Willful Sin

November 2

Ezekiel 7-8

Psalm 119:81-88

Proverbs 26:16

Hebrews 10:19-39

Willful Sin

“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.  Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy by the mouth of two or three witnesses.  How much worse punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has regarded as defiled the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?  For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’  It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”  Hebrews 10:26-31 LSB

Willful sin is deliberate, intentional disobedience of God’s instructions.  It isn’t just a mistake, a moment of weakness, or a poor decision.  It is a conscious choice to defy God.  It’s extremely serious because it is indicative of a hardened heart.  In discussing sin it is important that we are all on the same page.  Sin is an offense against God and His commands.  It includes behaviors and actions that are morally wrong or unethical but it can also include attitudes or intentions that are selfish, unloving or mean.  God is the One who defines sin.  It is not relative, cultural, or subjective.  God created the world we live in and He is the only One with the authority and the wisdom to decide what the rules are.  God has given us His Word so that we know what He expects of us.  There are some rules and laws that were given to the children of Israel in the Old Testament that do not apply to us today, but we should study Scripture carefully and ask God to reveal His truth to us.  The commands given to us in the New Testament are not up for debate.  If the Bible speaks on an issue and gives clear instructions, we are expected to be obedient to what it says.  There are issues where the Bible is not cut and dried.  Drinking is an example of something that is not prohibited in the Bible.  Excessive drinking and drunkenness is sinful, but moderate drinking is not forbidden.  However, if God has impressed on your heart that you should not drink, then it would be sinful for you to do it.  If there is any question in your mind, you should ask God for wisdom in that area and He will make it clear what you should do. “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”  James 1:5 LSB  God doesn’t play hide the ball.  If you ask Him to make clear to you whether something is sin, He will.  “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 NIV   If you are seeking God and sincerely wanting Him to reveal to you if you are doing anything that is not pleasing to Him, you are probably not engaging in willful sin, but you should listen carefully to what He says and obey Him. 

It is important to note that willful sin is ignoring the Word of God and choosing to follow our own opinions or preferences.  “Follow your heart,” or “Do what you think is right” is foolish advice.  Jeremiah 17:9 warns, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.  Who can understand it?” NIV   Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” NIV   We cannot be controlled  by our own desires, cultural norms or public opinion.  God’s Word is our standard for truth and we must follow it.   The consequences are dire.  Remaining in a pattern of behavior that we know is sinful will result in judgment.  “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”  As we discussed yesterday, God will not tolerate sin.  He will not overlook it and we should not ignore His commands.  1 John 1:3 is very clear, “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them;  they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.  This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are.” NIV   If we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us we cannot continue in a pattern of willful sin.