2.  Romans 7:13 Paul speaks of sin as being “exceedingly sinful.”  Sin has nearly disappeared from the English language, not PC to call “sin” “sin”!  Sin = “slight character flaw”; “momentary lapse in judgment.”  Sin = “well-meaning, but somewhat misguided intentions.”  Sin of adultery is now an “extracurricular social liaison.”  Sin of homosexuality is now an “alternate lifestyle.”  Sin of lying is now “misremembering.”  Result: many don’t appreciate the ubiquitous nature of sin nor its awful, destructive consequences: Rom. 3:23; 6:23 2

4.  Reality: There is nothing pretty about sin! Heb. 11:24-26  Adultery: Prov. 5:1-5; 6:23-29; 2 Sam.  Drunkenness: Prov. 23:29-35  Sin’s ugliness can be seen in that it “kills” the souls of men! Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:14-16  All sin is ugly and depraved! Gal. 5:19-21 4 The Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin

5.  So we can’t afford to take a lackadaisical and soft attitude toward sin.  God doesn’t classify sins: Matt. 7:28; 1 Jn. 3:14-15; Matt. 5:28  If we don’t stand against sin it will multiply: 2 Tim. 3:13-15  If we drop our guard sin will be in our own “backyard”! 2 Cor. 13:5; Jas. 1:21-25 5 The Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin

6.  Sin doesn’t attract us with its true nature; it deceives!  Deceptive nature of sin shows the “exceeding sinfulness” of sin:  Causes men to blame God: Jas. 1:13-16  Tempts us to continue in it: Rom. 6:1-2  Makes God’s law look bad: Rom. 7:9-13  Sin only deceives us if we allow it: Gal. 6:7-8 6 The Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin

7.  Sin is not a good paying job! Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:15  Sin causes alienation:  From self: Psa. 38:3-8  From one another: Gen. 3:12; 4:12; 1 Cor. 5:13; 2 Thess. 3:14  From God: Gen. 3:8-10, 22-24; Isa. 59:1-2; 1 Pet. 3:12; Jas. 4:4 7 The Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin Ultimate Consequence: 1 Thessalonians 1:8-9 Revelation 20:15 Mark 9:45-48

8.  Temporal costs:  David: 2 Sam. 12:10-12; 2 Sam. 13, 15-18  Contemporary: Adultery, Alcohol, Divorce  General: Rom. 15:4; Gen. 6-8; 11; 18 & 19; 2 Kgs. 18:9-10; 25; Matt. 28:38; 2 Kgs. 8:12; Deut. 28; Lev. 26 8 The Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin

9.  Eternal cost: 2 Thess. 1:7b-9; Rev. 20:15; Mk. 9:43-48  Why the high cost?  John 3:16  Jesus was sinless/perfect: Jn. 1:3; 3:16; Rom. 5:8; 1 Pet. 2:24; 3:18; Acts 20:28  Blood of the covenant: Heb. 10:28-31 9 The Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin

10. 10  How bad is sin?  Don’t let sin fool you by its deceptive nature! Heb. 3:13; 11:25  Sin is so bad it required the death of God’s “only begotten Son”! 1 Jn. 4:10  We all need His blood! Rom. 3:23; 1 Jn. 1:8; Rom. 6:23; Rev. 20:15; 2 Thess. 1:7-9  Only He can give us rest! Matt. 11:28-30