Secret Sins

Scripture: Proverbs 28:13 NIV; Psalm 90:8 NIV; Ephesians 5:11-12 NIV

Introduction

Describe my incident with the two books on Friday evening. Show the attempt at deception by first reading the computer manual, and then attempting to switch the manual for the book on church growth when Barbara approached. This incident revealed some basic flaws in my own character to me.

I. A definition of sin

Ezekiel 18:4, 20 NIV The soul who sins in the one who will die.

A. Sin defined

To miss the mark, or fall beneath the standard (Biblical)

To commit an offense or fault of any kind Webster)

B. How we classify sin (Murder is a 10)

1. Having other Gods

2. Worshiping images

3. No day of rest

4. Dishonoring parents

5. Coveting

6. Lying

7. Cursing

8. Stealing

9. Adultery

10. Murder

C. The analogy of the Kansas snowstorm covering up reality

D. God says the impact of sin is devastating

II. What the scripture says about secret sin

Psalm 90:8 NIV You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

Ephesians 5:11-14 NIV Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible.

A. Our inaccurate view of sin

1. Not really that bad

a. Things we watch on TV

b. Books we read

c. Pornographic thoughts and deeds

2. Insignificant consequences

B. Our secret sins are always exposed in the light of God's presence

1. They are always being revealed in the light

2. They are there because we haven't repented

C. Our secret sins cause us to lose control of our lives

III. How to be free from secret sin

Proverbs 28:13 NIV He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Matthew 22:29 NIV Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God."

A. Confess to God

B. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the ability to overcome your secret sin

C. Appropriate your inheritance, the power of God

Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

Luke 10:19 {Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.}

Conclusion

If you actually knew you could have the ability to gain victory over some secret sins in your life, would you choose to use that ability? If you would choose to use that ability, we want to pray with you that God would place his power in your life to give you victory over the secret sins that are destroying you.