Hidden Sin

Introduction The message focuses on hidden sin and the importance of dealing with it. Uses the analogy of a piece of masking tape in the sanctuary to illustrate how sin can be small, concealed, left behind, and yet still significant to God. References Psalms 69:5, James 2:10, and 1 John 1:8-9 to emphasize the omnipresence of God’s knowledge of sin and the need for confession and repentance. The Futility of Hiding Sin Human nature compels people to hide things from God, but it is impossible. God knows everything, including unspoken thoughts and the contents of the heart. God knows what has been overlooked, swept under the rug, or neglected. The Masking Tape Analogy A piece of masking tape in the sanctuary serves as an analogy for hidden sin. The tape is small, and people often convince themselves that small sins don’t matter. Examples: responses in prayer, reactions to others, thoughts. The tape is in plain sight, yet unnoticed by most. Illustrates how sin can be present but ignored. The Significance of “Small” Sins According to James 2:10, offending in one point of the law makes one guilty of all. Anything not of faith is sin. Sin separates individuals from fellowship and communion with God. Assigning a size to sin based on comparison to others is flawed. God did not excuse sin at Calvary but paid for it through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Buford’s Wisdom Recollection of a conversation with Buford, who expressed that if he could do it all over again, he would preach harder on sin. People allow sin to linger in their hearts. God is holy and calls people to be holy. There is no excuse for undealt with sin. The Nature of Sin Sin is a violation of God’s holiness. If God gave an inch for any sin, it would open the door to all sin. All sin was condemned in the flesh when Jesus was nailed to the cross. Even seemingly small sins were significant enough for Jesus to bear the punishment. Concealed Sin The masking tape is partially out of view, in a place where people don’t typically look. Sin may seem concealed, but it is not hidden from God. God will expose sin at some point. Sin is “Left Behind” The masking tape was left behind, implying someone was involved with it and had a purpose for it. Sin is not someone else’s fault; individuals are responsible for their own sin. People often repent of the symptoms of sin but leave behind the root cause, such as a broken heart, malice, jealousy, or a wrong attitude. God wants to deal with what has been left behind. Sin is in Clear View to God The masking tape is in clear view, but most people haven’t noticed it. The devil wants people to forget about their sin, but God doesn’t work that way. If something was sin then, it is still sin. 1 John 1:9 states that if people confess their sins, God is faithful to forgive them. The Importance of Confession Confessing sin is key to dealing with it. Sin impairs worship and hinders fellowship with God. There is nothing more important than fellowship with Christ. Individuals should ask God to search them and reveal any wicked ways. God will make sin apparent, providing an opportunity to turn away from it. There should be no shame in seeking God’s help with sin. Evidence of Sin The masking tape had evidence of where it had been, including a hair and carpet fiber. Sin leaves marks and bears evidence of what is still in the flesh. The heart is extremely wicked and cannot be trusted. Sin Sticks Sin sticks and hangs on until it is dealt with. Dealing with sin requires honesty, guilt acknowledgement, repentance, and turning away from it. God casts forgiven sin as far as the east is from the west. Sin is Near the Altar The masking tape was near the altar. Sin has always been near the altar. God can deal with whatever has been said about sin. Conclusion Pastor Tommy removed the tape after the service. The message encourages everyone to be honest and pray for God to reveal any hidden sin. The goal is to please God and maintain fellowship with Him. Any sin will separate individuals from that fellowship.