Sin can creep into anyone's life. No one is immune to its intrusions. The Hebrew writer speaks of "sin which so easily ensnares us" (Heb 12:1-2). There is always an urgency to deal with sin when it comes into our lives. There is extreme danger in delay, and this we must never forget.

The Days of Noah

Long ago in the days of Noah, the Lord said, "My Spirit will not always strive with man" (Gen 6:3).

So the flood came upon all the earth and "all flesh died except those who were in the ark" (Gen 6:31).

As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be when Christ returns (Mtt 24:37-41 Lke 17:26-27)

The Days of Lot in Sodom

The people of Sodom were wicked and their sin was grievous to God (Gen 18:20-21 and on through chapter 19).

Like those before them in the days of Noah, the appetites of the people of Sodom were only of a worldly and fleshly nature (Lke 17:26-28).

God removed righteous Lot from the city, and then suddenly destroyed Sodom with a rain of fire from heaven (Lke 17:29).

As it was in the days of Sodom, so it will be when Christ returns (Lke 17:29-30).

NOTE Jesus is speaking here not only of his second coming, but also of the approaching destruction of Jerusalem, another microcosm of the second coming of Christ, like that of Sodom.

The Danger Today of Sudden Destruction

The wicked reason that their Lord is not coming soon (Mtt 24:48).

Therefore they choose to continue in their wickedness (Mtt 24:49).

The Lord will come when least expected (Mtt 24:50-51).

NOTE We should keep in mind that not only the second coming of Christ, will come unexpectedly and suddenly, but death can do the same. We should consider sin not only against the promise of the return of Christ, but against the ever present danger of death, which may strike without warning.

A Limited Time to Repent

Jezebel was given a limited time to repent (Rev 2:21)

Jezebel faced great tribulation because she would not repent (Rev 2:22)

Those who fail to repent "crucify the Son of God again for themselves, and put him to an open shame" (Heb 6:4-6)

The Danger of Continuing Wilfully in Sin

The Hebrew writer warns us of how terrible state those are in who continue wilfully to sin (Heb 10:26-39). They...

No longer have a sacrifice for their sins
Have only a certain terrifying expectation of judgment
Are enemies and adversaries of God
Tread underfoot the Son of God
Count as unholy the blood that sanctified them
Insult the Spirit of Grace

NOTE People get into the above state because of delay in dealing with sin. They delay taking steps to avoid sin. They delay devoting themselves to the kingdom of God. They delay repenting of sin if it occurs and setting themselves right with God. So gradually they enter into the reprobate state described by the Hebrew writer. They fail to remember the danger in delay.

Crossword

Down:
1. A person who ------ repentance is in danger.
2. What will come suddenly and unexpectedly (two words)
3. The answer you should be able to give to the question, "Are you right with God?" (three words, 3,1,2)

Across:
4. The woman whom God granted time to repent
5. The sinful city God destroyed with fire
6. The righteous man who escaped the great flood
7. What we should repent of
8. We should remember that death may be ---- (word meaning near).