KINDS OF SIN

INTRODUCTION

In our series of lessons on sin we have discussed thus far:

1. “The Origin of Sin”
2. And, “What Sin Is”

As we have previously discussed, the importance of understanding and avoiding sin is easily seen in the following passages:

1. Isaiah 59:1-2
2. Romans 6:23

In this lesson we will be discussing “kinds of sin”

1. In this lesson, I will not be enumerating every possible sin, nor will I be specifically categorizing every sin
2. What I will be doing is observing some general classifications of sin, and will study the various kinds of sin mentioned in the Bible

That we are proceeding on a scriptural precedent is seen in Psalm 19:12-14 … Here the Psalmist mentions several kinds of sins Ó

DISCUSSION

SECRET SINS (Psalm 19:12)

1. Secret sins are sins we commit unknowingly or ignorantly – sins of which we are not aware
2. Leviticus 5:14-19
   • Sometimes we commit sin that we are not aware of
   • But even though we were not aware of them, we are still considered guilty, and that is what this passage in Leviticus points out
3. We might ask then, “How are such sins discovered and avoided?”
   • Pray to God about them, asking for help to ascertain them
   • Practice self-examination… 2 Corinthians 13:5
   • Persistently studying God’s word (2 Tim. 2:15), – it is God’s instrument for convicting us of sin… Romans 7:7
4. We must avoid persisting in any sin; for, sin habitually committed ceases to be recognized and admitted as sin
5. Secret sins are also those sins concealed from the eyes of others
6. Ephesians 5:12
   • In fact, sin seeks secrecy
   • The thief, the sensuous, the murderer, the false teacher, etc., all want secrecy
   • John 3:20-21
7. Such secret sins will not remain secret
   • Moses said to Israel, “…be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23)
   • Many have tried to keep their sins secret, for example:
     • Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)
     • Achan (Jos. 7:10-26)
8. Secret sins, though unknown to man, are always known to God
   • Matthew 6:4 tells us that the Father sees in secret
   • Our thoughts and our actions cannot be hid from God
   • Jeremiah 23:23-24
9.  Secret sins will be brought to light at the Judgment
   • Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
   • God shall judge the secrets of men (Rom. 2:16)

BESETTING SINS (Hebrews 12:1)

1. What is a besetting sin?
   • The phrase “easily beset” comes from a Greek word which means, “that which easily encircles or entangles, like a loose flowing robe.”
   • The runners in ancient times would lay aside even their under garments so as not to be impeded
   • Thus, the Hebrew writer is pleading for Christians to lay aside every hindrance in living the Christian life, especially those sins which, like inner garments, cling so close to us
   • Thus, besetting sins are sins which hinderingly cling so close to us and are so easily committed
2. What are some areas from which arise besetting sins?
   • Besetting sins may be those in which we indulged before obeying the Gospel, such as lying, gambling, cursing, cheating ….
   • Besetting sins may be those in which we are drawn to due to our temperament, such as pride, laziness, skepticism, or stubbornness
   • Besetting sins may be those to which we are exposed by our profession
     • Admittedly, there are greater temptations in some professions than others
     • The man who washes dishes in a cafe or mows lawns is not in a position to lie as would a certain salesman.
3. Besetting sins may be those in which we are particularly vulnerable due to weakness
   • The non-smoker has to fight less he revert back to his harmful habit
   • The alcoholic must fight to keep from drinking alcohol
   • The kleptomaniac struggles not to steal
4. Now be honest. What is your besetting sin?
   • Is it some habit? – the lottery? smoking? drinking?
   • Is it some attitude? – prejudice? over-tolerance? envy?
   • Is it some sin of the tongue? – gossip? lying? Filthy speech?
   • Misplaced affection? – money? pleasure? preeminence?
   • Is it a sin of the flesh? – unlawful sex? lust? petting?
5. Besetting sin can be overcome… 1 Corinthians 10:13 Ó

PRESUMPTUOUS SINS (Psalm 19:13)

1. Presumptuous sins defined:
   • Taking liberties, to be bold or daring
   • Therefore, presumptuous sinning is taking matters into our own hands and daringly acting according to our own dictates, rather than being guided and governed by the precepts of God.

2. Notice a few examples of presumptuous sin:
   • Moses (Num. 20:7-12)
   • Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:1-7)
   • Uzzah (2 Sam. 6:1-11)

3. Notice a couple current examples of presumptuous sin:
   • Baptism is essential to salvation (Mk. 16:16) – man over steps his boundaries when he says it is not essential
   • God says there is one church (Eph. 4:4) – man over steps his boundaries when he says one is as good as another
   • David said that presumptuous sin is a great transgression (Psa. 19:13)

WILLFUL SIN (Hebrews 10:26-31)

1. Willful sin is a sin we commit, knowing when we do such that it is a sin
   1. Romans 7:15-25
   2. Paul acknowledges that there are things he should not do but does them anyway
   3. This disobedience comes through weakness in the flesh
2. Paul thanked God he is able to be delivered
3. The willful sin mentioned in Hebrews 10:26 is not a complete act, but describes action in process, it describes a high-handed abandonment of Christianity.
4. Willful sin is deliberate and presumptuously refusing to accept and doing what is right
5. Willful sin is a deliberate and persistent rejection of Christ, Christianity, after having known His truth and experienced it.
6. Willful sin is when a person is brought face to face with the truth, acknowledges the truth, but still persists in error
7. Examples:
   • Jehoiakim (Jer. 36)
   • Felix trembled – but rejected the truth (Acts 24:25)

CONCLUSION

May we all evaluate our lives and rid ourselves of these areas of sin

Remember, if we persist in sin we cannot go to heaven

*** Outlined from Windell Winkler’s book “Studying Sin Seriously”

Tom Moore
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com