The Ultimate Reason to Refuse Sin

A. Gen. 39:8-9. There are many reasons to abstain from sin, but the most important is
simply the thought that sin is an offense against the goodness of God Himself. Although
we injure ourselves greatly when we sin, that is not the worst thing about sin. Sin is an
issue that has much more to do with God than with us. And just as the love of God is the
most powerful reason for doing right. It is also the main thing that should keep us from
doing wrong.
1. After committing adultery with Bathsheba and then murdering her husband, David expressed his sin in these words: “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight; that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge.” Ps. 51:4. David hurt himself and many other people by his sin. But, that’s as nothing when compared to the wrong done to God.
a. Your greatest defense against sin is to take God seriously. Hold His honor as dear as
your own and that will help you hate and reject sin. Loving reverence is always the
ultimate defense against evil. Your choices in everyday living are determined by your
physical and spiritual willpower. Your willpower that helps you to live the Christian
life successfully comes only from a combination of love and respect for God
Himself.
b. When you deliberately choose sin it results in five things: #1, Sin is a dare of God’s justice; #2, Rape of His mercy; #3, It is to mock His patience; #4, It is a Rejection of His power to enable you and keep you from sin; and #5, it is to show utter contempt for His love.
c. Acts 20:32.

Spur - 07/06/03 pm