Tendency to think various sins are different “I admit that I have done wrong. We all do. BUT, it doesn’t compare with what YOU have done!

Some sins carry more serious consequences Murderer – put to death (Gen. 9:6; Rom. 13:4) Adulterer – put away (Matt. 5:32; 19:9) So, Some Sins Are Different!

Is a sense in which all sin is the same All sin is a violation of the law (1 John 3:4) All sin separates from God (Jas. 1:15) One sense all sin is the same sin Every sin comes down to common base True of every sin – any sin

The Same Sin

All Sin Has Common Base The Same Sin

All Sin Has Common Base All sin can be summarized in 3 points (1 John 2:15-17) Lust of the flesh – seeks physical satisfaction Lust of the eye – seeks mental pleasure Pride of life – confidence in self to direct self It means, originally, empty, braggart talk or display; swagger; and thence an insolent and vain assurance in one’s own resources, or in the stability of earthly things, which issues in a contempt of divine laws. Vincent, M. R. (1887). Word studies in the New Testament (Vol. 2, p. 336).

The translations “the pride of life” (A. V The translations “the pride of life” (A. V.), “the vainglory of life” (R.V.) convey a wrong idea; John has in mind that hollow arrogance which presumes that it can decide and direct the course of life without God, determine what it will do, gain, achieve, enjoy. Lenski, R. C. H. (1966). The interpretation of the epistles of St. Peter, St. John and St. Jude (p. 426).

All Sin Has Common Base Serving Self All sin can be summarized in 3 points (1 John 2:15-17) 3 points can be summarized in 1 point Lust of the flesh – what I want to do Lust of the eye – what I want to see Pride of life – what I think of self Serving Self

Eve David Jesus (Gen. 3) Good for food (v. 6) - Flesh Pleasant to eyes (v. 6) – Eyes Able to make wise (v. 6) - Pride David (2 Sam. 11) Saw of woman (v. 2) – Eyes Lay with her (v. 4) – Flesh Tried to cover (v 10) - Pride Jesus (Matt. 5) Stones to bread (v. 3) – Flesh If Son, throw self (v. 6) – Pride Show kingdoms (v. 9) - Eyes

Self Service At the Center All Sin Has Common Base Self Service At the Center The Same Sin

Self Service At the Center The problem: Serving self Rom. 2:8 – self seeking –vs- obey truth Jas. 3:14,16 – wisdom of world / apt to do anything Gal. 5:20; 2 Cor. 12:20 – in catalogs of sin Phil. 1:6 – possible to do right from self serving motive Phil 2:3 – opposed to humility / essential to harmony

Self Service At the Center The problem: Serving self The answer: Self denial / self control Self denial Mark 8:34 – must to be a disciple Means: Say “no” to self “to forget one’s self, lose sight of oneself and one’s own interest” (Thayer)

Self Service At the Center The problem: Serving self The answer: Self denial / self control Self denial Self control 2 Pet. 1:6 – “Christian graces” Gal. 5:23 – fruit of spirit Means: “self government” (Thayer) “ability to take a grip of oneself” (Barclay) “holding himself in” (Robertson)

Fornication Unforgiveness Rebel against parent Parent loses temper Self Service Doing what I want Rebel against parent Parent loses temper

Fail to pray Forsake worship Looks to lust Refuse to reconcile Self Service Doing what I want Looks to lust Refuse to reconcile

The Same Sin All Sin Has Common Base Self Service At the Center Examples of the Same Sin The Same Sin

Examples of the Same Sin Adam and Eve – ate of fruit (Gen. 3:1-6) Moses – smote the rock (Num. 20:11-12) Aaron – built the calf (Exo. 32:1-6) David – committed adultery (2 Sam. 11:1-4) Akin – took of accused spoils (Josh. 7:21) Israel – repeatedly turned from God (Judges 21:25) Saul – spared king Agag (1 Sam. 15:9, 22-23) Rich young ruler – refused to sell (Matt. 19:16-31) Ananias and Sapphira – lied (Acts 5:1-11) Peter – rebuked Lord (Mark 8:31-34) Jews – didn’t obey (Rom. 10:1-3) Self Service

The Same Sin All Sin Has Common Base Self Service At the Center Examples of the Same Sin What This Means The Same Sin

What This Means Explanation of root of problem of sin If not submitting to will of God – putting self first. Core of the problem – thinking about self Steals Drinks Neglects family Domineering Refuses to be mate should Curses Envy Gossip Etc…

What This Means Explanation of root of problem of sin How view self –vs- others Careful looking down on others thinking they have done much worse (Rom. 2; Matt. 7:1-5) Avoid looking down on self thinking I’m the worst of all

What This Means Explanation of root of problem of sin How view self –vs- others Answer to all sin: deny self Mark 8:34 Repentance / regret involves self denial (Mt. 21:28-29)

The Same Sin All Sin Has Common Base Self Service At the Center Examples of the Same Sin What This Means The Same Sin