Way of The Transgressor Is Hard Hebrews 11:23-29

Being Faithful Difficult –Strait and narrow (Matthew 7:13, 14) –Persecution (2 Timothy 3:12) –Yet, “yoke is easy” (Matthew 11:30)

Sin Is it better? –World thinks so (Hebrews 11:25) –Envy sinners? (Proverbs 23:17) –No! (Proverbs 13:15)

Obedience Is Best True –In our homes (Ecclesiastes 12:13) –At school –On the job

Obedience Is Best Not just in view of eternity –Won’t be envious of others (Proverbs 23:17) –Duty becomes a privilege (1 John 4:18)

Obedience Is Best Law for mankind’s good –“Fear the Lord for our good” (Deuteronomy 6:24) –Not a careless lifestyle (Proverbs 19:16) –Godliness profitable now and eternity (1 Timothy 4:8)

Sin Has Consequences Earthly or temporal –Problems (Proverbs 11:3, 5) –Harm and destruction (Proverbs 11:17; 13:13)

Sin Has Consequences Depend on circumstances –Civil punishment (Romans 13:1-3) –Lower life expectancy (Proverbs 10:27) –Enslaving habits (Proverbs 5:22; 1 Corinthians 9:27)

Sin Has Consequences The prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) –Earthly pleasures ended (vv ; Proverbs 21:17) –“Friends” abandoned him, a foreigner –Broke and hungry (v. 16)

Sexual Immorality Rampant –Work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) –Search for freedom (2 Peter 2:19) –Tragic consequences (Romans 1:28-32)

Results Not what was expected –Diseases such as AIDS –Unstable family life –Emotional problems –Abortion –Death The way of the transgressor is hard

Alcohol and Drugs Destructive –Portrayed as means to popularity, a good time, relaxation –Results are not as guaranteed (Proverbs 23:29-36; 1 Corinthians 6:19)

Results Not pleasant –Addiction –Death on the highways –Loss of family, job –Poverty –Physical problems The way of the transgressor is hard

Greed Deceptive –Supposed to bring happiness (Proverbs 15:27; Luke 12:15) –Satan lies (1 Timothy 6:6-10) –God first (Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 13:5)

Results Not what was promised –Things mean more than people –Marriages ruined –Troubled children The way of the transgressor is hard

Sins of The Tongue Deceptive –Told that lying, gossip, flattery are a means to an end –Opposite takes place (Ecclesiastes 10:20; Ephesians 4:25-29)

Results Harmful –Lose friends –No confidence in us –Isolation –Loneliness The way of the transgressor is hard

All About Choices What kind have you made? Like are the consequences? Why not change?