Sin Left Alone Will Not Die!
By: Ivie Powell
Whitewashing sin has become the norm in many congregations of the Lord’s church. The wearing of immodest apparel, dancing, drinking and adulterous marriages, lying, cohabitation, deceit as well as other forms of illicit sex is common place in far too many congregations of the Lord’s church. Instead of dealing with these sins, many simply ignore them. In his book, Studying Sin Seriously, pp. 54-58, Brother Wendell Winkler devotes a chapter to Improper Attitudes Toward Sin. In introducing this lesson brother Winkler said, “This is probably the most important lesson in this entire study of sin. For attitudes determine actions! (Proverbs 4:23; 23:7; Mt. 15:18-20).” He then identifies five improper attitudes toward sin that being: deny it, mock it, love it, minimize it and dismiss it. Which of these five attitudes do you believe is the most common among members of the church? Brother Winkler’s assessment hits the nail square on the head:
Of all the five improper attitudes toward sin, this attitude to “dismiss it” is by far the most prevalent. Where “deny it,” “mock it,” “minimize it,” and “love it,” have slain their thousands; this attitude has slain its tens of thousands!
Pause, and carefully reflect over those statements and ask yourself, “What is my attitude toward sin?” Have we allowed sin to enter the church by simply ignoring it? Have we become so accustomed to sinful practices that the description of our Lord indicts us?
…because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand…For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted and I should heal them (Matthew 3:13, 15).
Brethren, we must remember, sin left alone will not die! In 1 Corinthians 5, not only is the man condemned because of his fornication, but the entire congregation for their complacency! Paul knew that sin left alone would not die thus he said, “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” (1 Corinthians 5:6). Then, in no uncertain terms, Paul told them to “…put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (1 Corinthians 5:13). As the sins of moral corruption affected the early church, so they do today! In the book of Galatians Paul addresses this matter by stating, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness” (Galatians 5:19). After listing other sins, he concludes, “…of the which I tell you before, as I have told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21). Take a close look at those four works of the flesh which will close heaven’s door to those who “do such things.” Adultery is unlawful sexual intercourse with another, whether married or unmarried (Lipscomb). Fornication is illicit sexual intercourse (Vine) and often signifies adultery (Lipscomb). Illicit sexual relationships include premarital sex (1 Corinthians 7:1-2), adultery (Matthew 19:9) and all forms of unchastity (1 Corinthians 6:13, 18). It also has reference to harlotry and prostitution (Revelation 2:20-21). Fornication would also include homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13; Romans 1:18-32), bestiality (Leviticus 20:15-16), incest (Leviticus 20:14), and even pornography (Matthew 5:27-28). Uncleanness, is lewdness; impurity of motive (Harper). The impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living (Thayer). This certainly includes that which is very repulsive to godly people and is very disgusting. Lipscomb included self-abuse, bestiality and sodomy (Romans 1:24; 2 Corinthians 12:21). One can quickly see that such ungodly conduct separates one from God for only “the pure in heart…shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Lasciviousness includes “wanton (acts or) manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females” (Thayer). There is no question, but that dancing is included in this definition. Read Romans 13:11-14; Ephesians 4:17-19 and 1 Peter 4:1-4 to see what the Holy Spirit said about “lasciviousness.” According to the Bible, those who practice “the works of the flesh” will not enter into heaven (Galatians 5:21)! When brethren are involved in “the works of the flesh” they are unable to produce “the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:17, 22). That being the case, what about congregations of the Lord’s church that ignores and accepts “the works of the flesh?” Included in this are congregations that accept into membership those who are living in adulterous marriages. By ignoring and accepting, is meant nothing is said or done to call for repentance on the part of those involved. Whenever this takes place, sin will multiply (1 Corinthians 5:6)! Now, if God will not accept an individual who practices “the works of the flesh,” how can He accept a congregation that tolerates and accepts them?! Yes, our attitude towards sin determines our preaching, teaching, and living! If we do not oppose sin, we will embrace sin! For sin left alone will not die!