How to Sin
If we are going to do something, we might as well do it right. We all sin (1 Ki 8:46). Since we all sin, we need to know how to do it right.
If you want to learn how to sin and rebel against God, you are in the right place!
In Order to Sin, You Must Desire Something
Without desire, there is no sin. James 1:14; 4:1.
Couple examples:
- Achan. Achan coveted a beautiful mantle, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold, so he took them (Josh 7:21). The children of Israel had been commanded not to covet or take anything from Jericho (Josh 6:18).
- David saw Bathsheba bathing and he wanted her (2 Sam 11:2-3).
Desire is the seed of sin. If I feed my desire, I sin. If I don’t feed my desire, I don’t sin.
In Order to Sin, You Must Believe a Lie
Satan tells us lies in order to get us to sin. Satan lied to Eve (Gen 3:4-5). Satan is the “father of lies” (Jn 8:44). Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14).
The author of Hebrews warned against the deceitfulness of sin (Heb 3:13). Sin is deceitful in that it does not give what if offers. It offers pleasure, but it brings heartache and pain. It offers to make us like God, but it separates us from God. It offers us the freedom to make our own choices, but we end up following Satan.
If we are to sin successfully, we must believe Satan’s lies. We must believe that sin does not hurt. We must believe that sin makes us like God. We must believe that God does not mean what he says.
In Order to Sin, You Must Forget about the Consequences
Sin has some serious consequences. Romans 6:23. Isaiah 59:2.
Some biblical examples of consequences: Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden, Achan and his family were stoned, and David and Bathsheba’s first son died.
Modern examples: A drunk driver kills a family, a person dies of AIDS, a person wrestles with guilt, and a person spends eternity in hell.
In Order to Sin, You Must Forget Scripture
Scripture will keep us from sinning. Psalm 119:11. Ephesians 6:17. Matthew 4. Psalm 1:2
Scripture will keep us from sinning. Scripture was written with the intent of keeping us from sin (Ps 19:7-11). But, if we are to be a successful sinner, we must stay away from Scripture.
In Order to Sin, We Must Neglect Prayer
Scripture teaches that prayer aids those who are tempted. Matthew 6:13. Hebrew 4:14-16. Jesus was tempted as we are, yet he was without sin. Therefore, we can go to the throne of God and ask for help when we are tempted.
If we are tempted, we can turn to God and ask for his help.
If we want to sin successfully, we must neglect prayer.
This sermon was originally preached by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Main Street church of Christ in Pikeville, Kentucky.