Sunday synopsis

By way of review for my own meditation, here's my notes from yesterday's sermon by my pastor, Barry York:

The Deceitfulness of Sin from Hebrews 3

We can harden our hearts by allowing sin in our hearts.
Oh how the mighty have fallen.

1) We should heed the scriptural warning. - let no one deceive you, God is not mocked, for whatever you sow, you shall reap; be careful about who you keep company with.
Our own self deceives us - be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
Every sin that you commit starts with deception; sin pulls away from the simplicity of devotion to Christ; we're warned in scripture about the power of sin; Satan hid the consequences of sin from Adam and Eve.

2) The subtle follies of sin. - we are drawn away, we are enticed, then our will kicks in and commit ourselves to do the sin, we even talk about the sin, then finally we do the act.
We are drawn into sin by abusing the grace of God.
We should be sensible and righteous - but we think lightly of what God has done for us. If you, think about sin lightly, you are living loosely. Don't push boundaries beyond where they should go. Sin deceives us that we can handle it - we can filter out the bad stuff.

Become sensitive to sin in your life.
1) Humble yourself
2) Keep your soul constantly in God's presence - that is your protection, that is your safeguard
3) Beware of lawful things becoming idolatrous things - this happens when they become the center and focus of our existence.

O Lord, help me to actively seek You throughout the day. This is my safest haven from sin. This is my greatest joy. Amen.