OUTLINE:
Judging
We cross the line between righteous and unrighteous judging when we suppose we have the ability to judge someone else’s motivation in the absence of admission. Therein lies our human limitation.
Judging
Our flesh is so trained to draw conclusions from what is seen. The Bible tells us, “the righteous man shall live BY FAITH” (Ro 1:17).
No Sure Footing
Nothing is ever assured us. Standing directly opposite of this is the Word of God, Jesus Christ: Heb 13:8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.Ask yourselves, what is more complex: the world system or Jesus Christ?
Jn 8:58
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Jesus Christ is the great “I am”, and He is also “grace and truth” (Jn 1:17). Conclusion: divine truth is eternal/immutable.
The Truth Is Simple
The great thing about Jesus Christ is that He has all the answers because He is Truth, incarnate (Jn 1:14-17). Sin deceives us into believing that Jesus does NOT have all the answers; rather, we must consult the world to find them. This is a LIE!
The Futility of Human Flesh
We are INCAPABLE of beating sin at its own game! The nature of sin is that it is deceptive. This means that its first order of business is to go unidentified! ONLY the Light of the Word is able to illuminate sin, identify it, and then deal with it.
The Deceitfulness of Sin
“How does sin go undetected?” Answer: Mt 6:23 – when we exchange truth for a lie, light for darkness, good for bad, bitter for sweet, etc. (Is 5:20).
The Deceitfulness of Sin
Sin poses as a friend, as something good, even righteous, for us. (eg. Ps 55:21; Pr 5:3)
The Deceitfulness of Sin
You are incapable of controlling sin on your own! Sin wants to deceive you of this very truth; it wants you to think that you actually CAN control it so that you don’t cut if off (ala Mt 18:8-9), but you HAVEN’T, you CAN’T, you NEVER WILL!
The Total Depravity of Man by A. W. Pink
We are expressly told that there is no lion in the “way of holiness,” that no ravenous beast shall be found there (Is 35:8-9). No, we have to step out of that way and trespass on the devil’s territory before he can “get an advantage of us” (2Co 2:11).
The Total Depravity of Man by A. W. Pink
That is why we are so emphatically enjoined, “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” (Prov. 4:14-15).
The Total Depravity of Man by A. W. Pink
We certainly do not regard Eve as being guilty of any sin at this initial stage, but the sequel shows plainly that she incurred great danger and exposed herself to temptation by approaching so near to that tree whose fruit had been divinely prohibited…
The Total Depravity of Man by A. W. Pink
…and we need not be surprised to discover, as she also did, that that ground was already occupied by the serpent. This has been recorded for our learning and warning.
“Playing with fire.”
Sin deceives us into thinking that we can play with fire and not get burned. The truth is that eventually, given the superior nature of fire, we get burned (we sin). The best strategy is to avoid it, back away, “resist” it (ala Eph 6:13; Jas 4:7; 1Pe 5:8-9).
Ac 26:18
[Jesus appeared…] to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’
The Deceitfulness of Sin
We mustn’t underestimate the power and pervasiveness of sin, lest we be deceived by it!
Ro 2:1
Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
On Ro 2:1-8
The point Paul is making is that his audience was hypocritical, rightly judging others while refusing to judge themselves by the same standard, the one that God uses impartially for all.
The Simple Definition for Sin
Sin is any lack of conformity to God’s will, whether expressed actively or passively.
The Total Depravity of Man
Describes the pervasive corruption and pollution of sin passed down from Adam. Its effects are devastating to man.
Depravity borne of sin…
1) Effects every aspect of man
2) Renders every man unable to please God
3) Is universal, effecting every man ever born
The Disease of Sin
Sin deceives us into thinking that we have a simple cough when we have lung cancer, that sin itself is merely a once-and-a-while result when it is ever-present. If we buy this lie, we surrender to sin’s mastership (cp. teshuqa).
God vs. Satan
God is the embodiment of righteous conformity to Himself. When He calls man to Himself, He is calling them to this fellowship. Satan is the embodiment of sin because he exists as the embodiment of all that is opposed to the Holy God of the Universe!