Cannot be Concealed
 

by Rick Liggin

 

“The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed” (1 Tim.5:24-25). With some men, it is obvious to everyone that what they are doing is sinful. Their sins are “quite evident” and quite easily spotted. Their actions are, in fact, so obviously sinful that no one can rightly deny it. It is clear to everyone that what is being done here is wrong; and it is equally apparent, even before judgment, that such men stand self-condemned. But unfortunately, it is not this way with every man’s sin. Some men’s sins are not so obvious. The fruit of their evil is more subtle, less easily detected. It might be that initially we cannot detect the sin at all; or it might be that we suspect “something is wrong here,” but we can’t quite “put our finger on it”; there simply isn’t enough evidence—yet—to convict the sinner. We are watchful of such men – and we must be – because the sins of these men can do great damage to the body of Christ! You see, some men are really good at hiding their sins; they are so good, in fact, that often it is only after the wicked deeds are done and the damaging effects are fully realized that we finally are able to identify the sins and the wicked men who commit them. But please notice that even with these men, their sins “follow after” them. In a similar but contrasting way, “deeds that are good are quite evident” (1 Tim. 5:25)! It’s not that those with pure motives are doing their good deeds to be noticed by men! But the point is that good deeds don’t have to be “trumpeted.” Why? Because they are obvious —if not to everyone, at least, to some—and certainly to God. We cannot hide the positive effects of our good works. Good works naturally produce good fruit…fruit that is visible to all who will see. But we are also assured that deeds “which are otherwise (i.e. anything less than good) cannot be concealed! And right here is the point at which we all need to really sit up and pay attention. You need to know with certainty that if you are involved in some kind of sin – even a more subtle, less obvious kind of sin—it cannot be hidden! As the Bible warns: “Be sure your sins will find you out” (Num. 32:23). “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper” (Prov. 28:13), and “he who perverts his way will be found out” (Prov. 10:9). Eventually, your sin will be exposed and you will reap what you have sown (Gal. 6:7-8)! You may think you are hiding it now, and you may be…at least from some. But you cannot hide it forever! God knows about your sin. He knows about it now; and soon enough others will know about it, too. So, why not repent and stop it now—before you get caught and before your sin causes any more hurt! It is much wiser and will be much better for you—and for everyone else—if you will “confess and forsake” your sins altogether (Prov. 28:13). Carnal men may disagree, but the Bible teaches that there is great security in forsaking all sin and in walking uprightly! In contrast to the one whose perverted way “will be found out,” the man “who walks in integrity walks securely” (Prov. 10:9); and in contrast to the one who “will not prosper” because he “conceals his transgressions,” the man who “confesses and forsakes” his sins “will find compassion” (Prov. 28:13). The man who confesses and forsakes his sin will not only find compassion from our merciful God, who cannot refuse “a broken and contrite heart” (Psa.51:17), but is also far more likely to find compassion from those who have been hurt by his wicked deeds. And so, we would strongly urge anyone who might be trying to hide a “secret sin” or “get away with” some ugly transgression: correct it! Acknowledge your sin, confess it – to God and to anyone affected by it – and abandon it! God can and will forgive any sin that we will admit and forsake! And most of those who might have been hurt by our sin will forgive us, too! But we have to really “come clean” about the sin (Jer. 3:12-14). We have to admit and abandon it and return to God with a whole heart! We might as well do that, because we simply are not going to get away with it! Our sin “cannot be concealed!” P.S. When some respected brother in Christ is engaged in a secret sin, and that sin is somehow found out (and it will be…eventually), please know that this is not biblical Christianity! It is hypocrisy! So, don’t let it discourage you! This man’s hypocrisy, is in fact, an attempt by the enemy (our diabolical adversary, Satan) to defile many! He is not just trying to defile the one practicing sin but also any who might be discouraged by this sinner’s evil example. Biblical Christianity deals with sin in biblical ways. It exposes the sin (Eph. 5:11-12); and, in love, it seeks to correct the sin (Matt. 18:15-17), and to purge it out of the group (1 Cor. 5:1-13). Believe me: I know it can be disappointing – and downright discouraging— to find out that someone you trusted and respected has been hiding his sin; but don’t let it discourage you and make you give up on trying to do what is right. If you do that, then the adversary has really won.   Other Articles The Suffering of Jesus Prior to His Death Unity in the Church Maturity The Grace of God that Brings Salvation The New Creature Dealing With Our Doubts Start With God Seeking the Truth Standing Up For Brethren What Hunger Helps Us to See They Watch for Your Souls Suppose       For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com