SIN IS LIKE A KIDNEY STONE
Introduction:
1. One of the most painful experiences as far as physical
discomfort is concerned is that of having a Kidney Stone.
2. I have had the most unfortunate experiences, in that I have had
five of those little rascals.
3. There is just no way to describe the pain experienced.
4. Some have said it was worse pain than childbirth.
5. I believe that there are some ways in which a kidney stone is
liken unto sin.
6. No one likes a kidney stone, nor should anyone like sin.
I. A LITTLE BIT CAUSES SO MUCH PAIN:
1. That tiny stone can literally bring a person to their knees,
completely helpless with pain.
2. Some of these stones are difficult to see, they are so small
3. How can something so small cause such tremendous suffering?
4. How many sins will it take to keep one out of Heaven?
5. Jas. 2:10 -- Cannot stumble in one point
6. Does this then demand sinless perfection? No, but it does
demand that we walk in the light -- 1 John 1:7. That we
strive to keep ourselves free from sin.
7. Also, we need to see the danger of the consequences of sin.
8. Sin does not only contaminate self, but it can be devastating
to others also.
II. THE PAIN MAY DISAPPEAR FOR AWHILE, BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINS:
1. The pain from the stone may subside at times, it may come and
go, but it is ever there. There is no respite. What a relief
for it to ease off for brief periods. Yet, there it is, ever
present.
2. The pain of sin may subside. We may even become
unconscious of it; may even become calloused or hardened to
it.
3. Eph. 4:17-19.
4. We just cannot allow sin to remain in our lives. Sin cannot
be overlooked, dismissed, taken lightly.
III. IF NOT TAKEN CARE OF, KIDNEY STONE CAN DO A LOT OF DAMAGE:
1. People have been known to lose a kidney or have other
permanent damage from stones that are left alone.
2. Sin, if left in the heart, continues to do more and more
damage to our lives.
3. James 1:13-16-- the progressive nature of sin.
4. Sin does not leave us like it found us. If sin is not removed
it will destroy the guilty one.
IV. KIDNEY STONE CAN BE VERY PAINFUL TO GET OUT:
1. Some pass the stone naturally. I was fortunate enough to have
this experience in each case.
2. Sometimes surgery is necessary.
3. This is not to suggest that we may be able of our own ability
remove our sins. Sin can only be removed by Jehovah.
4. But, our point here is that SIN MAY BE VERY PAINFUL TO GET
RID OF.
5. Matt. 18:7-9. What a painful experience. But, sin MUST be
dealth with.
6. One may lose friends, perhaps even family, in the process.
7. Matt. 10:34-39. Christ demands first place in our lives.
V. ONCE THE STONE IS GONE, THE RELIEF IS FANTASTIC:
1. The incredible pain is gone, the excruciating anguish,
disappears instantly. Out of danger, out of the hospital, a
load off the mind, etc. TOTAL RELIEF.
2. So it is with sin. The relief and joy at the removal of sin
should be great.
3. Rom. 5:11 -- "rejoice in God....reconciliation."
4. Acts 8:39 -- Eunuch went on his way rejoicing.
5. The exaltation, the good feeling, or knowing that one is
RIGHT WITH GOD.
6. What could make one more happy than knowing that the pathway
to Heaven has been entered.
VI. THERE IS ALWAYS A CHANCE OF ANOTHER STONE RECURRING:
1. Sometimes it requires a new diet to prevent the return of
these stones. Some are calcium deposits, etc.
2. A new lifestyle, a change of habits.
3. We, too, must change our lives to avoid future sins.
4. Col. 3:1-3 -- Set your mind on things above.
5. Our thinking, our desires, our actions, our very life, MUST
now be different from what it was before.
VII. ANYONE CAN GET A KIDNEY STONE:
1. None are immune.
2. Likewise, all are vulnerable to Sin.
3. 1 Pet. 5:8 -- Satan goeth about....as a roaring lion.
4. NOTE A CONTRAST HERE: Not all get a kidney stone (and I can
personally testify that is good); but all will commit sin.
Rom. 3:23.
5. I had my doctor tell me that they had examined the stone and
had no explanation as to the reason for, nor the source of my
stone. Did not know what caused it.
6. Not so with sin.
VIII. KIDNEY STONE MUST BE DEALT WITH BY A PROFESSIONAL:
1. Let me assure you, you do not wish to go through this without
professional help.
2. So it is with sin.
3. Jesus is the great physician -- Matt. 9:11-12.
CONCLUSION:
1. Allow Jesus to be your doctor. Let him cure you.
2. He is ready and willing to forgive, but you must ask.
3. What is the remedy for Sin? THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.
4. But, how might one take the prescription? By obeying the
Gospel. Romans 6:3-4.
(Developed from a sermon by Michael J. Walls)
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