Why Do Christians Commit Public Sins?

(As opposed to heart sins)

We would all acknowledge that a true disciple of Christ has the potential while in this flesh to do anything that this flesh is capable of doing. But why would we?

·         Why would any Christian, much less a respected preacher of the gospel of grace, be unfaithful to his spouse?

·         Why would any Christian choose to live in the fantasy world of lust and pornography?

·         Why would a Christian binge eat, or turn to alcohol or drugs to escape emotional pain or loneliness?

·         Why would a Christian isolate himself in pity and spiral into a pit of depression?

·         Why would a Christian slander another, accuse falsely, or gossip?

Why do we do it?

·         Is it because we are living under such an understanding of grace that we know that we will be forgiven and therefore we don’t fight the strong urges or pull of sinful tendencies?

·         Is it because we have a view of the cross of Jesus Christ that liberates us in our spirit from the need or desire to fight the temptation of the world, flesh and devil?

·         Is it because we have immersed our minds in the teaching that essentially says God loves everything and hates nothing? He is angry with no one? Go ahead…God doesn’t care?

·         Is it because we justify our choices? (It is amazing the way the mind can work to give green light!)

Example: God knows I am but flesh. I am sure He understands. Surely He doesn’t expect me to lose out on fun, excitement, relief, etc.…I just can’t handle all the pressure – I’m only human!

Example: she did such and such which caused me to do such and such (Adam/Eve syndrome).

Why do we do it?

·         Peter says (1Pe 1:5) we are kept by the power of God through faith. Faith connects to the power of God.

·         A basic reason why Christians make sinful choices…especially sinful choices that are public in nature: we forget about our relationship to God!  This is a manifestation of unbelief.

• When we choose to sin, especially openly, are not living by faith! Faith is the victory that overcomes the world (1Jn 5:4); faith is the conduit that unites us with God in a daily practical way!
• When our heart/devotion is divided, regardless of past accomplishments in our Christian walk or present status in the church, we are headed for a fall.

Consider one who didn’t do it: Joseph – Genesis 39:7-10.

·         Joseph’s circumstances were rotten. Mistreated. Disrespected. And now, in a position of respect in his master’s house, he is desired by his master’s wife! Why didn’t he give in? Why didn’t he do it?

• Respect for his master. Relationship to the sovereign God he trusted (45:5;50:20). Recognition of sin.
• Joseph had a heart that was devoted to God! That’s where resistance to temptation begins.

·         If we will live with Joseph’s awareness of God’s sovereign rule and care, we will not choose sin as the remedy or solution for any of life’s needs or desires, no matter how difficult the circumstances!

·         If we do choose to sin, especially sins of public nature, do not offer justifying excuses! Take responsibility. It’s no one’s fault but our own!

• If we speak, talk like David, Against thee, thee only have I sinned (Ps. 51)…When confronted, he didn’t blame Bathsheba for bathing on top of her house! His was the sin – against God first!
• If we speak, talk about grief for being a stumbling-block to the world who is evaluating God and Christians in light of our sin.
• There is forgiveness, even of the most egregious sins. But temporal consequences are often deep.

What will keep YOU from doing it? (whatever sin IT might be in your life)

1. Live life (all of it; everyday) in relationship with God through Jesus Christ who gave His life for you.

2. Remember that your sinful choices (some more than others) can bring great shame upon the truth and the God of truth: 2 Peter 2:2; 1 Peter 2:12.