The Word and Sin

A. The Word is Our Foundation

“Therefore whoever hears (keeps on hearing)these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27

1. I will teach on the word and righteousness, good works, and obedience.

2. Each subject will be seen through the importance of the word.

B. The Purpose of the Word of God

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

1. The word is to be studied (2 Timothy 2:15), not just read.

2. The word is not just literature, but a guide for every area of life.

3. It is not to be studied to argue with others.

4. It is not a source of pride to look down on others.

   a. “Other believers do not have as much word as I do.”

   b. “Other believers do not know as much as me.”

5. The result of the word is to do “good works,” the opposite of sin.”

C. The Function of the Word Toward Sin

1. The Word Leads to Revealing of Sin.

   a. Not only does the word teach me how to be like Jesus, but tells me how much unlike Him I am.

   b. The same word which convicts a sinner of his need of salvation convicts the believer of his need of sanctification. “When they heard this (the word), they were cut to the heart.” (Acts 2:37)

   c. Be holy in every area of your life. “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,” (1 Peter 1:15)

   d. The word, from the pulpit, can be brilliant, flowery, oratorically powerful, and intellectual. But if not applied to daily character and exposing of faults - is is a failure. “After my turning, I repented; And after I was instructed, I struck myself on the thigh; I was ashamed, yes, even humiliated.” (Jeremiah 31:19)

   e. The word convicts us when we are wrong.

   1. The passover lamb was to be roasted in fire with bitter herbs (Exodus 12:8).

   2. “Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter.” (Revelation 10:10)

   f. There is mourning before comfort (Matthew 5:4).

   g. And humbling before exalting (1 Peter 5:6).

2. The Word Leads to Confessing of Sin

   a. “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” (John 3:20)

   b. “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)

   c. (Psalm 32:3, 4)

   1. We can keep silent when we have sinned and do not want to repent.

   2. We can keep silent when we hear instruction to move on.

3. The Word Leads to a Hatred of Sin

   a. (Psalm 97:10)

   b. (Psalm 119: 104)

   c. (Psalm 119:128)

   d. (Hebrews 1:9)

4. The Word Leads to Forsaking of Sin

   a. (2 Corinthians 7:1)

   b. “…let every one who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19)

   c. (John 15:3)

5. The Word Guards Against Future Sin

   a. (Psalm 119:11)

   b. The best way to keep bad seed from coming up is to plant good.

   c. (Psalm 37:31)

   d. (Isaiah 42:23)

6. The Word Will Cause You to Practice Righteousness

   a. (John 14:15)

   b. (1 Timothy 6:15)