Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, sin is often depicted as a rebellion against God’s divine law and order. The wicked, those who persistently engage in sinful behavior, are frequently portrayed as individuals who not only commit iniquity but also take pride and find encouragement in their sinful actions. This self-encouragement in sin is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the depth of human depravity and the rejection of God’s righteousness.Biblical References: 1. Psalm 64:5-6 : "They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. 'Who will see them?' they say. They devise injustice and say, 'We have perfected a secret plan.' For the inner man and the heart are mysterious." This passage illustrates how the wicked conspire together, encouraging one another in their evil schemes. Their confidence in the secrecy of their plans reveals a deep-seated arrogance and a belief that they can act without consequence. 2. Proverbs 1:10-14 : "My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them. If they say, 'Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. We will find all manner of precious goods; we will fill our houses with plunder. Throw in your lot with us; let us all share one purse.'" Here, the wicked are depicted as enticing others to join in their sinful acts, promising rewards and camaraderie. This encouragement is a lure to draw others into a life of sin. 3. Micah 7:3 : "Both hands are skilled in evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe, and the powerful dictate what they desire; they all conspire together." This verse highlights the systemic nature of sin among the wicked, where even leaders and those in authority encourage and perpetuate corruption and injustice. 4. Romans 1:32 : "Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things but also approve of those who practice them." The Apostle Paul describes a society where the wicked not only persist in sinful behavior but also encourage and approve of others who do the same, demonstrating a collective endorsement of sin. The Nature of Encouragement in Sin: The encouragement of sin among the wicked is often characterized by a shared sense of purpose and mutual reinforcement. This can manifest in various forms, such as: · Conspiracy and Secrecy: As seen in Psalm 64, the wicked often conspire in secret, believing that their actions are hidden from divine and human eyes. This secrecy fosters a false sense of security and emboldens them to continue in their sinful ways. · Enticement and Persuasion: Proverbs 1 warns against the seductive nature of sin, where the wicked entice others with promises of gain and shared spoils. This persuasion is a powerful tool in drawing individuals away from righteousness. · Systemic Corruption: In Micah 7, the encouragement of sin is institutionalized, with leaders and officials participating in and promoting injustice. This systemic corruption creates an environment where sin is normalized and perpetuated. · Approval and Endorsement: Romans 1:32 reveals a deeper level of encouragement, where the wicked not only engage in sin but also celebrate and endorse it in others. This societal approval further entrenches sinful behavior as acceptable and even desirable. Implications for Believers: The encouragement of sin among the wicked serves as a stark warning to believers. It underscores the importance of vigilance, discernment, and steadfastness in the face of temptation and societal pressures. Believers are called to resist the allure of sin and to stand firm in their commitment to God’s righteousness, recognizing the destructive nature of sin and the ultimate judgment that awaits those who persist in wickedness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 64:5They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privately; they say, Who shall see them? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Luke x. The Latter Part of the 25Th Verse. The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly The Wicked Heart Set to do Evil. On Sin in Believers "My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ... Luke xxiii. 42, 43 Secondly, the Motives by which the Christian Religion Enforces the ... Be Ye Doers of the Word, not Hearers Only, Deceiving Your Own ... Thou Shalt in any Wise Rebuke Thy Neighbor, and not Suffer Sin ... Psalm CI. Resources What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.orgThe Study of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org If Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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