173. HEB 3:13. DECEITFULNESS OF SIN
Heb_3:13. Deceitfulness of Sin
"But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."’97Heb_3:13.
Observe,
I. The Evil referred to.
"Sin." The transgression of the divine law. That which caused,
1. The fall of angels.
Who kept not their first estate. See 2Pe_2:4; Jdg_1:6; Joh_8:44
2. The ruin of our world.
Whereby, as by one man, sin entered into the world, and death by sin, &c. Rom_5:12.
3. That which has treasured up endless wrath for impenitent souls.
"The soul that sinneth shall die." "Wages of sin, death," &c. "These shall go away," &c. Notice,
II. The peculiar Characteristic of this Evil.
"The deceitfulness of sin." Sin is not what it represents itself to be. It is deceitful. As such,
1. It assumes false names.
Malice and revenge, the foulest passions of the soul, are considered signs of a good spirit. Such are men of honor. Pride, so offensive to God, is decency, true dignity. Prodigality, is generosity of soul. Slander, is openness and freeness of mind. Covetousness, is prudence. Drunkenness and revelling, are evidences of sociality, &c. Sin generally deceives by false titles.
2. It prefers false claims.
Claims liberty, from antiquity and long usage’97from the prevalency of its influence’97from the sanctions it receives from the rich and great, indeed, from all ranks of society.
3. It offers false excuses.
Want of ability to do otherwise’97overwhelming power of the devil’97the natural, and therefore excusable, constitutional failings’97counterbalancing excellencies’97goodness of motive, &c.
4. It makes false resolutions.
It pleads only for the present’97the ease wad readiness of future amendments’97de-ermines only to make a few experiments, and then to seek and walk in the right paths. Repentance, to-morrow; religion, to-morrow. Sin claims the present now; and gives the uncertain, and the constantly procrastinated future, to better things. Sin is exceedingly, indescribably deceitful. It deceived angels’97our first parents’97and in some degree, the whole of their posterity Notice,
III. The Effects of this Evil.
"Hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Sin not only deceives, but hardens its possessor.
1. It hardens the soul, so as to be unconcerned respecting all the statements of the divine word.
Commands, threatenings, examples, descriptions of future woes, &c.
2. It hardens against all the admonitions of conscience.
Monitor silenced’97voice drowned’97feeling seared’97fears derided’97anxieties mocked, &c.
3. It hardens against all the providences of life.
Frequent disappointments, deliverances escapes, bereavements, visitations of sickness, solemn occurrences, &c.
4. It hardens against all the strivings of the Spirit.
Spirit grieved, quenched; his appeals disregarded; his suggestions despised, &c. This hardness is unceasingly progressive; until it is total, fixed, and eternal.
IV. The Remedy suggested for this Evil.
"Exhort one another," &c. Exhort one another,
1. To serious reflection.
On the extent and purity of the divine law; human weakness; great responsibility; and the provision made for our full salvation from it.
2. To constant watchfulness.
That we may not be surprised. To avoid its insinuations, &c.
3. To earnest prayer.
For a clean heart’97a new and holy spirit’97divine assistance, &c.
4. This exhortation must be mutual.
"One another." All are weak; all in danger. We should love and care for each other, &c.
5. It must be constant.
"Daily." Daily in danger, &c. And this exhortation of each other must be from right motives’97at proper seasons’97with great modesty’97and with much love
Application
Warn sinners’97caution saints’97exhort all.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS