THE SERIOUS SICKNESS OF SIN
Romans 3:9-20

Introduction:     The verdict from God’s courtroom is in and it is all inclusive – Mankind is guilty. Mankind is infected with the disease of sin. I believe that many today do not understand how serious sin is because if they ever understand just how serious sin is they would flee to the cross! What does the Bible say about sin?

I.          SIN CONTAMINATES EVERYONE (VV.9-12)

The whole human race is infected by the disease of sin. Man doesn’t become a sinner when placed in a bad environment. We do not become sinners we are born sinners. We cannot be perfect, but we can be forgiven. All of man’s problems can be traced to sin (expound). How does sin affect us?

            A.        The Mind (11a)

·        Man can have tremendous intellect, but when it comes to spiritual things he is dense.

·        This is why people can do unspeakable things and think they’re ok. (Illus: no one wants to condemn the actions of unbelievers because they are doing the same things).

            B.         The Heart (11b)

·        “Seeketh” = a determined search. Man is not seeking God – God seeks man. (Illus: Adam & Eve – first question God asked man in the Word of God (Gen.3:9); Wise Men – God sought them through a star.

·        We see this in the lost & found department of the Bible (Lk.15) – A lost sheep; A lost coin.

            C.        The Will (12a)

·        This is a choice!

·        If you’ve never been saved you’re going the wrong way – Turn back; turn to Jesus

II.         SIN CONTROLS EVERYONE (VV.13-18)

            A.        Your Words (vv.13-14)

·        An open grave exposes the stench of the death that is in the grave.

·        When a person opens their mouth they are exposing what is in their heart – if death, bitterness, and cursing, lying come out of their mouth they are exposing what is in their heart.

·        What does the Bible say about a man’s conversation and his character (Mat 12:34 -35) "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. {35} A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."

·         That is an awful high standard! But is God’s standard.

            B.         Your Ways (v.15-18)

·        Where does all this violence come from? SIN

·        Sin has its pleasure, but it ends in destruction and misery.

III.       SIN CONDEMNS EVERYONE (VV.19-20)

            A.        No Defense For Sin

·        The Law of God leaves us without excuse.

·        Stop trying and start trusting Jesus!

            B.         No Deeds For Salvation

·        Nothing the sinner can do but believe on Jesus.

·        Jesus paid it all – all to Him I owe!

Conclusion:       What is the only cure for the serious sickness of sin? JESUS! The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart…you need a new one!