Introductory Thoughts
Sin brings consequences. Although the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin (1 John 1:7), some things cannot merely be undone. The children of Israel were supposed to go into the land of promise, but they chose to believe the report of the ten faithless men, rejecting the faithful report of Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 13:26-33; Numbers 14:1-10). It was not until the people heard the looming judgment from God that they changed their minds and determined that they would go into the land of promise. They thought they could merely change their minds and remove all the consequences of sin but soon found out that that was not their prerogative. With or without forgiveness, sin has certain consequences.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Esau despised his birthright and could not get it back (Genesis 25:29-34; Hebrews 12:16-17). Disrespectful children could not take their words back (2 Kings 2:23-24). Saul was disobedient and lost his throne and then his life (1 Chronicles 10:13-14).
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(For everyone): What are some sins in the Bible that were forgiven but still brought lasting consequences (i.e., David and Bathsheba, Moses smiting the rock)? What can you learn from these examples?
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What are some sins in the Bible that were forgiven but still brought lasting consequences (i.e., David and Bathsheba, Moses smiting the rock)? What can you learn from these examples?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to give you wisdom concerning the danger of sin.
- Ask the Lord to help you as you deal with the sins of your past.
Song
NEARER, STILL NEARER
