The Hidden Root of Every Sin

When we try to make our future happier When we try to make our future happier by going ahead and doing a thing which by going ahead and doing a thing which by going ahead and doing a thing which we think might be sin, we are not acting we think might be sin, we are not acting we think might be sin, we are not acting from faith because faith trusts in God from faith because faith trusts in God from faith because faith trusts in God to shape a better future for us than we to shape a better future for us than we to shape a better future for us than we could shape could shape could shape >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> for ourselves. >> Romans 14 begins with disagreements >> Romans 14 begins with disagreements about food and Christian freedom. about food and Christian freedom. about food and Christian freedom. But by the end of the chapter, Paul But by the end of the chapter, Paul But by the end of the chapter, Paul shows that the deeper issue is whether shows that the deeper issue is whether shows that the deeper issue is whether we are acting from faith we are acting from faith we are acting from faith >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> or not. >> or not. >> or not. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper opens Romans 14:23 Piper opens Romans 14:23 Piper opens Romans 14:23 to show that beneath every sin is a to show that beneath every sin is a to show that beneath every sin is a failure to trust that God's promises are failure to trust that God's promises are failure to trust that God's promises are better than the future we try to secure better than the future we try to secure better than the future we try to secure for ourselves. for ourselves. for ourselves. This message was originally delivered at This message was originally delivered at This message was originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on August 24th, Bethlehem Baptist Church on August 24th, Bethlehem Baptist Church on August 24th, 1980.

>> I find in Romans 14:23 >> I find in Romans 14:23 the most devastating and the most the most devastating and the most the most devastating and the most penetrating definition of sin that I penetrating definition of sin that I penetrating definition of sin that I know of in the Bible. know of in the Bible. know of in the Bible. The reason it's penetrating is because The reason it's penetrating is because The reason it's penetrating is because it goes straight to the root it goes straight to the root it goes straight to the root of sin, namely the root of our failure of sin, namely the root of our failure of sin, namely the root of our failure to trust God. to trust God. to trust God. And the reason it is And the reason it is And the reason it is devastating is because it wipes away all devastating is because it wipes away all devastating is because it wipes away all of our silly little lists of do's and of our silly little lists of do's and of our silly little lists of do's and don'ts as if we can define sin in some don'ts as if we can define sin in some don'ts as if we can define sin in some manageable category of sorts of actions. manageable category of sorts of actions. manageable category of sorts of actions. According to this text, which says in According to this text, which says in According to this text, which says in the last half of the verse, "Whatever is the last half of the verse, "Whatever is the last half of the verse, "Whatever is not from faith is sin." not from faith is sin." not from faith is sin." Preaching can be sin. House painting can Preaching can be sin. House painting can Preaching can be sin. House painting can be sin. be sin. be sin. Anything Anything Anything can be sin. can be sin. can be sin. And the original language even puts it And the original language even puts it And the original language even puts it more strongly. In the Greek it says more strongly. In the Greek it says more strongly. In the Greek it says everything, not just whatever, but everything, not just whatever, but everything, not just whatever, but everything which is not from faith is everything which is not from faith is everything which is not from faith is sin.

sin. sin. Now, let's get the context before us Now, let's get the context before us Now, let's get the context before us here in this chapter. In Romans 14, Paul here in this chapter. In Romans 14, Paul here in this chapter. In Romans 14, Paul is addressing a situation in which some is addressing a situation in which some is addressing a situation in which some believers believers believers thought it was wrong to eat meat. They thought it was wrong to eat meat. They thought it was wrong to eat meat. They were vegetarians. were vegetarians. were vegetarians. Others thought it was right to eat Others thought it was right to eat Others thought it was right to eat anything, and they did. anything, and they did. anything, and they did. Some were teetotalers. Some were teetotalers. Some were teetotalers. Others thought it was wrong to drink Others thought it was wrong to drink Others thought it was wrong to drink wine. wine. wine. Now, Paul agrees with those who think Now, Paul agrees with those who think Now, Paul agrees with those who think that in itself nothing is impure. that in itself nothing is impure. that in itself nothing is impure. But, something was vastly more important But, something was vastly more important But, something was vastly more important to Paul than getting those Roman to Paul than getting those Roman to Paul than getting those Roman believers to eat meat or to drink wine. believers to eat meat or to drink wine. believers to eat meat or to drink wine. And it was this. He wanted them to do And it was this. He wanted them to do And it was this. He wanted them to do nothing nothing nothing that did not come from love or from that did not come from love or from that did not come from love or from faith. faith. faith. Look at verses 2 and 3 in the chapter. One person believes he may eat anything, One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables.

while the weak man eats only vegetables. while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who Let not him who eats despise him who Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains abstains, and let not him who abstains abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgement on him who eats, for God pass judgement on him who eats, for God pass judgement on him who eats, for God has welcomed him. Then drop down to has welcomed him. Then drop down to has welcomed him. Then drop down to verses 14 and 20. verses 14 and 20. verses 14 and 20. I know and am persuaded in the Lord I know and am persuaded in the Lord I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks but it is unclean for anyone who thinks but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it's unclean. it's unclean. it's unclean. If your brother is being injured by what If your brother is being injured by what If your brother is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in you eat, you are no longer walking in you eat, you are no longer walking in love. love. love. And then down to verse 21. And then down to verse 21. And then down to verse 21. It is right not to eat meat It is right not to eat meat It is right not to eat meat or to drink wine or do anything or to drink wine or do anything or to drink wine or do anything that makes your brother stumble. that makes your brother stumble. that makes your brother stumble. Now, what Paul is doing here is Now, what Paul is doing here is Now, what Paul is doing here is redefining redefining redefining sin sin sin for these Roman believers. Sin cannot for these Roman believers. Sin cannot for these Roman believers. Sin cannot properly be defined in terms of mere properly be defined in terms of mere properly be defined in terms of mere acts of eating or drinking. It has to be acts of eating or drinking. It has to be acts of eating or drinking. It has to be defined by its root. Where does the act defined by its root. Where does the act defined by its root. Where does the act come from? That's what makes it sin.

come from? That's what makes it sin. come from? That's what makes it sin. The act of eating meat may be sin, but The act of eating meat may be sin, but The act of eating meat may be sin, but it may not. The act of drinking may be it may not. The act of drinking may be it may not. The act of drinking may be sin, but it may not, depending on the sin, but it may not, depending on the sin, but it may not, depending on the situation. situation. situation. There is a deeper root There is a deeper root There is a deeper root of sin even than love. He says, "If of sin even than love. He says, "If of sin even than love. He says, "If you're doing anything that injures a you're doing anything that injures a you're doing anything that injures a brother, you're not walking in love." As brother, you're not walking in love." As brother, you're not walking in love." As if to say anything that doesn't accord if to say anything that doesn't accord if to say anything that doesn't accord from love is sin. But then he goes even from love is sin. But then he goes even from love is sin. But then he goes even further because below love and enabling further because below love and enabling further because below love and enabling love there is love there is love there is faith. faith. faith. Look at verses 22 and 23. Look at verses 22 and 23. Look at verses 22 and 23. Do you have faith? Keep it to yourself Do you have faith? Keep it to yourself Do you have faith? Keep it to yourself before God. Or if you have faith, keep before God. Or if you have faith, keep before God. Or if you have faith, keep it to yourself before God. Now, I think it to yourself before God. Now, I think it to yourself before God. Now, I think what Paul means there is that what Paul means there is that what Paul means there is that if your faith is strong enough so that if your faith is strong enough so that if your faith is strong enough so that it frees you from the guilt of eating it frees you from the guilt of eating it frees you from the guilt of eating meat, for example, in the situation at meat, for example, in the situation at meat, for example, in the situation at Rome, don't think you have to flaunt Rome, don't think you have to flaunt Rome, don't think you have to flaunt that freedom on everybody. Keep it to that freedom on everybody. Keep it to that freedom on everybody. Keep it to yourself if it's going to injure anybody yourself if it's going to injure anybody yourself if it's going to injure anybody to exercise the freedom of your faith.

to exercise the freedom of your faith. to exercise the freedom of your faith. Then he goes on to say, "Blessed is the Then he goes on to say, "Blessed is the Then he goes on to say, "Blessed is the person who does not judge himself for person who does not judge himself for person who does not judge himself for what he approves." In other words, it is what he approves." In other words, it is what he approves." In other words, it is a tremendous joy to have a clean a tremendous joy to have a clean a tremendous joy to have a clean conscience, isn't it? Not to pass conscience, isn't it? Not to pass conscience, isn't it? Not to pass sentence on ourselves because we are sentence on ourselves because we are sentence on ourselves because we are doubtful about what we're now doing as doubtful about what we're now doing as doubtful about what we're now doing as to whether it will be injurious or to whether it will be injurious or to whether it will be injurious or harmful to somebody. harmful to somebody. harmful to somebody. Then he concludes with these words. The Then he concludes with these words. The Then he concludes with these words. The person who doubts person who doubts person who doubts is condemned if he eats is condemned if he eats is condemned if he eats because he does not act from faith. because he does not act from faith. because he does not act from faith. Everything which is not from faith is Everything which is not from faith is Everything which is not from faith is sin. sin. sin. Now, what Paul is saying here, I think, Now, what Paul is saying here, I think, Now, what Paul is saying here, I think, is that if you're not sure that the act is that if you're not sure that the act is that if you're not sure that the act that you're about to perform is wrong that you're about to perform is wrong that you're about to perform is wrong and nevertheless you go ahead and risk and nevertheless you go ahead and risk and nevertheless you go ahead and risk that wrong or that injury then then you are sinning. you are sinning. you are sinning. And the reason he gives And the reason he gives And the reason he gives is that such eating, if it's eating is that such eating, if it's eating is that such eating, if it's eating meat, is not from faith.

meat, is not from faith. meat, is not from faith. Because whatever is not from faith is Because whatever is not from faith is Because whatever is not from faith is sin. Now, the assumption here sin. Now, the assumption here sin. Now, the assumption here listen to this carefully. The assumption listen to this carefully. The assumption listen to this carefully. The assumption here is that to go ahead and eat meat here is that to go ahead and eat meat here is that to go ahead and eat meat for example seemingly innocent, to go for example seemingly innocent, to go for example seemingly innocent, to go ahead and eat meat when you think it may ahead and eat meat when you think it may ahead and eat meat when you think it may be wrong or harmful be wrong or harmful be wrong or harmful is an eating which does not come from is an eating which does not come from is an eating which does not come from faith. That's the assumption. If you eat faith. That's the assumption. If you eat faith. That's the assumption. If you eat meat when you think it's wrong, your meat when you think it's wrong, your meat when you think it's wrong, your action is not coming from faith. Why is action is not coming from faith. Why is action is not coming from faith. Why is that? that? that? Why can't such eating be from faith? Why can't such eating be from faith? Why can't such eating be from faith? Now, that's a key question because if we Now, that's a key question because if we Now, that's a key question because if we can answer that question, I think we can answer that question, I think we can answer that question, I think we will have an insight into what Paul will have an insight into what Paul will have an insight into what Paul means by faith here and if we know what means by faith here and if we know what means by faith here and if we know what faith is faith is faith is then we'll have a better insight into then we'll have a better insight into then we'll have a better insight into what sin is because sin is what doesn't what sin is because sin is what doesn't what sin is because sin is what doesn't come from that. come from that. come from that. Why is it then that we are not acting Why is it then that we are not acting Why is it then that we are not acting from faith when we go ahead and do from faith when we go ahead and do from faith when we go ahead and do something which we think but are not something which we think but are not something which we think but are not sure sure sure might be wrong. might be wrong. might be wrong. I think the answer jumps out at us if we I think the answer jumps out at us if we I think the answer jumps out at us if we ask another question, namely this one.

ask another question, namely this one. ask another question, namely this one. Why Why Why Why do we go ahead Why do we go ahead Why do we go ahead and do that sort of thing and do that sort of thing and do that sort of thing when we think that well, maybe somebody when we think that well, maybe somebody when we think that well, maybe somebody would be hurt by this or maybe it's would be hurt by this or maybe it's would be hurt by this or maybe it's wrong and we go ahead and do it anyway. wrong and we go ahead and do it anyway. wrong and we go ahead and do it anyway. Why? Why? Why? I think the answer is this. I think the answer is this. I think the answer is this. We do what we do because we think it We do what we do because we think it We do what we do because we think it will make us happier. will make us happier. will make us happier. It will make life more bearable or more It will make life more bearable or more It will make life more bearable or more livable. The action that we're livable. The action that we're livable. The action that we're entertaining, we weigh in our minds not entertaining, we weigh in our minds not entertaining, we weigh in our minds not to do it or to do it. On the not do it to do it or to do it. On the not do it to do it or to do it. On the not do it side is the criterion, well, it's it side is the criterion, well, it's it side is the criterion, well, it's it might be wrong or it might hurt might be wrong or it might hurt might be wrong or it might hurt somebody. On the do it side is somebody. On the do it side is somebody. On the do it side is if I don't do it, my life won't be if I don't do it, my life won't be if I don't do it, my life won't be nearly as happy. nearly as happy. nearly as happy. And we follow that instead of the other. And we follow that instead of the other. And we follow that instead of the other. And when we do that, doesn't it start to And when we do that, doesn't it start to And when we do that, doesn't it start to become clear why such behavior is not become clear why such behavior is not become clear why such behavior is not from faith? What would faith do? from faith? What would faith do? from faith? What would faith do? Faith looks at the action Faith looks at the action Faith looks at the action and says, someone might be injured or it and says, someone might be injured or it and says, someone might be injured or it might be wrong might be wrong might be wrong and faith does not feel that strong and faith does not feel that strong and faith does not feel that strong inclination to do it to make our future inclination to do it to make our future inclination to do it to make our future happier because faith rests in God to happier because faith rests in God to happier because faith rests in God to construct a future for us vastly better construct a future for us vastly better construct a future for us vastly better than we could construct for ourselves on than we could construct for ourselves on than we could construct for ourselves on our own unaided efforts. So, it's our own unaided efforts. So, it's our own unaided efforts. So, it's obvious to me obvious to me obvious to me that when we try to make our future

that when we try to make our future that when we try to make our future happier by going ahead and doing a thing happier by going ahead and doing a thing happier by going ahead and doing a thing which we think might be sin, we are not which we think might be sin, we are not which we think might be sin, we are not acting from faith because faith trusts acting from faith because faith trusts acting from faith because faith trusts in God to shape a better future for us in God to shape a better future for us in God to shape a better future for us than we could shape for ourselves. Now, than we could shape for ourselves. Now, than we could shape for ourselves. Now, I think we're ready to get a a glimpse I think we're ready to get a a glimpse I think we're ready to get a a glimpse of what Paul means by faith. of what Paul means by faith. of what Paul means by faith. This is so crucial because if we don't This is so crucial because if we don't This is so crucial because if we don't understand what faith is, we really understand what faith is, we really understand what faith is, we really won't understand how prevalent sin is in won't understand how prevalent sin is in won't understand how prevalent sin is in the world. the world. the world. Here's what I think comes from verse 23 Here's what I think comes from verse 23 Here's what I think comes from verse 23 as a definition for faith. as a definition for faith. as a definition for faith. Faith is confidence in God to work in Faith is confidence in God to work in Faith is confidence in God to work in the affairs of our lives to make sure the affairs of our lives to make sure the affairs of our lives to make sure that nothing happens to us that isn't that nothing happens to us that isn't that nothing happens to us that isn't best for us. best for us. best for us. Faith is confidence in God to work in Faith is confidence in God to work in Faith is confidence in God to work in the nitty-gritty affairs of our lives so the nitty-gritty affairs of our lives so the nitty-gritty affairs of our lives so that nothing happens to us which is not that nothing happens to us which is not that nothing happens to us which is not best for us. best for us. best for us. And I tell you that is a liberating And I tell you that is a liberating And I tell you that is a liberating faith from day to day. What a power faith from day to day. What a power faith from day to day. What a power would be unleashed if we really believed would be unleashed if we really believed would be unleashed if we really believed that almighty God, whose counsel cannot that almighty God, whose counsel cannot that almighty God, whose counsel cannot be frustrated, this very minute while I be frustrated, this very minute while I be frustrated, this very minute while I preach, is out there working in the preach, is out there working in the preach, is out there working in the affairs of your lives so that this very affairs of your lives so that this very affairs of your lives so that this very afternoon and tomorrow morning at the afternoon and tomorrow morning at the afternoon and tomorrow morning at the office, nothing is going to happen to office, nothing is going to happen to office, nothing is going to happen to you but what is best for you. Oh, if you you but what is best for you. Oh, if you you but what is best for you. Oh, if you believe that, you would have believe that, you would have believe that, you would have unbelievable peace, wouldn't you?

unbelievable peace, wouldn't you? unbelievable peace, wouldn't you? But it's true. But it's true. But it's true. Therefore, let's believe it. Therefore, let's believe it. Therefore, let's believe it. But now there's a grave error that I But now there's a grave error that I But now there's a grave error that I have to warn against here, which I think have to warn against here, which I think have to warn against here, which I think threatens that glorious truth. The error threatens that glorious truth. The error threatens that glorious truth. The error is this, it sounds good at first. The is this, it sounds good at first. The is this, it sounds good at first. The error is error is error is that in the church today, there are so that in the church today, there are so that in the church today, there are so many who stress that the essence of many who stress that the essence of many who stress that the essence of saving faith is the the backward look to saving faith is the the backward look to saving faith is the the backward look to the cross the cross the cross to believe God for forgiveness. to believe God for forgiveness. to believe God for forgiveness. That is to trust God not to do anything That is to trust God not to do anything That is to trust God not to do anything bad to us, but to forgive our sins. bad to us, but to forgive our sins. bad to us, but to forgive our sins. And that's true. Without that, we'd have And that's true. Without that, we'd have And that's true. Without that, we'd have no hope. no hope. no hope. But, in fact, something is lost when But, in fact, something is lost when But, in fact, something is lost when that's stressed to the exclusion of the that's stressed to the exclusion of the that's stressed to the exclusion of the future orientation of faith. In the New future orientation of faith. In the New future orientation of faith. In the New Testament, we see that an essential, not Testament, we see that an essential, not Testament, we see that an essential, not a peripheral, but an essential dimension a peripheral, but an essential dimension a peripheral, but an essential dimension of faith is the look forward to what God of faith is the look forward to what God of faith is the look forward to what God will do for us, not just what he won't will do for us, not just what he won't will do for us, not just what he won't do to us. God is at work in our lives to do to us. God is at work in our lives to do to us. God is at work in our lives to make sure that all things good come to make sure that all things good come to make sure that all things good come to us. You know Romans 8:32?

us. You know Romans 8:32? us. You know Romans 8:32? He who did not spare his only son, He who did not spare his only son, He who did not spare his only son, there's the backward glance, back 2,000 there's the backward glance, back 2,000 there's the backward glance, back 2,000 years to the death of Jesus. He who did years to the death of Jesus. He who did years to the death of Jesus. He who did not spare his only son, but freely gave not spare his only son, but freely gave not spare his only son, but freely gave him up for us all, will he not then him up for us all, will he not then him up for us all, will he not then freely with him give us all things? freely with him give us all things? freely with him give us all things? And that all things And that all things And that all things doesn't just mean heavenly things. It doesn't just mean heavenly things. It doesn't just mean heavenly things. It means whatever is best for us in the means whatever is best for us in the means whatever is best for us in the here and now, as well, including here and now, as well, including here and now, as well, including tribulations. tribulations. tribulations. Which is why Paul said in Romans 5:2, Which is why Paul said in Romans 5:2, Which is why Paul said in Romans 5:2, let's rejoice in tribulation, knowing let's rejoice in tribulation, knowing let's rejoice in tribulation, knowing that tribulation works patience, and that tribulation works patience, and that tribulation works patience, and patience experience or character. patience experience or character. patience experience or character. And that, hope. And that, hope. And that, hope. Saving faith is primarily future Saving faith is primarily future Saving faith is primarily future oriented. oriented. oriented. So, we must trust God that he is at work So, we must trust God that he is at work So, we must trust God that he is at work now in all those nitty-gritty affairs of now in all those nitty-gritty affairs of now in all those nitty-gritty affairs of our lives, so that worrisome situation our lives, so that worrisome situation our lives, so that worrisome situation that you're thinking about tomorrow, or that you're thinking about tomorrow, or that you're thinking about tomorrow, or Wednesday, or Friday, Wednesday, or Friday, Wednesday, or Friday, he is at work, and he's God, and will he is at work, and he's God, and will he is at work, and he's God, and will take care of it if we rest in him.

take care of it if we rest in him. take care of it if we rest in him. Now, Abraham, according to Romans Now, Abraham, according to Romans Now, Abraham, according to Romans 4, was justified by faith, right? And 4, was justified by faith, right? And 4, was justified by faith, right? And Abraham is set up for us as the model of Abraham is set up for us as the model of Abraham is set up for us as the model of our Christian faith. our Christian faith. our Christian faith. But, what was faith for Abraham? But, what was faith for Abraham? But, what was faith for Abraham? Paul said in Romans 4:20, "He did not Paul said in Romans 4:20, "He did not Paul said in Romans 4:20, "He did not doubt the promise of God in unbelief, doubt the promise of God in unbelief, doubt the promise of God in unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, but was strengthened in faith, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, being fully giving glory to God, being fully giving glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what convinced that God was able to do what convinced that God was able to do what he had promised." Saving faith is he had promised." Saving faith is he had promised." Saving faith is resting in the promises of God. What resting in the promises of God. What resting in the promises of God. What promises? Hundreds of promises. promises? Hundreds of promises. promises? Hundreds of promises. Probably summing them all up is Romans Probably summing them all up is Romans Probably summing them all up is Romans 8:28, "God will work everything together 8:28, "God will work everything together 8:28, "God will work everything together for the good of those who love him." Or for the good of those who love him." Or for the good of those who love him." Or others like others like others like the one at the end of Psalm 23, "He will the one at the end of Psalm 23, "He will the one at the end of Psalm 23, "He will follow or pursue you with goodness and follow or pursue you with goodness and follow or pursue you with goodness and mercy all your life." Or the one in mercy all your life." Or the one in mercy all your life." Or the one in Hebrews 13, "We shouldn't be afraid Hebrews 13, "We shouldn't be afraid Hebrews 13, "We shouldn't be afraid because he will never forsake us."

because he will never forsake us." because he will never forsake us." "Whom then shall we fear?" You have tremendous peace and joy if you You have tremendous peace and joy if you have saving faith, which is why Paul have saving faith, which is why Paul have saving faith, which is why Paul said in Romans 15:13, "May the God of said in Romans 15:13, "May the God of said in Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope hope hope hope fill you with all joy and peace in hope fill you with all joy and peace in hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, believing, believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit so that by the power of the Holy Spirit so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." you may abound in hope." you may abound in hope." Trusting God, Trusting God, Trusting God, the God of hope, gives joy and peace the God of hope, gives joy and peace the God of hope, gives joy and peace precisely because it means being precisely because it means being precisely because it means being confident that he is now at work in the confident that he is now at work in the confident that he is now at work in the affairs of our lives to to see to it affairs of our lives to to see to it affairs of our lives to to see to it that nothing happens to us that nothing happens to us that nothing happens to us but what is best for us. but what is best for us. but what is best for us. Now, moving back to Romans 14:23. Now, moving back to Romans 14:23. Now, moving back to Romans 14:23. This is what lies behind that verse. This is what lies behind that verse. This is what lies behind that verse. Sin is anything that does not Sin is anything that does not Sin is anything that does not flow from that sort of confidence in the flow from that sort of confidence in the flow from that sort of confidence in the God of hope, that doesn't sprout in the God of hope, that doesn't sprout in the God of hope, that doesn't sprout in the soil of that soil of that soil of that assurance. Whatever is not from faith is assurance. Whatever is not from faith is assurance. Whatever is not from faith is sin.

sin. sin. Now, there are three implications here Now, there are three implications here Now, there are three implications here at the end that I want to drive home at the end that I want to drive home at the end that I want to drive home that this verse has. that this verse has. that this verse has. First, the all-pervasive fault First, the all-pervasive fault First, the all-pervasive fault and offensiveness of sin is its and offensiveness of sin is its and offensiveness of sin is its character of unbelief. Now, let there be no confusion here. By Now, let there be no confusion here. By unbelief, unbelief, unbelief, I I don't mean the refusal to assent to I I don't mean the refusal to assent to I I don't mean the refusal to assent to the truth of the promises. the truth of the promises. the truth of the promises. There are loads of people who with their There are loads of people who with their There are loads of people who with their heads are assenting to the truth of heads are assenting to the truth of heads are assenting to the truth of scripture and are not saved. scripture and are not saved. scripture and are not saved. They do not have saving faith because They do not have saving faith because They do not have saving faith because saving faith is not assenting with the saving faith is not assenting with the saving faith is not assenting with the head merely, but staking the hope of the head merely, but staking the hope of the head merely, but staking the hope of the heart heart heart on those promises. So, there makes a on those promises. So, there makes a on those promises. So, there makes a difference in our lives. difference in our lives. difference in our lives. Unbelief Unbelief Unbelief is what mainly displeases God, is what mainly displeases God, is what mainly displeases God, therefore, in every sinful act.

therefore, in every sinful act. therefore, in every sinful act. Hebrews 11:6 says, Hebrews 11:6 says, Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith, "Without faith, "Without faith, it is impossible it is impossible it is impossible to please God." And rightly so, isn't to please God." And rightly so, isn't to please God." And rightly so, isn't it? If you have a friend it? If you have a friend it? If you have a friend and your friend makes you a promise and and your friend makes you a promise and and your friend makes you a promise and then says to you, then says to you, then says to you, "By my honor, I will see that favor "By my honor, I will see that favor "By my honor, I will see that favor through." through." through." And you scratch your chin and say, And you scratch your chin and say, And you scratch your chin and say, "Well, "Well, "Well, you know, I've given it some thought and you know, I've given it some thought and you know, I've given it some thought and I I've come to the conclusion that I I I've come to the conclusion that I I I've come to the conclusion that I just don't think just don't think just don't think you can be trusted anymore." Now, Now, the friendship is over. the friendship is over. the friendship is over. You have so badly insulted him and You have so badly insulted him and You have so badly insulted him and robbed him of his honor robbed him of his honor robbed him of his honor that he has a legitimate cause for that he has a legitimate cause for that he has a legitimate cause for animosity against you. animosity against you. animosity against you. And consider this, And consider this, And consider this, the offensiveness of your insult to him the offensiveness of your insult to him the offensiveness of your insult to him rises in proportion rises in proportion rises in proportion to the degree of his dignity. In other to the degree of his dignity. In other to the degree of his dignity. In other words, words, words, the more wise and the more honorable and the more wise and the more honorable and the more wise and the more honorable and the more dependable that friend is, the the more dependable that friend is, the the more dependable that friend is, the more inexcusable more inexcusable more inexcusable and the more awful your refusal to trust and the more awful your refusal to trust and the more awful your refusal to trust him is.

him is. him is. That makes it very easy for me to begin That makes it very easy for me to begin That makes it very easy for me to begin to feel to feel to feel the loathsomeness and the grievousness the loathsomeness and the grievousness the loathsomeness and the grievousness of sin before God. of sin before God. of sin before God. Doesn't it you? Doesn't it you? Doesn't it you? There is nobody more honorable, more There is nobody more honorable, more There is nobody more honorable, more dependable, more dignified, more worthy dependable, more dignified, more worthy dependable, more dignified, more worthy to be trusted than almighty God. to be trusted than almighty God. to be trusted than almighty God. And when we do not rest in his promises, And when we do not rest in his promises, And when we do not rest in his promises, what we are saying to God is, what we are saying to God is, what we are saying to God is, "I don't think your promises are worth "I don't think your promises are worth "I don't think your promises are worth trusting or the future that you can trusting or the future that you can trusting or the future that you can provide for me is worth delighting in." provide for me is worth delighting in." provide for me is worth delighting in." And that is an infinite sin. And that is an infinite sin. And that is an infinite sin. A failure to delight A failure to delight A failure to delight and trust in the promises of God is the and trust in the promises of God is the and trust in the promises of God is the greatest insult greatest insult greatest insult that you can pay to God and therefore that you can pay to God and therefore that you can pay to God and therefore the primary offense in all sin. the primary offense in all sin. the primary offense in all sin. Second implication Second implication Second implication from Romans 14:23. from Romans 14:23. from Romans 14:23. We can no longer We can no longer We can no longer no longer view sin as a list of do's and no longer view sin as a list of do's and no longer view sin as a list of do's and don'ts.

don'ts. don'ts. Everything that is not from faith is Everything that is not from faith is Everything that is not from faith is sin. Coming to church may be sin sin. Coming to church may be sin sin. Coming to church may be sin and staying home may be sin. and staying home may be sin. and staying home may be sin. Eating steak may be sin Eating steak may be sin Eating steak may be sin and not eating may be sin. and not eating may be sin. and not eating may be sin. Sexual intercourse with your wife or Sexual intercourse with your wife or Sexual intercourse with your wife or your husband may be sin. And the refusal your husband may be sin. And the refusal your husband may be sin. And the refusal of those sexual relations of those sexual relations of those sexual relations may be sin. may be sin. may be sin. One of Satan's most successful and One of Satan's most successful and One of Satan's most successful and devastating lies in the church is that devastating lies in the church is that devastating lies in the church is that sins sins sins can be limited to a manageable list of can be limited to a manageable list of can be limited to a manageable list of do's and don'ts. And the reason it's so do's and don'ts. And the reason it's so do's and don'ts. And the reason it's so satanic satanic satanic is that he gives the impression to is that he gives the impression to is that he gives the impression to church goers church goers church goers that God is pleased with them and that that God is pleased with them and that that God is pleased with them and that everything's okay so long as they're everything's okay so long as they're everything's okay so long as they're keeping this little teeny list of do's keeping this little teeny list of do's keeping this little teeny list of do's and avoiding this long list of don'ts. and avoiding this long list of don'ts. and avoiding this long list of don'ts. While all the day long they might be While all the day long they might be While all the day long they might be sinning because everything they do does sinning because everything they do does sinning because everything they do does not flow from a happy confidence in the not flow from a happy confidence in the not flow from a happy confidence in the promises of God.

It's a devastating verse to us and will It's a devastating verse to us and will not allow that we limit sin to a little not allow that we limit sin to a little not allow that we limit sin to a little list of do's and don'ts. And don't get list of do's and don'ts. And don't get list of do's and don'ts. And don't get the impression, please, that Paul thinks the impression, please, that Paul thinks the impression, please, that Paul thinks it can't happen in the church. Only out it can't happen in the church. Only out it can't happen in the church. Only out there. there. there. He wrote to the church at Thessalonica, He wrote to the church at Thessalonica, He wrote to the church at Thessalonica, "When I could bear it no longer, I sent "When I could bear it no longer, I sent "When I could bear it no longer, I sent that I might know your faith that I might know your faith that I might know your faith for fear that somehow the tempter, for fear that somehow the tempter, for fear that somehow the tempter, Satan, had tempted you and that my labor Satan, had tempted you and that my labor Satan, had tempted you and that my labor might be in vain." might be in vain." might be in vain." Among church goers, Satan's number one Among church goers, Satan's number one Among church goers, Satan's number one priority, priority, priority, and he's trying it on every one of us, and he's trying it on every one of us, and he's trying it on every one of us, is to replace vital spiritual is to replace vital spiritual is to replace vital spiritual heart faith heart faith heart faith with mere upstanding with mere upstanding with mere upstanding morality. morality. morality. And when he's done that, he has And when he's done that, he has And when he's done that, he has devastated the church or an individual. devastated the church or an individual. devastated the church or an individual. He loves to take a life that's flowing He loves to take a life that's flowing He loves to take a life that's flowing from happy confidence in God and turn it from happy confidence in God and turn it from happy confidence in God and turn it into a perfunctory performance of a into a perfunctory performance of a into a perfunctory performance of a religious regimen.

religious regimen. religious regimen. Church, church, Bible reading, prayer, Church, church, Bible reading, prayer, Church, church, Bible reading, prayer, all of that can just be sin all of that can just be sin all of that can just be sin if it doesn't flow from faith, which if it doesn't flow from faith, which if it doesn't flow from faith, which means that the real battle of the means that the real battle of the means that the real battle of the Christian life doesn't happen down there Christian life doesn't happen down there Christian life doesn't happen down there low at the delta where the rivers of our low at the delta where the rivers of our low at the delta where the rivers of our inclinations flow into the ocean of inclinations flow into the ocean of inclinations flow into the ocean of action. action. action. The real battle is way up there in the The real battle is way up there in the The real battle is way up there in the high reaches of the Himalayas at the high reaches of the Himalayas at the high reaches of the Himalayas at the spring of faith. spring of faith. spring of faith. Because it doesn't matter where that Because it doesn't matter where that Because it doesn't matter where that river flows. If it didn't start in the river flows. If it didn't start in the river flows. If it didn't start in the spring of faith, it's going to wind up spring of faith, it's going to wind up spring of faith, it's going to wind up in sin, in sin, in sin, no matter what the list is that we try no matter what the list is that we try no matter what the list is that we try to keep. to keep. to keep. And that is a fearful thought And that is a fearful thought And that is a fearful thought and one that should send us to the and one that should send us to the and one that should send us to the Proverbs and hear him say, Proverbs and hear him say, Proverbs and hear him say, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for "Keep your heart with all diligence, for "Keep your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." from it flow the springs of life." from it flow the springs of life." Finally, the third implication. This is a warning to those This is a warning to those and surely in a crowd this large and surely in a crowd this large and surely in a crowd this large there must be some there must be some there must be some who have never entrusted themselves to who have never entrusted themselves to who have never entrusted themselves to Christ for forgiveness or received his Christ for forgiveness or received his Christ for forgiveness or received his provision provision provision of forgiveness in the cross.

of forgiveness in the cross. of forgiveness in the cross. This is the warning. Such people must This is the warning. Such people must This is the warning. Such people must not not not must not must not must not say to themselves, "Well, say to themselves, "Well, say to themselves, "Well, I don't sin much I don't sin much I don't sin much or my sins are not very bad." or my sins are not very bad." or my sins are not very bad." Because if I understand the implications Because if I understand the implications Because if I understand the implications of Romans 14:23, of Romans 14:23, of Romans 14:23, all you can do is sin. all you can do is sin. all you can do is sin. Everything that is not from faith is Everything that is not from faith is Everything that is not from faith is sin, even the most noble of your sin, even the most noble of your sin, even the most noble of your actions. And my prayer as we close this actions. And my prayer as we close this actions. And my prayer as we close this morning morning morning first of all would be this. first of all would be this. first of all would be this. If anybody walks out of here today If anybody walks out of here today If anybody walks out of here today unbelieving, I pray that God will not unbelieving, I pray that God will not unbelieving, I pray that God will not let escape from your mind this thought. let escape from your mind this thought. let escape from your mind this thought. That everything you do from morning till That everything you do from morning till That everything you do from morning till night this week is sin. night this week is sin. night this week is sin. Everything. Everything. Everything. And live in that fearful prospect. And live in that fearful prospect. And live in that fearful prospect. But I have a better suggestion. But I have a better suggestion. But I have a better suggestion. And it's this.

And it's this. And it's this. Why not begin the week with no Why not begin the week with no Why not begin the week with no condemnation? condemnation? condemnation? There is no condemnation to those who There is no condemnation to those who There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, Paul said. In are in Christ Jesus, Paul said. In are in Christ Jesus, Paul said. In Romans 5. Romans 5. Romans 5. >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. and treasure him truly. and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper continues our six-part series The Cross, continues our six-part series The Cross, continues our six-part series The Cross, [music] the Spirit, and the Final Day [music] the Spirit, and the Final Day [music] the Spirit, and the Final Day with a message titled The Day Every Life with a message titled The Day Every Life with a message titled The Day Every Life Will Be Weighed. [music] Will Be Weighed. [music] Will Be Weighed. [music] I hope you'll join us. I hope you'll join us. I hope you'll join us. For more resources, visit For more resources, visit For more resources, visit desiringgod.org.