Just One Sin Acts 8 9 -24

Just One Sin Acts 8: 9 -24

Introduction Ø False ideas about sin such as … Christians do not sin l Sin doesn’t affect one’s salvation l The imputation of sin l The continuous cleansing of sins l

Introduction Ø Learning from the example of Simon Like having a sample problem in a book l Does one sin make a difference? l

Simon’s Background Ø Obeyed like the rest Heard, believed, and were baptized (vv. 5, 12, 13) l What Jesus said (Mark 16: 15, 16) l If Simon was not saved, then neither were the others l

Simon’s Background Ø Sinned after his conversion Equated the work of the Holy Spirit with his former works of sorcery l Wanted to do what the apostles could do (v. 19) l

Simon’s Background Ø Example of a Christian who sinned His heart was not right (v. 21) l Told to repent (v. 22) l Described as in “the gall of bitterness and the bondage of iniquity” (v. 23) l

Excuses For Sin Ø Only a babe in Christ Didn’t excuse Simon l Need edification (Ephesians 4: 11 -16) l Immaturity increases likelihood of sinning (2 Corinthians 2: 11) l

Excuses For Sin Ø Only necessary to “walk in the light” Simon was continuing on (v. 13) l Trying to learn (Acts 2: 42) l Involves confession (1 John 1: 5 -9) l

Excuses For Sin Ø “Only human” Simon could be viewed as weak l Vulnerable to Satan (1 Peter 5: 8) l Why wasn’t Saul excused on this basis? (1 Samuel 13: 11) l Why wasn’t David excused on this basis? (2 Samuel 11: 2) l

Excuses For Sin Ø Ignorance Simon may have been ignorant of the role of the apostles l Thought money could buy the power l Ignorance does increase the likelihood of sin (2 Timothy 2: 15) l

Excuses For Sin Ø Refuse to believe one sin condemns Only sin Simon committed as far as we know so far l Adam and Eve- once (Genesis 3: 6) l Uzzah (2 Samuel 6: 6; Hebrews 2: 3) l One sin (James 2: 10) l

Conclusion Ø Need to be humble like Simon Ø Wanted to be forgiven