STE:The secret sin cover up

   Text: ISA 59:9-14 So justice is far from us, and righteousness does
not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness,
but we walk in deep shadows. Like the blind we grope along the wall,
feeling our way like men without eyes. At midday we stumble as if it
were twilight; among the strong, we are like the dead. We all growl
like bears; we moan mournfully like doves. We look for justice, but
find none; for deliverance, but it is far away. For our offenses are
many in your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are
ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: rebellion and
treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God, fomenting
oppression and revolt, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. So
justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth
has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter.

   Introduction: Solomons wisdom...

   ECC 7:20 There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is
right and never sins. (NIV)

   If sinners formed a club, it would be the largest in existence. In
fact the club does exist, and it is called "The Human Race." Every
person alive, and that has ever lived has sinned.

   ROM 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

   The only exception is of course, JESUS CHRIST. Sin has been around
since Adam.

   ROM 5:12 ...sin entered the world through one man, and death through
sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.

   Death is man's inheritance from father ADAM. The inheritance is
received because of our sin.

   John said, 1JO 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive
ourselves and the truth is not in us.

   We live in a SCANDALOUS world. Every one remembers WaterGate. No one
was guilty, right? No one knew what was going on, right? But somebody
broke into that office, right? This year it was Iran Gate. For some
reason even Christians feel that they can do things that are of a
sinful nature and not be discovered.

   Moses gave his warning to Israel saying, NUM 32:23 "...and you may
be sure that your sin will find you out."

   Discussion:

   We just can't hide our sins. Some Bible Examples of Sin hiders are:
Cain in Gen 4:9. The Lord asked, but he already knew about his brother.
Every cover up requires a lie. Every lie calls for self justification.
Cain questioned, "Am I my brothers keeper?"

   In the case of David and Bathsheba more was involved than a single
sin. First there was lust, the. David was obsessed, but he finally woke
His remorse was called repentance in the KJV. MAT 27:3-5 When Judas,
who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with
remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and
the elders. "I have sinned, " he said, "for I have betrayed innocent
blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your
responsibility." So Judas threw the money into the temple and left.
Then he went away and hanged himself.

   Sadly, those that have conspired together in sin do little to
console their partners. We can't pass our fault to another. We are not
like Flip Wilson's Jeraldine... In the end our partners will cry out
against us just as the priest ignored Judas and hypocritically
purchased the potters field with the 30 pieces of silver.

   Annanias and Sapphira. Acts 5 Lied for recognition. Conspired to
uphold the lie. But could offer no consolation to the other. We can
fool men for a while, but we can never fool God.

   The Consequences of Sin.

   Remember Moses warning...NUM 32:23 and you may be sure that your sin
will find you out. Adam and Eve tried and failed. Jonah tried and
failed. Many and perhaps all have tried and failed. Man cannot live in
Willful Sin and be acceptable to God.

   HEB 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received
the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left. We receive
just what we plant.

   GAL 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what
he sows. If we plant sin we shall reap its wages.

   ROM 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is
eternal life

   2CO 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in
the body, whether good or bad. The important question is, "What will
you do about your sin?"

   Read Psalm 139... Pay close attention to God's presence in every
circumstance of our lives... Realize the no one can hide from God.
Accept Christ as your savior... Obey his Plan of Salvation and be Saved
from your sins.
