Introduction to the "killer sins" concept; and comparing them to the "Seven Deadly Sins."

Our focus is not on a "list" of such sins, but the "nature" of them.

1. What Would Judas Do? PDF / JPEG

We tend to view Judas as an evil villain (perhaps wearing a constant snarl), but he actually looked like a trustworthy, loyal follower of Jesus. He had only one "little" sin. But he didn't deal with it when it was small, so it eventually grew up and became the "big" sin of betrayal. This is a warning to us, that our "little" sins, if left to themselves, can grow up into something big. Big enough to kill us.

2. Introduction to the nature of killer sins. PDF / JPEG

They start with wrong thoughts and attitudes... and they grow from there. Because of our sinful natures, we are naturally inclined to do them. We must respond to them - fight them with God's power - or we will eventually be overcome by them and destroyed.

3. Responding to sin; a look at the "Seven Deadly Sins" and the various "sin lists" found in the Bible. PDF / JPEG

We look at issues that will guide us toward an understanding of the nature of "killer sins." Our main focus is on our need to deal with any sin that may be in our lives (a continuation of last week's focus). Along the way, we look at the various "sin lists" that are found in the Bible, as well as some weaknesses of the "Seven Deadly Sins" concept.

4. Two issues, and introduction to the first "killer sin." PDF / JPEG

Two issues: (1) Why some sins might not be considered "killer sins"; and (2) why "killer sins" might be confused with good. The first "killer sin" we will look at is related to the "Deadly Sin" of lust - though we will be dealing with a much broader concept than what is referred to in the "Seven Deadly Sins." [In future presentations, we will give it the name "I crave."]

"I crave" - introduction and instances in which it is good.

5. The relationship between "lust" (the "Deadly Sin") and "I crave" (the name we have given the potential "killer sin). PDF / JPEG

Our understanding of lust (as a "Deadly Sin") normally limits it to a specific type of sexual sin. But the the broader concept has a much wider application, and can refer to a strong desire for anything - whether good or evil. When looking at the "killer sin" concept, we need to realize that (1) this concept can include good desires, and that (2) the evil desires can include much more than just sexual matters.

6. How the "I crave" can be either good or evil. PDF / JPEG

Here, we look at how this is true - some basic principles. We also introduce the idea that the goodness/badness can be context-determined (an issue we will look at later).

7. "I crave" and contentment. PDF / JPEG

Just as it is not always sinful to crave something, so also it is not always sinful to be discontent! Though we may quote Philippians 4:12 to show that we need to be content in whatever situation we find ourselves in (as explained in the context)... there are also situations in which being content and not craving would be sin!

8. "Craving" God. PDF / JPEG

This is craving in a good sense - a way that is supremely good! If it weren't for sin, this would be the natural response of every human being. But now, because of sin, the only way we can do this is in Jesus Christ.

9. The influence of "foundational" cravings. PDF / JPEG

The "foundational" (or most-ultimate) cravings of our heart will influence all the other cravings and desires we have. If we pursue the foundational craving/desire for God, it will influence all the other things we crave/desire.

10. "Good" craving is incompatible with sin. PDF / JPEG

We don't merely add "good values" to our lives. Rather, we have to reject our old ways of living and replace them with new ways that are compatible with a new foundation (= craving/desiring God).

"I crave," when it is a "killer sin."

11. The nature of sinful craving. PDF / JPEG

Sinful craving did not exist until people chose to sin. Here, we see how it came into existence, its two forms, and what God has done to enable us to return to good craving.

12. Sinful craving - lust. PDF / JPEG

First, a reminder: In Christ, we do not have to do these sinful things. Then we look at the issue of sexual lust. Even though it may occur in the mind (i.e., invisible to other people), it is a killer sin that will separate people from God eternally, if they do not repent and turn away from it. (God warns us numerous times in Scripture, and he wasn't joking.)

13. Sinful craving - the pursuit of things. PDF / JPEG

Craving money, riches and wealth (in all its forms) - if we desire them more than we desire God and his kingdom, we are living in sin!

14. Craving evil in its many forms. PDF / JPEG

The problem is: When we are guilty of this, we normally don't know it. It's only when we allow Scripture to change the way we think and evaluate things (= the "renewed mind" of Romans 12:2), that we can recognize it and avoid it.

15. Being self-focused; responding to sinful craving. PDF / JPEG

Any desire that focuses on self can be sin - if it is a desire that goes against love for God and neighbor. We need to remind ourselves about: (1) where sinful craving comes from, and (2) how we should respond to it.

16. Sinful craving kills. PDF / JPEG

This is a serious matter!

How "neutral" cravings become good or evil. (They don't stay "neutral.")

17. The effect of context on "neutral" cravings. PDF / JPEG

The same "neutral" crave can become good or evil, depending on context. We must be willing to learn what makes the difference!

18. "Neutral" craves don't stay neutral. PDF / JPEG

Several examples are given to show how the context will determine whether a "neutral" desire is good or evil. Scripture tells us how to recognize which it is. (It's not based on our personal opinion or desire in the matter.) 

19. Turning "neutral" craves into good. PDF / JPEG

On the Day of Judgment, everything will be evaluated as good or evil. (There will be no neutral category.) After a few more examples of "neutral" cravings becoming good or bad, we look at how we can make it our goal to turn all "neutral" cravings into good.

Principles for resisting killer sins (especially sinful craving). In Christ, we have the ability to do so!

Many of these principles are applicable to resisting any type of sin.

20. Responding to killer sins. PDF / JPEG

A focus on some foundational matters. Some basic features of all killer sins; some principles for responding to them; why they occur so easily.

21. Recognizing sinful craving as "spiritual adultery." PDF / JPEG

This is not a reference to "temptation," but to the result of yielding to temptation. Yet since the Bible does describe it this way, we can learn principles for avoiding spiritual adultery, based on what it teaches about physical adultery.

22. Fighting sin by fighting the source of sin. PDF / JPEG

Before we can deal with it, we have to first admit that it is sin, and that we have to deal with it. It is a battle, a war. Yet our #1 "battle focus" isn't to be on the sin, but on the source of the sin. Ultimately, it is a spiritual battle.

23. Fighting sin by running from it. PDF / JPEG

It may be a surprise to some, but Scripture doesn't tell us to fight sin, but to avoid and run from it! (It's a spiritual battle, and that is the level where the actual fighting is to be done.) If we are following Jesus, he has given us the power to do this "avoiding" and "running away."

24. Escaping temptation. PDF / JPEG

We don't "have to" keep on sinning, because God has provided a way to escape from the temptation that results in sinning. But we must be willing to learn how to do this escaping! Ultimately, we have to decide whether to yield to the temptation, or yield to the escape from it!

25. God accomplishes good through our temptations. PDF / JPEG

What the devil wants to use for our destruction, God uses for accomplishing good. Even temptation!

God helps us in our fight against killer sins.

26. God's GRACE in fighting sin. PDF / JPEG

God's grace teaches us to not sin. God's people are willing to learn! (Only fakes use grace as an excuse or justification for sinning.)

27. The LAW & freedom from sin. PDF / JPEG

Our duty is not to sin, but to be holy. Sin is enslaving; but Scripture tells us that obeying the moral law is the way to freedom.

28. The GREAT ESCAPE from slavery to sin! PDF / JPEG

God has given us his Word, the Bible, which teaches us how to live in freedom. What is your attitude toward learning what it says and obeying it?

29. Hindrances to the GREAT ESCAPE. PDF / JPEG

There are many potential hindrances. The only way we can develop a strong response to hindrances is through learning and following God's instructions in the Bible.

Victory over killer sins - especially sinful craving.

Many of these principles are applicable to resisting any type of sin.

30. What God does in our lives. PDF / JPEG

God works in our salvation and our sanctification (i.e., making us holy). He changes us ... and the world will oppose it.

31. Victory in Christ. PDF / JPEG

Those who belong to Christ are united with him. God changes our nature, and this will affect everything in life.

32. Victory through love and obedience. PDF / JPEG

We now turn our focus to our responsibility. It involves two concepts that are interrelated in Scripture: love and obedience. If we love Jesus, we will pursue the renewed mind that Scripture offers us (Romans 12:2), so that joyful obedience will become possible.

33. The renewed mind and obedience. PDF / JPEG

If we belong to Christ, God has changed our nature. It's our responsibility to focus on a change in our conduct. God has given us both the instructions (teachings and commands) which will give us a renewed mind, as well as the power and motivation to pursue it. This will affect our conduct, and will make possible victory over sin.

34. God on our side, helping us to do our part. PDF / JPEG

God doesn't just do "sovereign" things, and then leave us alone to do our "human responsibility" things. We are now part of his family (through adoption); and our brother, Jesus, has done things that have a direct impact on our ability to do our part. If we have become part of God's family, we now have the ability to live as part of God's family!

35. Dealing with specific sins, not just generalities. PDF / JPEG

Life in Christ involves a willingness to replace specific types of sinful conduct with specific types of righteous conduct. (It's not just a matter of vague generalities and nebulous prayers about becoming "a better person.") Just like changing one's clothes, we must "take off" specific sins in our lives and "put on" the corresponding godly character.

36. Controlled by the Spirit. PDF / JPEG

Being united with Christ and controlled by the Spirit are interrelated concepts. (It's impossible to have one without the other.) If the Spirit is living in you, it will affect how you live!

37. Controlled by a "renewed" mind. PDF / JPEG

The life changes that are a part of salvation begin with mind changes - the "renewed" mind. We have a responsibility to learn about and to develop godly attitudes and values... and then to apply what we learned to our actions.

38. Taking responsibility for what we do. PDF / JPEG

God has empowered us to do what we need to do... and we must do it. No excuses! When we don't do it, it's like saying, "I choose to not use the power God has offered me." We also look at the significance that Jesus' future return has on our responsibility to get ready for that day, now. Our old "unsaved ways" are not an option!

39. Being willing to deal with sexual desires. PDF / JPEG

A final reminder that sexual lust (one of the "Seven Deadly Sins") is a serious matter. We are not to consider it as an option in life... and those who do will be held accountable at the Day of Judgment. It is s rejection of God's life-changing power.

40. Victory over the killer sin "I crave" (also applicable to other killer sins). PDF / JPEG

Some final comments. We must be willing to kill the killer sins, before they kill us. (1) Recognizing the nature of the crave; (2) using our mind to change our focus; (3) a warning about the nature of the effort. If you choose to be lazy in this "struggle," you won't have victory.

Introducing the next two killer sins: "I devour" and "I cling."

41. Introduction to these two killer sins. PDF / JPEG

If we get what we have craved for, then what? This brings us to the next two killer sins. Do we "devour" what we attained? Do we "cling" to it? (These are related to two of the "Seven Deadly Sins" of gluttony and greed; but as killer sins, they involve much more than that.)

42. "I devour" and "I cling" comparisons. PDF / JPEG

Here, we look at the similarities and differences between these two sins, as well as their relationship to "I crave." More often than not, Scripture describes these two actions as being sinful. ("I crave" is often presented as a good concept; but these two concepts are rarely described that way.)

43. "I devour" and "I cling": Two sins of excess. PDF / JPEG

As killer sins, these concepts often appear as "small," insignificant sins; and when we do them, we may even make it sound as though we were doing something "Christian." But they influence our values and make it easier for us to commit "big" sins. We look at two parables that Jesus gave us, to show us how bad these sins really are.

44. Church-goers who "devour" and "cling" -- hypocrites. PDF / JPEG

They will claim to be saved. But the very fact that these sins characterize their lives is proof that they are not saved. God calls them "hypocrites" - and even though many people claim that "churches are full of hypocrites," God warns us that saved people are not characterized by hypocrisy.

45. God's glory ... vs. the world's values. PDF / JPEG

Living for the glory and honor of God tends to be the opposite of living for devouring and clinging. The questions are, (1) how do you do it? And (2) how do you know you are doing it? Is it mere opinion, or does Scripture give us specific instructions for doing it? This shows us the importance of having a "renewed mind" (Romans 12:2), which we cannot get if we're unwilling to find out (and apply) what the Bible says! Many of the values that we tend to call "neutral" come from the world and are actually opposed to the ways of God.

[Interruption] The sinfulness of the WORLD; the remedy found in the GOOD NEWS.

46. Learning about the horrible sinfulness of the WORLD. [A link to that study.]

These 2 killer sins, devouring and clinging, are commonly found in churches, in "christianized" forms. Yet Scripture says they are what the world does; they are the world's response to getting the things they crave for.

The world is not neutral, but evil!  Its ways are utterly incompatible to the ways of Christ! Yet because so many people in the church don't take seriously the evilness of the world, we needed to get a better look at what the Bible says about it.

And so, we began our study on the concept of "world."

47. The GOOD NEWS - the solution to the world's sinfulness. [A link to that study.]

We never returned to this "killer sins" study, because, once we learned about the horribleness of the "world," it naturally required us to look at the remedy for all this horribleness: the Good News.

However, what we have learned about killer sins is a good starting point. From here, it shouldn't be too difficult to learn to recognize and deal with the other killer sins.