“The Seriousness of Sin” TEXT: Matthew 18: 1-9 THESIS: Jesus condemns sin and loves the sinner. * * * I. Woe to the world because of things that cause people to sin! (vs. 7) A. It is inevitable that there will be sin in the world until Christ’s return. 1. Satan is still free. v “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8) 2. People allow Satan to use them to entrap the unaware. 3. We are our “brother’s keeper.” v “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.” (Romans 14: 21) a. We can legislate morality!!! II. Sin is what separates us from God. (vss. 8-9) A. Jesus does not offer an excuse for sin. B. Jesus vividly portrays The seriousness of sin in verses 8 and 9. v “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16: 26) III. Jesus gives special instruction protecting the innocent. (vs. 6) A. Protect the lives of the innocent. v Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not pur an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty. (Exodus 23: 7) v For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139: 13-15) B. Guard the hearts and minds of the children. 1. Instruct them in the Word. 2. Keep them from evil associates. v “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (I Corinthians 15: 33) 3. Adults need to model Christ in front of the children and youth. v “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me ~ put it into practice.” (Philippians 4: 9) | 