Open Heavens 15 July 2015: Wednesday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Accomplice to Sin?

Topic: Accomplice to Sin? [Wednesday July 15, 2015]

Memorise: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. -Romans 1:32

Read: Romans 1:29-32 (KJV)

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Bible In One Year: 2 Chronicles 13:15; Luke 22:63-23:17

MESSAGE:

In trying to rationalise and condone certain types of sin, some people have painted them in different colours. Take lying for instance. This evil act has been categorised by some into white, black and so on. Whether it is a grave lie or a lie that cannot hurt a fly, a lie is a lie. Leviticus 19:11 says it is wrong to lie to other brethren. The devil is the father of all liars according to our Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:44). If you wilfully engage in lies, you definitely have the devil as your father. The Bible declares that outside the gates of Heavens are liars:

“For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” -Revelation 22:15

If a lie is as trivial as people say it is, why would liars be categorised with fornicators, murderers and idol worshippers? If a lie is not grievous, why would the gated of Heaven be shut against liars? Also, in the above Scripture, a distinction is made between those who love lies and those who tell the lies. In other words, some people are branded liars and not because they told a lie, but because they are in accomplice to a lie. If you cover up someone who has lied, you are an accessory to the lie and as a result, a liar yourself.

We understand from our memory verse that while two people may commit a particular sin, ten others may be punished along with them for complicity. This is why you must be very careful. In the process of recommending someone for ordination for example, the fellow may lie that he is a house fellowship leader and provide an address, whereas he is not. If his pastor knows the truth but turns a blind eye and goes ahead to present such a candidate for ordination, he has become an accomplice to a lie and might be on his way to Hell unless he repents. This goes for everyone who knows the truth but cover it up. Do not be taken over by the sin of others! If some people choose to sin, let them face its consequences all by themselves. Never support, sponsor or encourage anyone over sinful act. You must be able to tell the fellow that he or she has sinned and condemn that action with all gravity. Never become the pillow on which the sinner will find solace whenever he or she wants to sin, or else, you will partake of divine judgment and end up in Hell together.

Key Point: A lot of people will go to Hell because they take pleasure in those who sin.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

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