1. John 3:18-21 Non-believers 18 Do: Practice evil deeds 19 Values: Hate light, love darkness 19-20 Seek: Avoids reproof for his deeds 20 The cover of darkness is used to conceal the sins of man and allows him to remain comfortable in his current practices

2. Cover of Darkness Cover ( Covert - hidden or disguised) 1 Thess 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Convert When Jesus returns for judgment: Correct all denominations of their errors Convince all the atheists of His existence Congratulate all church members?

3. Covert or Convert? Conceal true self to avoid church discipline 1 Cor. 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer (abuser), or a drunkard, or an extortioner (swindler, robber); with such an one no not to eat. These 6 and more contained in 6:9-11 5 of 6 sins are obvious to most Christians (fornication, extortion, abuse, drunk, idolatry)

4. Conceal Sin from Self The hard one to spot in ourselves is covetousness Cover, Covert, Convert Cover, Covet 2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? Amos 5:18-20 looked forward to the day of the Lord not realizing it meant their destruction Was the rich young ruler aware of covetousness Did Ananias and Sapphira justify lie to themselves

5. Easily Concealed Sin Need to be responsible with money: provide for family: 1 Tim. 5:8 pay our bills: Rom. 13:7-8 contribute on Sunday: 1 Cor. 16:1-2 retirement planning: Gal. 6:4-5 2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?