Sins Of People In The Church

1. “Sin is the only thing that will keep you out of heaven; it is the only thing that will put you in hell.” (Wendell Winkler)

2. Sins Of People In The Church

3. Introduction We have a duty to teach/preach against sins of people in the world There is also a need to preach against sins of people in the church

4. Let’s look at 5 sins that we must be on guard against These in particular are sins that can slowly creep into our lives

5. I. Omission of Duty

6. This is a sin committed by people in the church – Js. 4:17 [17] Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

7. It is easy for us to commit this sin How many times have you seen church members who ought to do good, could do good, but simply failed to do it?

8. The judgment scene Mt. 25:44-46 [44] Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

9. [45] Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. [46] And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

10. In the O.T. the citizens of Meroz should have helped Deborah and Barak defeat Sisera, but notice what was written due to their failure…

11. Judges 5:23 [23] Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.

12. II. Lukewarmness

13. Some in the church have lost their zeal and enthusiasm for the Lord and His work

14. Rev. 3:15-16 [15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. [16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

15. [17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

16. Col. 3:23 [23] And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

17. Eccl. 9:10 [10] Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;

18. There is an ever present danger for preachers, elders, deacons, teachers - for all members of the church to fall into laziness and indifference

19. III. Envy

20. Envy is discontent at the excellence or good fortune of another; resentful; begrudging Envy can shrink our circle of friends - it can dwarf our souls

21. Our personality and spiritual welfare are ruined by envy

22. Proverbs 14:30 [30] A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

23. Proverbs 23:17 – We are not to envy sinners [17] Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

24. Gen. 37:11 - We should not envy our friends [11] And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

25. Mk. 15:10 – Christ was delivered up because of envy [10] For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

26. “Envy sometimes creeps into hearts of church members….Base envy withers at another’s joy, and hates the excellence it cannot reach.” J. Noel Meredith

27. IV. Burying our talents

28. Mt. 25:15 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.

29. Everyone has at least some ability to use for the Lord Ability + opportunity = responsibility Faithful service to the Master will be commended

30. The wrong kind of fear will condemn us We must use our abilities or lose them “There is a dangerous temptation for those with limited abilities to excuse themselves due to their limitations”(Wayne Jackson)

31. Gal. 6:10 [10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

32. V. Choked by world

33. Lk. 8:14 - Some are choked with the cares, riches & pleasures of this life [14] And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

34. Some get discouraged with all their cares and quit the church Some are guilty of covetousness and the love of money

35. 1 Tim. 6:10 [10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

36. Mt. 6:19-20 [19] Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

37. Col. 3:5 5] Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

38. 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (NKJV)

39. Conclusion This is five of the many sins that can plague us 1 Cor. 10:12 [12] Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

40. If we are guilty of doing these things then we need to repent If we are not doing these things then we need to continue guarding our lives lest we drift into these and other sins