This sermon addresses the gravity of "iniquity"—a word we often hear but seldom define. By looking at the character of God, historical warnings, and the spiritual consequences of lawlessness, we can understand why an intentional departure from iniquity is essential for the Christian life.
The Great Divide: How Iniquity Separates Us from God
Proposition: God is holy and does not tolerate iniquity; therefore, the Christian must turn away from all lawlessness to avoid its eternal consequences.
Introduction
The word "iniquity" comes from the Greek term anomia, which literally means "without law" or "lawlessness." It isn't just a single mistake; it is a heart-posture that ignores God’s standards and chooses its own way.
While God does not want us to live under a heavy yoke of legalism, He expects us to live under the "Law of Christ"—a life guided by His Spirit and His Word. Iniquity acts as a wall that separates us from our Creator. If we do not repent, that wall eventually becomes a permanent barrier leading to eternal condemnation.
I. In God, There Is No Iniquity
Texts: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 92:15; Romans 3:5
To understand why iniquity is so dangerous, we must first look at who God is. His very nature is the antithesis of lawlessness.
• The Character of the Father: He is the Rock; His work is perfect and His ways are just. He is a God of faithfulness and without iniquity (Deut. 32:4).
• The Character of the Son: Jesucristo is our perfect example. He was "holy, harmless, and undefiled" (Heb. 7:26). Even His enemies could find no iniquity in Him.
Key Lesson: We cannot claim to follow a sinless Savior while intentionally practicing the very lawlessness He came to destroy.
II. Biblical Warnings: Examples of Iniquity
Texts: Psalm 58:1–2; Ezekiel 28:15; Acts 1:18
Scripture provides us with a "hall of mirrors" to show us where iniquity leads. These examples serve as a warning for our own hearts.
Example |
The Root of Iniquity |
The Result |
Unjust Judges |
A heart that "plots" injustice rather than following the law. |
Corruption of society and divine rebuke. |
The King of Tyre |
Pride and the "multitude of his iniquities" in his trade. |
He was cast out from the presence of God. |
Judas Iscariote |
Greedy betrayal of the Son of God. |
He perished in the "reward of his iniquity." |
III. The Final Verdict: The Punishment for Iniquity
Texts: Romans 1:18; Matthew 7:23; 2 Peter 2:9
Iniquity is not something God ignores; it is something He judges.
• The Revelation of Wrath: The wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18).
• The Terrifying Rejection: Perhaps the most frightening verse in the New Testament is Matthew 7:23. Jesus tells those who did religious works but lived in lawlessness: "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice iniquity!"
The Urgency: Turning away from iniquity is not a "suggestion" for the super-spiritual; it is an urgent necessity for anyone who desires to see the Kingdom of Heaven.
IV. The Corrosive Results of Iniquity
Texts: Proverbs 5:22; Isaiah 59:1–2; Psalm 31:10
Iniquity doesn't just affect our eternity; it destroys our "now." It acts like a spiritual cancer with several devastating effects:
1. Spiritual Exhaustion: Iniquity "wastes away" our strength and sours our joy (Psalm 31:10).
2. Entrapment: The wicked man is "caught in the cords of his own sin" (Prov. 5:22). Iniquity creates a cycle that is hard to break.
3. The Silent Phone: Iniquity creates a "disconnection." Isaiah 59:1–2 tells us that God’s ear isn't heavy that He cannot hear, but our iniquities have hidden His face from us.
4. Deprivation of Good: Jeremías 5:25 warns that our sins have "withheld good things" from us.
See Also
- How to Triumph: Finding Victory in the Christian Struggle
- Staying Connected: How to Avoid Separation from God
- Understanding the Requirements of Elders 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9
Conclusion
Iniquity separates man from God—now and for eternity. It is a subtle trap that begins with "lawlessness" in the heart and ends in separation from the Father's face.
However, we do not have to live in this state. The same God who hates iniquity is the God who provided a way out through the sacrifice of His Son. Today, we are called to "keep ourselves from iniquity" (2 Sam. 22:24) and to align our lives with the holiness of God.
Final Call:
Examine your life. Is there a pattern of "lawlessness"—doing what you want instead of what God says? Do not let iniquity build a wall between you and your Savior.
