The Nature and Consequences of Sin
T. J. Judkin, A. M Psalm 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah. In uttering the word "sin" how few are there amongst men, even though serious minded, who connect with it sentiments and feelings corresponding to its own true force and significance! Yet this is a word pregnant with all the terrible calamities which flesh is heir to. I. THE NATURE OF SIN. 1. Sin is a gathering evil. Its first indulgence ends not in itself, but the gratification strengthens the desire. The first act of sin will often make a second necessary, by placing us in situations which we had not contemplated. 2. Sin is a deceiving power. It always wears a mask. It allures under the semblance of beauty, hiding its serpent length among the roses. 3. Sin is a gradual hardening of the heart. Every fresh act of sin is the shutting up of some pore of moral sensibility. 4. Sin is ineffaceable. The action that is done cannot be undone. 5. Sin is a contagious evil. It affects those about us. II. THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN. Generally the loss of health, life, reputation, friends, the loss of fortitude under trials, consolation in suffering, the loss of peace in a world of strife, the loss of hope in nature's most despairing hour, the loss of a calm assurance at the last. Ponder the recorded judgments of God, this will strengthen your fear of Sin. And remember against whom you sin. A God, a merciful God, a Father, a King: against your Redeemer, and the interests of your immortal souls. (T. J. Judkin, A. M,) Parallel Verses KJV: Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. WEB: Stand in awe, and don't sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.