What was the worst punishment you ever received?
I've heard stories of parents forcing kids to eat things they didn't like, washing mouths out with soap, whippings with switches, doors removed from rooms, semester-long groundings and more. But, here's a question for you:
Why do parents punish?
We punish our kids because we know that actions have consequences. The older our kids get, the more those consequences will impact their lives. We want to teach them the reality of their sinfulness and their need for a savior and the truth that sin has consequences.
But what kind of consequences come from sin?
Horizontal Consequences
1. Sin effects the sinner
Sin enslaves! (Romans 6:17; John 8:34)
“Sin has a disintegrating, damaging impact upon the person committing the sin” (Norman, A Theology for the Church, p472)
The good news is that Jesus pulls us free from slavery to sin (John 8:35-36)
Here are a couple of signs that you're enslaved to sin:
Self-Centeredness (James 3:16)
Denial of Sinfulness (Matthew 7:3; 2 Samuel 12:1-15)
Sin effects our relationship to others
In Galatians 5:19-21 we see a list of actions associated with sinfulness. All of these acts destroy relationships and bring disharmony. They tear at the fabric of society. Just think about reasons couples break up and friends go separate ways. You can see so many of those reasons in Galatians 5:19-21.
Sin destroys relationships
While horizontal (relational) consequences of sin are serious, the first and most serious consequence of sin is neither in ourselves or in our relationship to others, but in our relationship to God.
Vertical Consequences
Sin effects our relationship to God
Sin brings the wrath of God (Ephesians 2:3; Exudus 32:10-11; Judges 2:14; Psalm 30:5; Jeremiah 10:24; Romans 1:18)
Wrath is "God's appropriate displeasure and resistance to human sin"
“God’s anger should not be equated with being excessively emotional or uncontrollable. He exercises patience and longsuffering toward human sinfulness. The nature of God, however, demands that he respond with holy disapproval to that which is contrary to his very being.” (Norman, ATFTC, p467)
The good news is found in 1 Thessalonians 1:10: Jesus delivers us from God's wrath!
Sin makes man hostile toward and alienated from God (James 4:4; Romans 5:10; Romans 8:7; Ephesians 4:18)
Kind of like what we see happening here:
Our sin is hostile toward God and that results in him expelling us from his presence. This is what we see happening to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:7, 22-24.
“We no longer seek or yearn for his presence; rather, we flee and hide from him. We live in fear of God and rebel against him. We express our hostility toward God in that we defy him. In the sense that he actively works to thwart our disobedience and rebellion, God can be said to be “hostile” to our intentions. Although we were created to live in harmonious dependence upon God, we contemptuously pursue paths that lead us away from the only one who can fulfill our deepest needs.” (Norman, ATFTC, p467)
Sin brings guilt
As we grow in our understanding of who God is and what he expects of us our responsibility to obey grows.
Sin results in punishment
Sometimes this punishment is the natural cause of the sin (STD's, cirrhosis of the liver, etc.) In every instance punishment is meant to draw us to God and the understanding that we are sinful and need a savior. (Hebrews 12:10-11) Especially for believers.
“Although a panful consequence of sin, God’s discipline of believers is a sign of their adoption and an encouragement toward sanctification.” (Norman, ATFTC, p469)
Sin causes death
Physical death (Genesis 3:19; 1 Corinthians 15:55-56)
Spiritual death (Genesis 2:17; Eph 2:1-3)
Final death (Revelation 20:14-15)
Recognize, with gratitude, what God, in Christ has saved you from. Recognize the reason for his discipline in your life. Recognize the impact your sin has on your relationships. Repent and be restored.
