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Scripture Reading:  Judges 13:1-5

The Nature of Sin

Intro.

1.  Heb 3:12-13 - The deceitfulness of sin lures unsuspecting souls to spiritual ruin through immorality, false doctrine, defiled consciences, compromise…

2.  Sin never delivers what it offers, Heb 11:25; 2 Pet 2:17-19.

3.  Samson: A man of faith who did not lived up to potential: Heb 11:32. A Nazirite (Num 6:1-5, separation, holiness); Lk 9:23 Gal 2:202 Cor 6:17-7:1.

  a.  Jug 13:5: A judge, yet often ruled by personal revenge and lustful passions – weakened devotion to God (14:1-4; 16:1, 4).

  b.  His character: Personal revenge, uncontrolled passion, failure to honor God as power source. (Lack of complete devotion to God)

  c.  In death he was fully aware that his strength was from God (Jgs 16:17, 20, 28).

4.  Judges 16: The nature of sin (three things sin will always do).

 

I. SIN TAKES YOU FARTHER THAN YOU WANTED TO GO, Jgs 16:4-20.

  A.  Samson's Will was Finally Broken by the Constant Enticements of Delilah, 16:15-17. (At first, no intentions of telling her. cf. Sin)

    1.  16:6-7: Point where he should have told her “from God” – And that’s final!

    2.  cf. Allurement of sin must be rejected from the first, Prov 1:10-16; 4:14-15! (1 Cor 15:33) -cf. Aaron, Exo 32:1-6; 32:21-24

  B.  When Given an Occasion, Sin Will Always Progress into Further Evil, Psa 1:1.

    1.  Error is an eating sore, 2 Tim 2:16-18 (cf. Rom 16:17-18).

    2.  Evil grows worse and worse, 2 Tim 3:13.

    3.  Hardens and condemns, Heb 6:4-6.

 

II. SIN KEEPS YOU LONGER THAN YOU WANTED TO STAY, Jgs 16:20-21.

  A.  Samson did not Intend to Remain Bound, 16:20.

    1.  Didn't know God had left him.

    2.  cf. When sin allures us: We often don't consider the immediate or long term bondage it causes!  (cf. Prov 23:29-35)

       a.  Do not experiment with sin out of curiosity, thrill, etc.

       b.  Sin blinds the heart, 2 Cor 4:4.

       c.  Simon’s sin was unexpected to him, Acts 8:18-19.

       d.  Power of sin’s bondage, 2 Pet 2:19.

    3.  Wasteful living led to despair and desperation, Lk 15:11-17.

  B.  Beware of the Controlling Power of Sin, Jno 8:34 (Rom 7:22-23; 6:11-14; 1:18-32).

    1.  The flesh, error, evil hearts, etc.

    2.  Escape sin’s control by obeying gospel and serving righteousness, Rom 6:16-18. (1 Pet 4:1-4; Eph 4:22-24)

    3.  Abide in Christ’s word, Jno 8:31-32.

 

III.  SIN COSTS YOU MORE THAN YOU INTENDED TO PAY, Jgs 16:30.

  A.  Samson’s Recklessness with God’s Blessing Cost Him His Sight, His Dignity, His Strength, His Freedom and Finally His Life, 16:21, 25, 30.

    -He acknowledged God as the source of his strength, and God blessed him one last time, 16:21, 28-30. Self-sacrifice

  B.  Choosing Sin Will Cost You:

    1.  Your soul, Rom 6:23; Lk 12:20-21 (4-5); Matt 16:26.

    2.  God’s fellowship, 2 Cor 6:17.

    3.  Peace with God (alienation, Col 1:21), with man, peace of mind, Phil 4:6-7.

    4.  Your dignity and honor and good name, Eph 5:12.

    5.  Heaven, Rev 21:7-8, 27.

  C.  Instead, Count the Cost and Pay the Price of Discipleship, Lk 14:26-33 (Devotion, self-sacrifice, separation and holiness).

 

Conclusion

1.  Learn from Samson:  Sin will always do these three things!

2.  Don’t be deceived into thinking you can master sin by yourself, 1 Cor 10:12:

   -Victory over sin is achieved in Christ, Eph 6:10, 13. By obedient submission to His truth)

3.  Your need: Repent of sins, 2 Cor 7:10; Acts 26:20.

   -Plan of salvation-