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n the next several issues of the Faith Builder we will deal with the character of sin. Just as love has a character of its own, and those who love others take on that character, sin also has a body of characteristics that it transmits to those who practice it. Chief among those traits [all of which are negative] is its deceptive nature.

in sometimes promises liberty, but always enslaves (2 Pet. 2:19). Of course, it is not just one who commits an isolated act of sin, but one who continues in the practice of sin that is enslaved thereto (John 8:34; 1 John 1:6). Those who are enslaved to sin must break free by their initial obedience to the word of God, and refuse to be enslaved again by their continual practical application of the word of God in their lives (John 8:3; Rom. 6:1-23).

in sometimes appears attractive, but is always ugly (2 Pet. 2:20-22). Take for example the advertising of alcoholic beverages. The consumer is encouraged to “reach for the gusto” and is shown images of sophisticated people consuming the liquid product while it “sparkles in the cup,” mug or glass. Rarely is the consumer made to consider the results of drunkenness, such as a man lying in the gutter after vomiting the contents of his stomach, entering an alcohol rehabilitation program because he has experienced delirium tremors, waking up on Saturday or Sunday to discover wounds on his body and rips in his clothing [neither of which he can explain] and thinking ”Wow, I must have had a good time last night!” or, with shaking hand, reaching, first thing in the morning, for “the hair of the dog that bit him” (Prov. 23:29-35).

in sometimes appears lucrative, but is always costly (Rev. 3:14-22). One must be careful to choose an occupation that is upright and legitimate. Get-rich-quick schemes and dishonest gain should be avoided, even if one has to settle for a smaller income (Prov. 15:16; 16:8).

onsider what the apostle Paul was inspired to write to a young preacher concerning the deceitfulness of richness.

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:6-10,17-19).

in sometimes appears right, but is always wrong (Prov. 14:12; 16:25). This is particularly true of religious error. Jesus told His apostles the time would come when those killed them would think they were serving God (John 16:2). Paul said that he had lived his life “in all good conscience” even though he had caused many Christians to die (Acts 23:1). His conscience had not convicted him of sin because he had thought he was doing the will of God (Acts 26:1-11). Anyone can be taught error. Those who teach error are in danger (Isa. 5:20), likewise those who follow them in their error (Matt. 7:15; 15:7-9,13,14).

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in sometimes appears satisfying, but always disappoints. Indeed, the “pleasures of sin” are only “passing,” or temporary (Heb. 11:24-26). Those pleasures will come to an end—either in physical, social or spiritual devastation. Sexually promiscuous behavior, for example, could lead to an unwanted pregnancy, venereal disease, AIDS, or the murder of an unborn child [“the termination of the product of conception,” to use politically correct speech]. Recreational drug use can lead to brain damage or to tragic death. Not to mention the fact that to die in sin leads to eternal death, or separation from God (2 Thess. 1:3-9; 1 John 2:15-17). Added to this is the emotional devastation of a family [whether biological or spiritual] that is bereft of one of its members.

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in sometimes appears minor, but is always major. Eating a piece of fruit almost certainly would have seemed a little thing to Eve (Gen. 3:6), but it separated her from God (Gen. 2:16,17; 3:1; Isa. 59:1,2; Rom. 6:23). Mrs. Lot apparently thought it could not hurt to take one last look at Sodom but when she did so “she became a pillar of salt” (Gen. 19:26). What difference could it make where Nadab and Abihu obtained the fire for the altar of incense? It made a major difference, for “fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord” (Lev. 10:1,2). Some will be told by the Lord, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” because they had not performed “minor” acts of service (Matt. 25:41-46).

f sin were merely deceptive, having no other negative characteristics, it should be avoided like a plague. But there are others. It is also degenerative, destructive, divisive and deadly. &

RESPECT FOR GOD’S AUTHORITY

Guest Writer: Paul Smithson

he standard of what is acceptable in religion for many is whether it satisfies the individual. Many “shop” for a religion that meets their personal preferences, treating the Scriptures as a salad bar—picking things they like and passing over others. Many declare satisfaction with the course they have chosen in religion without ever considering the question, “Is God satisfied with my religion?” The whole conclusion is not, serve God as you please, but “Fear God and keep His commandments” (Eccl. 12:13). Our purpose in daily activities and in worship should be to strive to please God. Those who truly seek to serve God will not be satisfied until they do this. We must be willing to test our practices and beliefs to see if they agree with the Scriptures. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Cor. 13:5).

he only way to please God in all that we do is to follow His revealed will—to simply read and study the Scriptures and follow them in all we do, not adding to them or taking away (2 John 9; Deut. 4:2). Those who fail to do this lack respect for the authority of God as Lord and Master. The inspired apostle declared, “And whatsoever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord” (Col. 3:17). To “do all in the name of the Lord” means to respect the authority of the Lord in everything. We must have God’s authority for all that we do and that authority must be established from the Scriptures, for it is there that God has revealed His will for us.

o, our personal morality, conduct, religious beliefs and things practiced in worship must be based on book, chapter and verse. One may be satisfied with the manner in which they live and worship, while God may not be, making life and worship worthless before the Lord, as Jesus warned (Matt. 15:8,9).

herefore, let us search the Scriptures to establish authority for all that we believe and practice showing respect for God’s authority. [From The Collegevue Beacon] &