Text: Proverbs 16:6 Audio version download: Click here
Theme: Dealing with sin
Introduction: The book of Proverbs is like the proverbial apple that keeps the doctor away. A proverb a day keeps the Devil away. There is often more truth in one verse of proverbs than there is in a whole contemporary book.
Proverbs 16:6 is such a proverb: “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.”
This one old testament verse is a divine summery of God’s plan to save and sanctify men from their sin.
How do we deal with sin? (Romans 7:15) Thanks be to God! We have a God given book that gives us the answer.
Proposition: God’s prescription for sin is a dose of mercy, truth, and a healthy fear of God.
I. God’s prescription for cleansing us from our sin: By mercy and truth iniquity is purged.
This is called our SALVATION
A. The need for the prescription: “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23a).
B. The prescription: Jesus Christ — “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23b).
1. Jesus came to earth full of Grace and Truth (John 1:1-3, 14-18).
2. Jesus came to purge us from our sins (Heb. 1:1-3 ; 9:11-28).
C. Taking the prescription: John 1:12-13 “But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
David is an Old Testament example of one who believed and received God’s mercy and truth. Psalm 86. We need to come to God in the same way.
Why people do not come to God in this way:
Romans 3:10-18, No fear of God!
II. God’s prescription for keeping us from sinning: by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
This is called our SANCTIFICATION
A. Personal and Ecclesiastical separation: 2Cor.6:11-7:1 “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God”
B. Unity among the brethren Eph 5:21 “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
C. Service of God (Heb.12:28-29)
Magnify! 