Dealing With The Consequence of Sin
SECRET SIN
Secret sins are actions or thoughts that a person keeps hidden, often because they are ashamed or believe they are wrong. These sins are offences against God’s commandments, and they can vary widely.
Here are some common types of secret sins, along with relevant Bible verses that speak to these issues:
1. Lust and Sexual Immorality: Engaging in or fantasizing about sexual activities outside the bounds of God’s design for sexuality.
Matthew 5:28 – “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
2. Envy and Jealousy: Coveting others’ possessions, status, abilities, or relationships.
James 3:14 – 16: “But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.”
3. Greed and Materialism: An excessive desire for wealth or possessions, often at the expense of spiritual and moral values.
1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
4. Lying and Deception: Hiding the truth or misleading others for personal gain or to avoid consequences.
Proverbs 12:22 – “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
5. Unforgiveness and Bitterness: Holding onto anger and resentment towards someone who has wronged you.
Ephesians 4:31-32 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
6. Pride and Arrogance: Having an excessively high opinion of oneself and looking down on others.
Bible Verse: Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
7. Gossip and Slander: Speaking negatively about others without them being present, often to harm their reputation.
James 4:11 – “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law.”
8. Addictions: Secret dependencies on substances or activities that become idols and control one’s life.
1 Corinthians 6:12 – “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
In addressing these secret sins, we will seek God’s forgiveness and guidance.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father,
- Against Lust and Sexual Immorality:
Lord, I confess the times I have harboured impure thoughts and desires. Help me to see others through Your eyes, respecting their dignity and worth. Purify my heart and grant me the strength to resist temptation.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
By the authority of Jesus Christ, I declare freedom from lust and sexual immorality. I am cleansed and made pure, walking in righteousness and holiness, honouring You with my body and thoughts.
“I am a new creation in Christ; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Against Envy and Jealousy:
Father, remove the seed of envy and jealousy from my heart. Teach me to be content with what You have given me and to rejoice in the blessings of others. Help me to focus on Your plans for me, trusting in Your provision.
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” (Galatians 5:26)
I declare that envy and jealousy no longer have a hold on me. I am filled with Your spirit of contentment and gratitude, celebrating Your blessings and the success of others.
” “I am content in whatever situation I am in through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
- Against Greed and Materialism:
Lord, I confess the times I’ve valued material possessions over my relationship with You. Help me to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Guide me to use my resources for Your glory and the betterment of others.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
I declare that I am free from the grip of greed and materialism. My treasure is in heaven, and I seek first Your kingdom, knowing all my needs are met according to Your riches in glory.
“My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
- Against Lying and Deception:
Almighty God, forgive me for the lies I’ve told and the truths I’ve hidden. Grant me the courage to speak truthfully and with integrity. May my words reflect Your honesty and love.
“Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation.” (Psalm 25:5)
I declare that I am a person of truth and integrity. Lies and deceit are removed from my life, and I speak with honesty and transparency, reflecting Your truth in my words.
“I am the light of the world, reflecting the truth of Christ in my speech and actions.” (Matthew 5:14)
- Against Unforgiveness and Bitterness:
Heavenly Father, I surrender my anger and bitterness. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Release me from the grip of unforgiveness and heal my wounded heart.
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)
I declare that I am a person of forgiveness and love. I release all bitterness and embrace Your grace, extending forgiveness as freely as I have received it from You.
“I forgive others, and I am forgiven, walking in the freedom of Christ’s love.” (Ephesians 4:32)
- Against Pride and Arrogance:
Lord, humble my heart and remind me of my need for You. Help me to serve others with humility and to acknowledge Your sovereignty in my life.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
I declare that I walk in humility and grace. Pride and arrogance have no place in me, for I am grounded in Your love and guided by Your wisdom.
“God gives grace to the humble, and I walk in His grace and humility.” (James 4:6)
- Against Gossip and Slander:
Father, set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips. Help me to use my words to uplift, not tear down, and to speak the truth in love.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.” (Ephesians 4:29)
I declare that my words are uplifting and encouraging. I refrain from gossip and slander, using my speech to glorify You and edify others.
“My mouth speaks words of life and encouragement, building others up according to their needs.” (Ephesians 4:29)
- Against Addictions:
Lord, I confess my weaknesses and dependencies. Break the chains of addiction in my life and fill the void with Your presence and peace. Strengthen me, Lord, and lead me on a path of recovery and restoration.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
I declare victory over any addictions in the name of Jesus. I am set free by His power, living a life of self-control, and guided by the Holy Spirit.
“Through Christ, I have the victory and live in freedom from all bondage.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
To round off this segment, let us pray:
Lord Jesus, You became a curse for us when You died on the cross (Galatians 3:13), and through Your sacrifice, we have been redeemed from every curse of the law. I claim that victory over my life now. I ask that any generational curses or negative patterns that have influenced these behaviours be broken in Your name.
I ask for the Holy Spirit’s power to fill my life, replacing old habits and secret sins with Your fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Illuminate my path with Your light, expose the darkness, and guide me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).
I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and I resist the devil so that he will flee from me (James 4:7). Surround me with Your angels and protect me from falling back into these hidden sins.
Thank you, Father, for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for the blood of Jesus, which cleanses me from all sin. I trust in Your power to change my heart and to guide me in Your ways. In the powerful name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
PRESUMPTUOUS SIN
The concept of “presumptuous sin” refers to sins committed with full awareness and deliberate intention. Unlike sins committed in ignorance or weakness, presumptuous sins are those where the individual knowingly and willingly disobeys God’s commandments.
In Psalm 19:13, David prays, “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.” Here, David recognizes the seriousness of such sins and seeks God’s help to avoid them.
Presumptuous sins are considered more serious because they demonstrate a conscious rebellion against God and a disregard for His authority. Such actions not only violate specific commands but also reflect an attitude of pride and self-sufficiency, as opposed to humble dependence on God and respect for His laws.
An example of presumptuous sin in the Bible is the story of King Saul’s disobedience as recounted in 1 Samuel 13:8-14. Saul, the first king of Israel, committed a presumptuous sin by offering a burnt offering to God, a duty that was strictly reserved for the prophet Samuel.
In this event, Saul and his men were waiting for Samuel at Gilgal. Samuel had instructed Saul to wait seven days, after which Samuel would come to offer sacrifices to God before Israel went to battle. However, Saul became impatient as his men started to scatter, and he felt pressured by the situation. Instead of continuing to wait for Samuel, Saul took it upon himself to offer the burnt offering, a task he was not authorized to perform.
The story of Saul and Samuel, where Saul disobeys God’s command through Samuel in 1 Samuel 13:8-14, provides a multifaceted narrative with significant themes and lessons:
1. The Importance of Obedience to God:
At the heart of this story is the theme of obedience. Saul was instructed to wait seven days for Samuel to arrive to perform the sacrifices before the battle. Saul’s decision to take matters into his own hands and offer the sacrifice himself directly disobeyed God’s command, showing a lack of faith and patience.
Saul’s story is a stark reminder that disobedience to God, especially willful and knowing disobedience, can have serious consequences in our lives. It encourages introspection and alignment of our actions with God’s will.
2. The Role of Faith and Patience in Leadership:
Saul’s impatience and lack of faith were key factors in his failure. As a king, he was expected to lead by example and demonstrate trust in God’s timing and promises. His inability to wait for Samuel reflects a failure in spiritual leadership, as he gave in to fear and pressure from his troops.
Like Saul, we can face situations where waiting on God’s timing feels challenging. This story reminds us of the importance of patience and trust in God’s plans, even when circumstances seem pressing, or our own understanding suggests a different course of action.
3. The Consequences of Disobedience:
Saul’s actions had significant consequences. Samuel told him, “Your kingdom will not endure” (1 Samuel 13:14), prophesying the end of Saul’s dynasty. This moment marks a turning point in Saul’s reign, leading to God’s rejection of Saul as king and the eventual anointing of David.
Saul’s story is a stark reminder that disobedience to God, especially willful and knowing disobedience, can have serious consequences in our lives. It encourages introspection and alignment of our actions with God’s will.
4. The Sacredness of Priestly Duties:
By offering the sacrifice himself, Saul crossed a clear boundary set in Israel, where kings did not perform priestly functions. This action shows Saul’s disrespect for the established order and his attempt to consolidate religious and political power, which was against God’s design.
Saul overstepped his role by performing priestly duties. This can be a caution for us to recognize and respect the boundaries and roles in our own lives, whether in our workplaces, families, or places of worship. We should be wary of assuming authority or responsibilities not intended for us, understanding that every role has its purpose in God’s plan.
5. Human Weakness and the Temptation to Sin:
Saul’s decision can be seen as a result of human weakness – fear, impatience, and the desire for control. These are common temptations that many face, especially in positions of power and responsibility.
Saul’s disobedience was partly due to his fear and the pressure from his soldiers. We, too, can face fear and peer pressure, but this story encourages us to stand firm in our convictions and trust in God, rather than giving in to fear or the expectations of others.
6. God’s Authority and Kingship:
The incident underscores that God is the true King of Israel. Saul’s kingship was under God’s authority, and by disobeying God’s command, Saul failed to recognize this fundamental truth.
If you are in a leadership position, this story emphasizes the importance of leading with integrity and following God’s guidance. Leaders bear a greater responsibility, and their actions have a wider impact on others.
7. The Need for Repentance and Humility:
Saul’s response to Samuel lacks true repentance and humility. Instead of admitting his error fully and seeking forgiveness, Saul tried to justify his actions (1 Samuel 13:11-12). This attitude prevented him from repairing his relationship with God.
When confronted with his sin, Saul attempted to justify himself. This teaches us the importance of humble repentance when we err. Acknowledging our mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and making amends are vital steps in maintaining a healthy relationship with God and others.
8. Prophetic Authority:
The story also emphasizes the role of prophets like Samuel in Israel. Prophets were God’s spokespersons, and disregarding their words was equivalent to disregarding God Himself.
The respect for prophetic (or spiritual) authority seen in this story can translate to a respect for spiritual leadership and wisdom today. While discernment is necessary, there is value in listening to those who are seasoned and mature in their faith.
This narrative powerfully reflects on leadership, faith, obedience, and the human condition. It invites self-examination, especially regarding our response to God’s commands and our trust in His promises and timings.
Saul’s action was presumptuous because he deliberately and knowingly overstepped the boundaries God had set. He was aware that offering sacrifices was a role designated for the prophet, yet in his impatience and anxiety, he chose to disobey God’s command.
When Samuel arrived, he told Saul, “You have done foolishly: you have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which he commanded you” (1 Samuel 13:13). This disobedience cost Saul dearly, as Samuel declared that his kingdom would not endure and God would seek a man after His own heart to be king over Israel.
Let Us Repent of Presumptuous sin:
Heavenly Father,
I come before You in humble recognition of my own failings and transgressions. In the light of Your holiness and righteousness, I acknowledge and confess my presumptuous sins – those acts and thoughts committed willfully, knowingly, and with conscious intent against Your divine instructions as revealed in Your Word.
(Mention them if you know any)
Lord, I confess the times I have acted in deliberate disobedience to Your Word, the moments I have knowingly gone against Your will, and the instances where pride and self-reliance have led me away from Your path. For every word spoken in arrogance, every decision made in self-interest, and every thought nurtured in defiance of Your truth, I seek Your forgiveness.
Forgive me, O God, for the times I have not reflected Your love and grace, for the moments I chose my way over Yours, and for the occasions where my actions and attitudes have not honoured You. I repent for my conscious rebellion the hurt it may have caused others and the distance it created between us.
In Your mercy, cleanse my heart and renew a right spirit within me. Help me to align my life more closely with Your will and to live in a way that glorifies You. Teach me to walk in humility, to embrace Your wisdom, and to rely on Your strength, not my own.
Thank You, Father, for the assurance of forgiveness through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for Your unfailing love and endless mercy that covers even the most willful of sins. Help me to live in the freedom and joy of Your forgiveness, growing each day in Your grace and truth.
In the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord, Amen.
Now Declare your freedom:
I declare freedom from the curse and the consequences of presumptuous sin. Lord, Your Word assures us that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. I am set free from every bondage and consequence of willful disobedience.
I declare that the blood of Jesus has washed away my sins and broken the chains of guilt, shame, and spiritual death. I am liberated from the grasp of conscious rebellion against Your holy commandments. In Christ, I am a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
I proclaim that I am no longer under the dominion of sin but under the grace and mercy of God. I am delivered from the spirit of pride and self-reliance, and I embrace a spirit of humility and dependence on the Lord. I reject the lies and temptations of the enemy that lead to presumptuous acts, and I choose to walk in the light of God’s truth.
I declare that my life is governed by the Holy Spirit, leading to life and peace. The grace of God teaches me to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live a self-controlled, upright, and godly life in this present age.
Thank You, Lord, for Your promises of freedom and victory. I trust in Your faithfulness, knowing that You will keep me from falling and present me before Your glorious presence without fault and with great joy.
In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
As we round off ….
We give glory to God for the successful completion of our weekend watch. Next weekend,d we will address the topic of generational sin. Following this, we’ll transition into a time of heavenly intercession, engaging in spiritual legislation.
I’m planning to host a special session on Zoom to facilitate this. Additionally, I invite you to fast next weekend, starting Friday and concluding on Sunday, as we joyfully celebrate Resurrection Morning.
Please stay tuned for an upcoming email with more details about this event.
Please complete your Watch by breaking the break.- You can join the live stream or watch the replay on our YouTube channel, @thewatchersprayerministry. Look at the live tab and watch the replay.
God bless and reward your time in prayer.
It is an honour to serve you
Pastor Tee
