The Way Of The Transgressor Is Hard Proverbs 13:15

Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard

Man has a choice as to how he will live his life In reality there are two ways to live

Mt. 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The way of the transgressor Transgressor = This refers to the sinner who sins against God by violating God’s will

1 Jn. 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

I. What is sin? Unrighteousness Failure to do good Violating ones conscience Sin comes about when we are tempted and give in to that temptation

II. Why we sin Jn. 3:19 (some love darkness) “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

Rom. 14:1(Weakness) “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” (ESV)

1Tim. 1:13 (Ignorance) Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Heb. 10:26 (Out right rebellion) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins (ESV)

III. Is the way of the transgressor really hard? Satan wants you believe that it is not! He tries to show “how sin brings comfort, pleasure, fame, power, and what is mistakenly called ‘a good time’”

REMEMBER – No time is a good time when it is not good in the sight of God!

Heb. 11:25 (Sin has its rewards) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

The pleasure of sin is what makes it attractive – but the reward of sin that appeals to us is only temporary The pleasure of sin is fleeting and deceptive

Rom. 6:23 (The final wages of sin) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Gal. 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh…

shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

IV. Hardship and sin Many hardships come in life because of our sins Not all hardship that we suffer is due to our own personal sins

Sometimes we suffer because of the sins of others – not the guilt of their sins, but the consequences

In this lesson we are looking at the hardships that we bring upon ourselves because of sin – that others suffer because of their sins Consider the following examples:

Is the way of the transgressor hard? YES Adam and Eve Cain- jealousy and anger Israel - Unbelief Achan - greed David – lust, sex

Judas – money, covetousness The drunkard How about the: liar, cheat, immoral, thief, etc. They reap what they sow

Service to God in a world of evil may often cause hardship What matters in this world and the world to come is WHY WE SUFFER!

1 Pet. 4:12-16 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer…

or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.