(TRUTH MATTERS) “The Truth Concerning Sin!” Luke 13:1-5

A preacher put into a “moral dilemma”… Was told by brother of deceased, “If you’ll say my brother was a saint, I’ll give you a million dollars.”

All of this brings us to the fact that today, the only things sinful anymore are desserts. In fact, in most churches today talk of sin is becoming increasingly absent…

The concept of sin is inevitably linked to judgment The concept of sin is inevitably linked to judgment. If there’s such a thing as sin (and of course there is) means you have to believe there are moral absolutes put in place by God…

to better understand the teachings of Jesus on sin Purpose: to better understand the teachings of Jesus on sin

I Take Sin SERIOUSLY A. All Have a Sin Sickness B. Radical Actions Against Sin 6

Matthew 18:6,7 “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!”

Matthew 18:8,9 “If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.”

Obviously this sign is NOT suggesting the radical action it might first appear to suggest! But Jesus is counseling radical action when it comes to sin in our lives…

I Take Sin SERIOUSLY A. All Have a Sin Sickness B. Radical Actions Against Sin C. God’s Wrath Will “Go Off” 10

Matthew 13:41 “The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.”

Best know for his role as Johnny Lawrence in Karate Kid 1 & 2 was offered a major role in a TV move. A last minute script change had his character commit rape. Zabka told director wouldn’t act out such an atrocity even though director said do it “tastefully”… actor Billy Zabka

All American QB from University of Florida was picked by Playboy to attend their photo shoot with other athletes. He declined saying, “I don’t want even indirect influence with pornography. I am a Christian.” Danny Wuerffel

Tim Richmond (former race car driver) Dana Dayton was seeking a job as a marketer for NASCAR in the 80’s. Richmond propositioned her, “Sleep with me and I’ll see you get the job.” She refused. Few years later, Richmond died of AIDS and a number of the 30 women he infected have also died… Tim Richmond (former race car driver)

II Treat Sinners GRACIOUSLY A. Exactly What We Need from God B. Our Need for Forgiveness 15

“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother…? Up to seven times?” Matthew 18:21 “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother…? Up to seven times?”

Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you do not forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

We must treat sinners graciously because…

II Treat Sinners GRACIOUSLY A. Exactly What We Need from God B. Our Need for Forgiveness C. To Be Like God 19

John 8, Jesus says to those who brought the woman caught in adultery… “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”

“…Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 “…Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

III Trust Jesus CONTINUOUSLY A. All Have a Sin Sickness 22

John 8:24 “I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.”

III Trust Jesus CONTINUOUSLY A. All Have a Sin Sickness B. Do Something With Your Sins 24

Acts 22:16 “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be immersed and wash your sins away, calling on the name of the Lord.”

Conclusion and Summary Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin are death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” All WILL relate to God. We will choose HOW we will relate to God – either by LAW… or by GRACE…