Text: Matthew 25:14-46
Memory Verse: “Let no man deceive you with vain words; for because of these things cometh the wrath (anger) of God upon the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:6
INTRODUCTION: In part one of this series, we learned that a vessel fit for the Master’s use is undefiled. Also we classified the sins that can defile a man into 3 categories as:
Sins committed with the hand, sins committed with the tongue & sins committed with the heart
Today as we conclude the series, we want to use another classification of sins into 3 categories as:
- Sins against ourselves
- Sins against others
- Sins against God
In this study, we shall look at the first two categories to discover how they can defile a vessel fit for the Master’s use and cause its rejection. May the Lord speak to our hearts as we study at His feet in Jesus Name —Amen.
1. A MAN CAN SIN AGAINST HIMSELF – IN WHAT WAYS CAN A MAN SIN AGAINST HIMSELF? 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:9-10 & 14-20
From the above passages, it is clear that our bodies are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit of God and therefore should not be meddled with immorality – fornication, adultery, watching of pornography or the likes, for these defile a vessel fit for the Master’s use and God will destroy any vessel that does that.
To the Master of the great House, sin means failure of a vessel to be what it ought to be. That is why the commonest word for sin can be translated to mean a “missing of the target.” The parables of the talents Matthew 25:14-30, the salt that lost its savour Matthew 5:13, the fig tree that refused to bear fruits Luke 13:6-9 etc are illustrative examples of what the Lord considers to be sin.
While men are not expected to be equal in ability or achievement, they are expected to be equal in effort. Sitting on the fence is a sin in the sight of God Revelation 3:15-16.
2. SINS AGAINST OTHERS – IN WHAT WAYS CAN A MAN SIN AGAINST OTHERS?
This could be in 3 different categories:
- It is a sin to fail to respond and react to human need i.e. it is a sin either to see someone in need and remain unmoved or pass by on the other side (as in the story of the good Samaritan Luke 10:30-32), or to be so unaware of others as not to see their need i.e. it is a sin to fail to show pity on others Matthew 18:21-35; Matthew 25:31-46 & Proverbs 21:13
- It is a sin to fail to fellowship with others because lack of fellowship is brought about by lack of love. A breach with man is a breach with God. Luke 15:25-32; Hebrews 10:25
- It is a grievous sin to cause others to sin, put a stumbling block in the way of others Matthew 18:6-7
3. SINS AGAINST GOD – IN WHAT WAYS CAN A MAN SIN AGAINST GOD?
All sins are actually against God. 2 Samuel 12:13 & Psalm 51:4. But in particular, sin is deliberately doing things our own way instead of God’s way Matthew 15:1-9.
Secondly, sin is showing off, that is putting ourselves in the centre of the picture in place of God Matthew 6:1-18; 23 1-12.
Thirdly God is love and when we refuse to honour His loving invitation or the call to serve Him, to accept what God knows that is best for us, that’s a sin against God Matthew 22:1-10; 11:20-22.
4. CONCLUSION
All sins are against God whether committed against ourselves, another or God. A vessel fit for the Master’s use can be rejected through them. Therefore, confess your sins now and forsake them, get washed in the Blood of Jesus Christ and promise the Lord never to go back to them and you will obtain mercy – Proverbs 28:13