3 Steps Towards Sin
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. – Psalm 1:1
The Psalms begin by telling us we’re blessed when we avoid three things — walking, standing and sitting in the way of sinners.
Notice the progression: First there is walking with sin, then standing with it, then finally sitting in it. All too often we underestimate the power of sin and overestimate our own power to avoid it. We fall into sin by becoming increasingly comfortable going in the wrong direction.
We first walk with sin, then stand or engaging in it, and before we know it, we’re overwhelmed by it. We find an example of this “negative sanctification” in Lot.
1) Lot Walked With Sin
Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. (Gen 13:11)
Abraham and Lot were traveling together, but while Abraham walked by faith Lot walked by sight, and decided to go his own way — towards Sodom.
2) Lot Stood With Sin
Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD. (Gen 13:12-13)
Lot has gone from walking with God, to walking towards sin, and now we find him standing among the wicked.
3) Lot Sat With Sin
The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. (Gen 19:1)
By the time God had decided to judge Sodom, Lot is sitting comfortably in the city, and he is one of them.
Lot flirted with sin, he engaged sin, then finally was overcome by sin. If we aren’t careful the same thing will happen to us. We must be careful not to compromise with sin. We need to be aware of the company we keep and the actions we take.
If we find ourselves on a path of sin, we must turn from that sin to Christ before going any further.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Ps 51:12)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
From the Bible study planet
The Psalms begin by telling us we’re blessed when we avoid three things — walking, standing and sitting in the way of sinners.
Notice the progression: First there is walking with sin, then standing with it, then finally sitting in it. All too often we underestimate the power of sin and overestimate our own power to avoid it. We fall into sin by becoming increasingly comfortable going in the wrong direction.
We first walk with sin, then stand or engaging in it, and before we know it, we’re overwhelmed by it. We find an example of this “negative sanctification” in Lot.
1) Lot Walked With Sin
Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. (Gen 13:11)
Abraham and Lot were traveling together, but while Abraham walked by faith Lot walked by sight, and decided to go his own way — towards Sodom.
2) Lot Stood With Sin
Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD. (Gen 13:12-13)
Lot has gone from walking with God, to walking towards sin, and now we find him standing among the wicked.
3) Lot Sat With Sin
The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. (Gen 19:1)
By the time God had decided to judge Sodom, Lot is sitting comfortably in the city, and he is one of them.
Lot flirted with sin, he engaged sin, then finally was overcome by sin. If we aren’t careful the same thing will happen to us. We must be careful not to compromise with sin. We need to be aware of the company we keep and the actions we take.
If we find ourselves on a path of sin, we must turn from that sin to Christ before going any further.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Ps 51:12)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
From the Bible study planet
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