INSTRUCTION ABOUT SIN

“His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin!" (Prov. 5:22 NKJV).

While sin is advertised in our world today as something that will bring great pleasure, the pleasure is temporary and does not satisfy. Our verse gives two important characteristics that we need to ponder - the beguiling of the sinner and the bondage for the sinner.

Beguiling of the sinner - “His own iniquities entrap the wicked man.” The word translated “entrap” means to catch something in a trap or snare. Sin may look appealing, but it is extremely deceitful. It will trap and bring a person into captivity and ruin. And we cannot blame others for our sin because we are told that the sinner is entrapped by “his own iniquities.” Although our sins can and does adversely affect others, our own sins are the main problems in our lives.

Bondage for the sinner - “He is caught in the cords of his sins.” Sin is addictive. We understand this bondage of sin readily when we see someone who is addicted to drugs or some other evil habit. The world mocks the Christian and says he is no fun because the Christian does not participate in evil activities. Yet, such mocking is not justified since unbelievers are the ones who are in bondage. The Christian can refuse to sin, but the unbeliever is held in bondage by his sin and cannot stop sinning. Beware of sin. Do not be taken in by the idea that you can do it once and quit. Sin will grip you in an iron grip the moment you sin.

(Adapted from Butler Daily Bible Reading)

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be The Glory)

Quotation of the Week

“Sinning will keep you from the Bible but the Bible will keep you from sinning!”

Jack Wellman

American Pastor, Author, and Freelance Writer

Word Study

Dragged

In Acts 17:6 we read, “But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (NKJV).

Dragged is the Greek word surō (σύρω = soo'-ro). It means to draw, pull, draw, drag away, and lead by force (as moving someone against their will). It was used of dragging a heavy object with great effort and may involve the notion of violence. Metaphorically, surō mean to be dragged or drawn.

In classical Greek, the use of surō includes persons crawling and waves or rivers sweeping away objects. In the Septuagint surō also carries the idea of creeping and being pulled down. In the New Testament surō carries the idea of being dragged or swept away. The accusation that Paul and Silas had turned the inhabited world upside down has been a thrill and a challenge to true believers ever since. The “world turned upside down” is at last right side up. Turmoil often results when the gospel challenges people to change their lives.

Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus

Old Testament Prophecy – Messiah would be the grain of wheat to fall into the ground (Psalm 72:16) New Testament Fulfillment – John 12:24

Did You Know…

In Exodus 34:29-30, Moses face shone so bright that everyone was afraid to look at him. In Matthew 17:1-3, Jesus’ face shone like the sun. The long dead Moses then appeared to him.

Bible Quiz

Where was the Ark of the Testimony located within the Tabernacle?

**Answer to last week’s trivia: When will Jesus Christ return to the earth? At an hour we think not (Matt. 24:44).

Everyday Expressions Alluded to in the Bible

"Eyes on the prize”

“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7 NKJV).

“Eyes on the prize” - The expression “eyes on the prize” carries the idea of being focused on a goal. Like a runner who knows that a backward glance will only slow his progress toward the finish, Paul says that he forgets what is behind and stretches out toward what is ahead, so that he might complete the race and win the prize. We will not reach our spiritual goals, without pressing with spiritual determination. However, Paul is not suggesting that we attain heaven by our own efforts. He is simply saying that we need to pursue Christlikeness with the enthusiasm and persistence of a runner in the Greek games. In the spiritual race that goal is Christ; we need to keep our eyes on Him.

Did You Know – Christian History

Charles Simeon was born September 24, 1759 at Reading, Berkshire, England. He was an English Evangelical Clergyman and Biblical Commentator.

Simeon was educated at Eton College and King’s College, Cambridge. In 1782 Simeon was made Minister of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Cambridge. However, he faced serious opposition. The pews sat half empty because the people boycotted him. Simeon offered to resign but his bishop would not let him. At times, the church doors would be locked against him. When it opened, the pew gates were locked. Yet Simeon endured. He set up chairs at his own expense, but the trustees tossed them out. For twelve years the congregation chose other men to give the Sunday afternoon lectures and college students interrupted his services and passed evil rumors about him.

In spite of this opposition, Simeon persevered. He preached directly from the Word of God, and saw the grace of God triumphing. Simeon became a leader of the Evangelicals in the Church of England. He helped bring into existence the British and Foreign Bible Society, the Religious Tract Society, the Church Missionary Society, and other influential Evangelical organizations. His spiritual influence on young Cambridge men over the decades is incalculable. By helping in the appointment of evangelical chaplains to India, Simeon encouraged the gospel spread in that country when the East India Company would not allow missionaries. Among his protégés was Henry Martyn, famed as a missionary and Bible translator.

Simeon published hundreds of sermons and sermon outlines (called sermon skeletons) which are still in print. His chief work is a commentary on the whole Bible, entitled Horae Homileticae. Simeon preached until two months before his death. He died November 12, 1836. Simeon is remembered in the Episcopal Church of the United States with a Lesser Feast and in the Anglican Church of Canada with a Commemoration on the 13th of November.

A Little Humor

On and on, she kept pestering him, asking, “Where have you been all night?” “Just out walking,” Adam insisted as he closed his eyes and prayed for sleep to overtake him. It seemed like only moments later he was awakened by someone poking him in the chest. It was Eve. “What are you doing?” Adam demanded. “Counting your ribs,” said Eve.

Thought Provoking Church Sign

“Playing with sin is toying with judgment!”