INTRODUCTION

When man shuns God’s word, he passes up his only hope for knowing what sin is and how it affects him both now and for all eternity. This helps to understand why men have lowered God’s standards and decided to accept things once labeled as sin. These sins are now called “alternate lifestyles” or “matters of opinion” rather than referring to them as sin. According to the scripture, it is the very law of God that provides man with the knowledge of what sin is (Romans 3:20Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
See All...). That law was never designed to boost man’s ego for keeping it, but rather, to give man a more perfect understanding of his guilt before God (Romans 3:19Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
See All...). According to Paul, he would not have known sin, but by the law (Romans 7:7-9 [7] What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. [8] But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. [9] For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Because of man's sinful nature, God gave us a set of rules to distinguish right from wrong along with how to treat Him and others (Galatians 3:19Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
  See All...a; Romans 4:15Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
  See All...b). Because God has provided us with the truth, we have no excuse for not knowing what God expects of each of us (Psalm 19:7-11 [7] The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. [8] The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. [11] Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
  See All...; Psalm 119:11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): How do you know about sin? How would your life be different if you had never heard or read the word of God? How did the Bible, although at times wounding you, improve you as a person?
• What are some passages the Lord used to show you that you were a sinner? Have you thanked God for that knowledge?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to continue to identify your sins through His law.
• Thank God for the knowledge He has given you.

HYMN

MAJESTIC SWEETNESS SITS ENTHRONED

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