Scope of Sin

Intro: Returned missionaries often have interesting insights into our nation after being gone for some time. One was asked the greatest problem in the American church, and his answer was somewhat surprising: the backlog of unconfessed sin. Psalms 66:18--- If I regard….(hold in esteem, see and do nothing about) iniquity…….We are going through the prayer series this month and I want us to see that there are at least six different kinds of sin that will cause problems in our prayer lives and life………………………….

I. Secret Sin---(Psalms 19:12)

A. It is that which is concealed, hidden…

1. The idea is “hidden from view, not known to others.” ( We get comfortable in secret sins and fail to realize that it’s open before God. It’s Like putting it on the screen here this morning. That should make us uncomfortable. When we have secret sin in our life, I pray that we can hear what God says about it. He will not hear me

2. David knew a great deal about this one. He thought he had the perfect plan. He didn’t personally kill Uriah the Hittite but he arranged for it to happen under the disguise of war. But God was watching-----------2 Samuel 12:7: You are the man!!!!

The Bible says in-- Luke 8:17--17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

B. This type of sin has a frightening aspect

( Num. 32:23) rd verse on screen

II. Presumptuous Sin (Psalms 19:13)

A. It is that which is arrogant, proud, insolent—it is taking liberty in sin-The psalmist says; His petition: "Keep me from ever being guilty of a wilful presumptuous sin.’’ We ought to pray that we may be kept from sins of infirmity, but especially from presumptuous sins, which most offend God and wound conscience, which wither our comforts and shock our hopes.

1. It is open defiant sin----it is going into sin with our eyes wide open. We haven’t been deceived into it we welcome it. Ever heard someone who is about to commit a presumptuous sin say, I know the good book says that we’re not to do this or that but,,,,,and they make an allowance and take liberty in that sin. The Word of God is not something we can pick and choose from. It is the truth that we’ll be judged by..!!!!

2. It is sin in which we intend to ask for forgiveness

B. Satan has a way of getting us into such situation—either by pride or anger and there we are captured again.

III. Sins of Commission ( I John 3:4)

A. The most common definition of sin is doing wrong

1. Its actual definition: “Any transgression of or want of conformity to the law of God.

B. Because it is the most common it is the most dangerous----- taking sin lightly……

Commission- def. a formal written warrant granting the power to perform various acts or duties

This type of sinning is based upon a partial knowledge of grace and an ignorance of what true repentance is. We know what God’s law says but we don’t want to miss out on the world’s party…. ( ill. Cliff and his Catholic religion)

1. It can lead us to believe we are clear----as a people and a nation. Because there is no immediate punishment we believe we have escaped free.

IV. Sins of Omission (James 4:17)

A. It picks up on the second part of the definition

1. It is any area in which we fail to do right

2. Ignorance is no excuse if we should know it catches every one of us. Those things that I don’t do that I should do.

omis•sion \ō-ˈmi-shən, ə-\ noun

1 a : something neglected or left undone

b : apathy toward or neglect of duty

2 : the act of omitting : the state of being omitted

V. Sins of the Spirit (Luke 15: 25-30)

A. It can be seen by example.

1. The older brother had an attitude problem----“angry and would not go in”

2. The older brother sinned in spirit.---hatred vs. 30 “this son of yours….”

B. It is a very damaging area…

1. It displeases the Lord and grieves the Holy Spirit.

2. It may be the most common undealt with sin among Christians ( It hinders more prayer and spiritual growth than any other( I will not go in…. I’ll just cut them off…. I’ll just not talk to them………………..It’s in our churches and our families..

VI. Sins of unbelief

A. A lack of faith is sin for God’s people (Rom. 14:23

1. It questions the character of God----- God promises us in His word what He will do for us. We either believe it by faith or we disbelieve. There are but two directions you can go when it comes to faith. You have it or you don’t. There’s no in between.

2. This is what makes worry sinful

B. Lack of faith is the ultimate sin for unconverted

1. People go the heaven or hell without regard or goodness or badness

2. Our eternal destiny based totally on belief

Concl.