Warning: Sin is Hazardous to Your Health

INTRODUCTION.

A.        On the back of household cleaners, prescriptions, gasoline containers, etc, there are hazard warnings.

1.         The glass cleaner reads: “IF SWALLOWED - Drink a glassful of water. Call a physician. Keep out of reach of children.”

2.         A bottle of quinine sulfate reads: “May Cause Dizziness. Do Not Drive Or Perform Other Potentially Dangerous Tasks Until You Know How This Medicine Affects You. You Should Avoid Prolonged Or Excessive Exposure to Direct And/Or Artificial Sunlight While Taking This Medicine.”

3.         The gasoline container reads: “EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE VAPORS CAN EXPLODE HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED”

B.        In our lives as Christians, we should heed the warnings regarding the dangers of sin.

1.         Some sinful needs may have short term consequences here on this earth.

2.         There are other sinful needs which consequences can linger for the rest of our lives.

3.         However, all sinful needs can threaten our eternal life in heaven.

C.        With this lesson, we will review the Bible’s “warning labels” regarding sin.

I.         THE DANGERS OF SIN.

            A.        Isaiah told Israel that their iniquities had separated them from God. (Isaiah 59:1-2)

            B.        Sin endangers our fellowship with God. (1 John 1:5-10)

            C.        Sin makes us worthy of death. (Romans 1:28-32)

            D.        Sin will keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

            E.        Sin will endanger our soul’s eternal state. (Revelation 20:12-15; 21:6-8)

            F.        Not doing the will of God will bring upon us destruction. (Matthew 7:21-27)

II.       THE CURE FOR ONE GUILTY OF SIN.

            A.        If you are not a Christian, you need to “repent and be baptized.” (Acts 2:38)

                        1.         This process begins with you hearing God’s word. (Romans 10:17)

                        2.         Once you hear of Jesus and His commands for salvation, you can then believe in Jesus Christ. (John 3:16)

                        3.         Belief in Jesus and His teachings should prompt you to desire to repent of your sins and turn to following Jesus Christ. (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38)

                        4.         In conjunction with the desire to repent, you should be willing to confess your belief in Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9-10)

                        5.         At this point, all that is left is to obey Jesus’s command to be baptized and you will be saved and your sins will be forgiven. (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38)

            B.        If you are a Christian, then you need to repent and confess your sin unto God and He will forgiven you.

                        1.         Consider the example of Simon. (Acts 8:18-24)

                        2.         According to John, we are to confess our sins to God, who is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins. (1 John 1:8 - 2:2)

CONCLUSION.

A.        Every Christian will face temptations to sin. The key to overcoming sin is to understand the dangers and hazards of sinning against God.

B.        If you are not a Christian, then heed the “warning labels” as laid out in the lesson. Have your sins washed away by repenting of your sins and being baptized into Jesus Christ. (Cf. Acts 22:16)

C.        If you are a Christian and you are currently guilty of sin, then confess the sin to God and ask Him to forgive you.

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Warning: Sin is Hazardous to Your Health -- April 10, 2005 - File # 1360 - Sin

by John M. Duvall - Lawton, OK