PLEASURE OF SIN
INTRODUCTION
Pleasure of sin has been placed into such a category by ungodly individuals who through promotion make it appear as desirable rather than destructive!
Since Adam and Eve, whose disobedience to God's Word opened the door for sins dominance, it has flourished with the deceptive devices of its original instigator, the serpent, identified in Scriptures as that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan which deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9).
Pleasure of Sin
Avalanche of Ungodliness
It was noted that all around us are the signs that the modern man refuses to accept the fact that sin is his problem. Many no longer call homosexuality a sin but an alternate lifestyle. Adultery is now viewed by some as merely a relationship. Abortion is now considered an expression of a woman's right.
Since that statement was promulgated there has been an avalanche of ungodliness sweeping many lands with little regard to a day of reckoning! Pleasure of sin is being highlighted with its destructive measures no longer identified; through tolerance and acceptability, and in many cases, even within the church.
Pleasure Without
Conscience
The things which will destroy us: Politics without principle; Pleasure without conscience; Wealth without work; Knowledge without character; Business without morality; Science without humanity; and Worship without sacrifice (Author Unknown). Pleasure without conscience will continue unless its consequences are preached to the fullness; rather than just the niceties of God's Word!
Apostle Paul wrote: The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables (that which is fictitious) (2 Timothy 4:3-4). It was noted that teachers who appeal to itching ears tell people what they want to hear, not what they need to hear!
Offensive Thoughts
The Prophet Jeremiah, in speaking the words of the Lord, cried out: O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved, then a question was asked: How long shall your offensive thoughts lodge within you (Jeremiah 4:14)?
It was noted that today such thinking can arise from many sources: Absorbing immoral movies and television; carelessly surfing the internet; listening to malicious talk; ignoring God's Word; giving into a materialistic worldview. Will we allow the sanctifying Scriptures, the purifying blood of Christ, to cleanse our heart and mind or will we persist in sin-filled thinking and experience God's judgment?
Seducing Spirits
Apostle Paul revealed: The Spirit (Spirit of God) speaks expressly, that in the latter times (which we are in) some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing (deceiving) spirits, and doctrines of devils: Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:1-2).
It was noted that having one's conscience seared with a hot iron is being branded (scarred) in one's conscience, marred by sin, yet still ministering to others. It is a dark hour when allowance is made towards acceptance of the pleasure of sin; and even worse, making it appear acceptable!
Lay Aside
Every Weight and Sin
Scripture reveals: Seeing (since) we are compassed (surrounded) about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin (pleasure of sin) which does so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1).
It was noted that one is to lay aside every weight; every sin, as it is a hindrance in running the Christian race. That which so easily beset us is that which is easy to be committed, and is always present. We live in a world that is fast becoming enslaved to the pleasure of sin; with the church, in many cases, no longer setting an example for godly living!
No Shame
The Prophet Jeremiah, in speaking the words of the Lord, said: Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush; therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit (punish) them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord (Jeremiah 6:15).
We are seeing a period of time that the pleasure of sin is openly being proclaimed with pride; no remorse or shame, but relishing a lifestyle that the ungodly are seeking to share with others; blinded to the fact that there is a day of reckoning, if one continues in what God condemns in His Word!
Reformation of the
Soul
The Prophet Jeremiah, in speaking the words of the Lord, gave a plea for the reformation of the soul: Thus saith the Lord, Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein (Jeremiah 6:16).
It was noted that the people's stubborn refusal to walk in the traditional ways of true righteousness is often mentioned by Jeremiah. Moving in their own paths and following their own way could only lead to their destruction.
God's Watchmen
The Prophet Jeremiah, in speaking the words of the Lord, further revealed: I (God) set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet (warning of impending danger). But they said, we will not hearken (Jeremiah 6:17). Because of their refusal to hear God's continued call to repentance; His judgment was proclaimed: Hear O earth; behold, I will bring evil (calamity) upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts because they have not hearkened to my words, nor to my law, but rejected it (Jeremiah 6:19).
Pleasure of sin has engulfed many lands; allowing the ungodly to manifest their wares of sinfulness, even making laws and rulings to accommodate such! The consequences of doing so is not being promulgated as it once was, even within the church, opening the door for further spreading of the ungodliness of man.
Forsaking the Pleasure
of Sin
Scripture reveals: By faith Moses, when he was come to years (come of age), refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasure of sin for a season (Hebrews 11:24-25).
It was noted that Moses showed he preferred being called an Israelite (which he was) to that of an earthly adoption by Pharaoh's daughter. He esteemed afflictions and reproaches, with the people of God, better than the pleasure of sin and earthly riches for a season!
Forfeited of Right to be
Called a Godly Nation
Pleasure of sin has become a makeup of many nations; who have forfeited their right to be called a godly nation. They are now headed towards a pagan nation status as the righteousness of God is slowly eased out. The enhancement of sin dominates the scene rather than godly attributes that once existed!
There is an ongoing effort to promote sinfulness, with the pleasure of sin being highlighted, rather than taking a stand against it, with one facing affliction and reproach for having done so! In a world dominated by the sinfulness of man, one needs to evaluate their own stand as to whom they will serve.
Attempt to Minimize the
Word of God
Pleasure of sin has attempted to minimize the Word of God! The main tool for doing so is to lessen the promulgation of God's Word. A legendary evangelist of the first Great Awakening, Charles G. Finney, stated: Brethren, our preaching will bear its legitimate fruits. If immorality prevails in the land, the fault is ours to a great degree. If there is a decay of conscience, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the church is degenerate and worldly, the pulpit is responsible for it. Let us not ignore this face; but let us lay it to heart, and awake to our responsibility in respect to the morals of this nation.
A famous 19th century French statesman, and historian, traveled to America to discover the reasons for its incredible success. He wrote: Not until I went into the churches and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power!
Victory Over Sin
The Psalmist revealed the key to victory over sin: Your word (God's Word) have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11). It was noted that the Word of God is a most powerful antidote against sin, when it has been placed in the heart; not only the precepts of its forbidding sin, but its influence towards the purity of heart and life.
Apostle Paul wrote: The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in the present world (Titus 2:11-12). I pray (if you have not already done so) that you will yield your heart and life over to the Lord Jesus Christ, and His saving grace!
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