Edwards

These three things distinguish the worship of the Lord’s church from the worship of most denominations:

The Absence of Mechanical Instrumental Music. One of the first things some observe when they make their visit with the people of God is the absence of mechanical instruments of music in our worship. The church of God is instructed to sing praises to God and to teach and admonish one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Heb. 2:12; 13:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). There is no authority anywhere in the New Testament for Christians playing on mechanical instruments in worship unto God. If so, where is the book, chapter and verse?

The Lord’s Supper Every Lord’s Day. The Lord’s supper was instituted by Christ to

be observed by Christians in remembrance of His death (1 Cor. 11:23-34). Acts 20:7 records the example of the church at Troas: “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” Most churches observe the Lord’s supper only once a month, once a quarter, or once or twice a year, and some churches break bread on other days than the first day of the week. There is not an ounce of Bible authority for eating the Lord’s supper any other day of the week than upon the first day of the week, and it is necessarily implied by the clear language of Acts 20:7 that the Lord’s supper is a weekly observance, just as the old command, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy”, included every seventh day (Ex. 20:8)!

No Collections, Except on the Lord’s Day. Taking up a collection is commanded in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2: “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” This command is to the church of God (1 Cor. 1:2); thus, saints alone are asked to give. A lot of churches take up collections about everytime they come together, and even beg business men of the city or listeners to a radio program to give to support their work. The church built by Christ respects the authority of Christ in funding the work directed by the Lord.

These things which set the church built by Christ apart from man-made churches have not been devised by men, but are simply the result of the body of Christ being subject to her Head, even Christ, and doing all by His authority (Eph. 5:23-24; Col. 3:17). – The Terre Haute Speaker, July 8, 2012. 

Parental Pride, or Shame?
By Joe R. Price

“Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.” (Prov. 28:7, NKJV)

Parents want to be proud of their children. Christian fathers (and mothers) endeavor to bring up their children “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph.6:4). The wise child knows the value of this parental training, and shows his discernment by keeping the law of God which he has been taught. Conversely, the son who chooses to share his life with those who indulge in riotous excess, shames his father. Sin always brings shame, not honor. That truth was on display in Eden, and continues to be so whenever we choose sin over the will of God (Gen. 3:7-10). Children who run headlong into sin not only shame themselves, but also their parents (and others who love them). “A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother” (Prov. 10:1). Teach your child to be wise in what is good, and to turn away from evil. Every child, thus taught, must choose to keep God’s will. Wisdom to do so begins with the fear of the Lord (Prov. 9:10). Making this wise choice will bring joy to your father’s heart: “Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but a companion of harlots wastes his wealth” (Prov. 29:3). Unquestionably, your obedience to God honors your father and mother (Eph. 6:1-2). – Sword Tips, January 12, 2018.