The Deceptive Nature of Sin

By Bob Myhan

In the next several issues of the Faith Builder we will deal with some of the chief characteristics of sin. Just as love has a character of its own, and those who love others take on that character, sin also has a body of characteristics that it transmits to those who practice sin. Chief among those traits [all of which are negative] is its deceptive nature.

Sin sometimes promises liberty, but always enslaves (2 Pet. 2:19). It is not just one who commits an isolated act of sin, but one who continues in the practice of sin that is enslaved thereto (John 8:34; 1 John 1:6). Those who are enslaved to sin must break free by their initial obedience to the word of God, and refuse to be enslaved again by their continual practical application of the word of God to their lives (John 8:3;Rom. 6:1-23).

Sin sometimes appears attractive, but is always ugly (2 Pet. 2:20-22). Take for example the advertising of alcoholic beverages. The consumer is encouraged to “reach for the gusto” and is shown images of sophisticated people consuming the liquid product while it “sparkles in the cup,” mug or glass. Rarely is the consumer made to consider the results of drunkenness, such as a man vomiting the contents of his stomach, lying in the gutter, experiencing delirium tremors, entering an alcohol rehabilitation program, waking up to discover wounds on his body and rips in his clothing [neither of which he can explain] and thinking ”Wow, I must have had a good time last night!” or—with shaking hand—reaching first thing in the morning for “the hair of the dog that bit him” (see Prov. 23:29-35).

Sin sometimes appears lucrative, but is always costly (Rev. 3:14-22). One must be careful to choose an occupation that is upright and legitimate. Get-rich-quick schemes and dishonest gain should be avoided, even if one has to settle for a smaller income than he would like (Prov. 15:16; 16:8). Consider what the apostle Paul was inspired to write to a young preacher concerning the deceitfulness of richness.

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:6-10,17-19).

Sin sometimes appears right, but is always wrong (Prov. 14:12; 16:25). This is particularly true of religious error. Jesus told His apostles that the time would come when those who killed them would think they were serving God (John 16:2). Paul said that he had lived his life “in all good conscience” even though he had put many Christians to death (Acts 23:1). His conscience had not convicted him of sin because he had thought he was doing the will of God (Acts 26:1-11). Anyone can be taught error. Both those who teach error and those who follow them are in danger (Isa. 5:20; Matt. 7:15; 15:7-9, 13, 14).

Sin sometimes appears satisfying, but always disappoints. Indeed, the “pleasures of sin” are only “passing,” or temporary (Heb. 11:24-26). Those pleasures will come to an end—either in physical, social or spiritual devastation. Sexually promiscuous behavior, for example, could lead to an unwanted pregnancy, STDs, AIDS, or the murder of an unborn child [“the termination of the product of conception,” to use politically correct speech]. Recreational drug use can lead to brain damage or even tragic death. Not to mention the fact that to die in sin leads to eternal death, or separation from God (2 Thess. 1:3-9; 1 John 2:15-17). Added to this is the emotional devastation of a family [whether biological or spiritual] that is bereft of one of its members.

Sin sometimes appears minor, but is always major. Eating a piece of fruit almost certainly would have seemed a little thing to Eve (Gen. 3:6), but it separated her from God (Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:1; Isa. 59:1, 2; Rom. 6:23). Mrs. Lot apparently thought it could not hurt to take one last look at Sodom, but when she did so “she became a pillar of salt” (Gen. 19:26). What difference could it possibly make where Nadab and Abihu obtained the fire for the altar of incense? It made a major difference, for “fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord” (Lev. 10:1, 2). Some will be told by the Lord, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” because they had not performed “minor” acts of service (Matt. 25:41-46).

If sin were merely deceptive, having no other negative characteristics, it would need to be avoided like the plague. But there are several other characteristics we wish to deal with in the next few issues. &

The Concept of Biblical Faith

By Bill Walton

The concept of Biblical faith has fallen into a maze of confusion. Faith, according to some of the liberal theologians, is a leap into absurdity; a totally irrational decision we make - not because there is good reason to do so, but in the face of good reason not to do so. Faith, according to many of the leaders of the Protestant Reformation, is a gift from God, an overwhelming of tile inner man in decision for God which is accomplished by a direct operation of the Holy Spirit on the heart of one God has chosen to save.

But what is the Biblical concept of faith? How do the inspired writers use the word "faith"? And how did the apostles and evangelists of the 1st century bring people to have faith?

Faith, according to the Bible writers, is not at all mystical or complex. Rather than being a decision God makes for us, faith is a decision we make. And we make that decision, not blindly and without reason, but on the basis of reliable and trustworthy evidence.

An inspired writer defines faith for us in Hebrews 11:1. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." And the New International Version helps us bring tile Bible definition of "faith" into sharp focus: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Notice: faith is being sure and certain.

That the Bible writers intend for us to understand "faith" in this way is made abundantly clear as we read through the New Testament and see that Jesus and the apostles always pointed to the evidence in calling upon people to believe. Please read these examples and consider them thoughtfully (John l0:37-38; John 20:30,31; Luke 1:l-4; Acts 1:1-3; 17:2-4; Heb. 2:3,4; l John 1:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:1-1l). In every case, people were called upon to believe, or were made to believe, on the basis of the evidence.

God does not call upon anyone to make a "leap of faith" - a "leap into absurdity". He does not call upon anyone to believe anything without convincing evidence. Being true to the Biblical concept of faith involves believing only what is warranted by the evidence. &

Just Five Minutes

Borrowed (Source Long Forgotten)

Five minutes is all it takes to make a positive or a negative impression on guests to our worship services and Bible classes. Those first impressions often determine whether our guests will return. Because those first five minutes are so important, we should do everything we can to make sure our guests are sought out, greeted and made to feel welcome. ALL of our members are asked to take one simple step to help make sure our guests feel welcome. For the first five minutes after each worship service or Bible class is dismissed, why not look for guests to greet? Introduce yourself and welcome them back. This is probably the most important thing we can do to be seen as a friendly and warm congregation.

We can talk amongst ourselves after the visitors have left. After all most of the members stay around for half an hour or so after the service or class is over.

Will you invest five minutes in eternity? &