The Stagnant Christian

II Peter 3:17-18 “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

Proverbs 28:13 “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

God wants His children to grow. We are to grow in divine influence, “but grow in grace” (II Peter 3:18), and we are to grow in our diet, “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age” (Hebrews 5:14). In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul commands believers to “be no more children” (Ephesians 2:2). Of the numerous things that stagnates the Christian life, hidden sin is one of the most prevalent! The text said, “shall not prosper.” The word “prosper” means to push forward. Sin brings an abrupt halt to spiritual prosperity and progress! The first thing that we notice is sin’s covering; “covereth his sin.” The word “covereth” means to cover with clothing or secrecy. Some people attempt to dress sin up so it does not appear to be bad. They give it a different name and justify it by saying “everybody is doing it.” Some people try to conceal it; as long as no one knows what I am doing what’s the problem. Neither camouflage nor concealment will keep your sin hidden from the eyes of God! The cure for stagnation is sin’s confession, “but whoso confesseth and forsaketh.” This act involves the believer’s life rather than his lips. “Confesseth” means to hold out with the hand or throw away. “Forsaketh” means loosen or leave destitute. Growth and progress comes to those that cast sin aside and walk away from it! Are you covering or confessing? One yields a stagnant Christian, the other a strong Christian!