Mark 9:42-50 ESV
Sin? Seriously?
26 July 2015
Introduction:
What does a true disciple look like? Pastor Mark has shown
us over the last several weeks a portrait of a true disciple
from the Gospel According to Mark. In Mark 9:42-50 Jesus
talks about sin. He teaches us to “have salt in [ourselves]”
by avoiding sin at all cost. You can find the sermon notes
here1 or listen to the sermon by clicking here.2
Scripture:
“True disciples of Jesus
Christ do not dabble in sin,
they avoid sin at all cost.”
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a
great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. And if your hand causes
you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the
unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame
than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for
you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell,‘where their
worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good,
but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be
at peace with one another.” (Mark 9:42–50 ESV)
So What?
Avoiding leading others into sin is commendable. Preventing yourself from sinning is wise. Both
are only possible if we commit to staying pure through sacrifice and obedience (49-50). When it
comes to sin, a Christ follower avoids sin at all costs. We don’t cause others to sin. We don’t
give into sin ourselves. Instead, we keep our lives pure. There can be no halfway measures.
The price is much too high. Are there any activities you participate in that would embarrass you
if they came to light? Are you crossing the line by going to some establishments where you don’t
belong? Is there anything in your Netflix queue or your Internet browsing history that leads you
away from Christ? If the answer is “Yes,” then stop doing, stop going, stop watching, and stop
reading!
What Now? If we know there is unconfessed sin in our lives, we must repent. We must ask
God to restore us to obedience. Let’s flee from sin, and run to God in prayer. Let us consider:
1. Do I intentionally or unintentionally cause others to sin by my actions or by my inaction? If
so, what changes must I make this week to stop this sin in my life?
2. What does Jesus mean about cutting off body parts that cause us to sin? Consider Pastor
Mark’s comment, “Sin does not start in our hands; it starts in our hearts.”
3. Have I turned a blind eye to what scripture says about sin? What am I doing–or failing to
do– that keeps me from being a fully committed disciple?
4. Is there something I need to get rid of that leads me to sin? Something I do? (vs 43 “hands”)
A place I visit (vs 45 “feet”) Something I desire? (vs 47 “eyes”) 3
5. Does Jesus’ exhortation to cease from sin mean that it is entirely up to my own will-power, or
does he provide help? If the latter, how does God help us to cease from sinning? Consider
the following: Phil 2:12–13, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; 1 Cor 10:9–13. What other verses do I
know that speak about God empowering his people to cease from sin?
1
https://wheelsms.wordpress.com/2015/07/26/sin-seriously/
2
http://firstcentralbaptist.com/sermons/gospelofmark.html
3
To see the video that Mark played during the sermon click here, to see the lyrics click here.
Don’t live like a dead man (Mk 9:42-47), be a living sacrifice. (Rom 12:1-2)