Scripture

If a person sins, and commits any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord, though he does not know it, yet he is guilty and shall bear his iniquity.
(Leviticus 5:17)

Devotional

Just because we do not know that we have a deadly disease, does not negate the fact that we have it. Some refer to the physician’s announcement of a sickness as “bad news”. In reality, it is good news, in that now we know that we need to be healed. Likewise, just being ignorant of our sin does not negate the effect that sin has on us. Sin, like a deadly disease, unless detected and cured, inevitably brings death. Some may think or say that God is unfair. Why should I bear the penalty of sin for which I am ignorant? The fact is, we are not ignorant of our sin; we know that it is inherent to mankind. The manufacturer’s handbook, the Bible, repeatedly warns us of our sin nature, and that we need a Savior. To be ignorant of sin is by no means bliss. It is as deadly as being ignorant of a deadly disease. Let us, therefore, examine ourselves; confess our sins, and “Turn, turn, from our evil ways! For why should we die?”(1)

(1) Psalm 22:1, Matthew 27:45

Text For The Day

Leviticus 5:17: “If a person sins, and commits any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord, though he does not know it, yet he is guilty and shall bear his iniquity.”

Thought For The Day

“I believe a very large majority of churchgoers are merely unthinking, slumbering worshipers of an unknown God.” Charles H. Spurgeon Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit

Questions To Ponder

·         Can a person sin and not know that he or she has sinned?
·         Does ignorance of sin nullify the wages of sin?
·         Have you ever ignorantly sinned and later realized that you have? What was the circumstance and what did you do? Be wise in your sharing.

Morning Study Guide

Defining: Our text indicates that the ignorance of sin was due to a lack of knowledge of the Word of God. Nevertheless, it likewise strongly indicates that there was a violated conscience. The phrase, “yet he is guilty,” is the indication of a violated conscience.

Referencing: “Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do,’” Luke 23:34.

Applying: Even if you are not violating the Scriptures (or at least your knowledge of the Scriptures), nevertheless, your conscience is indicating that you are guilty of an infraction, seek godly counsel and if need be, repentance.