As you look at Scripture, you will find many people led into sin by the actions of others. ◦ Man of God dies because another prophet convinces him to sin against God (1 Kings 13). ◦ “I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery” (Matt 5:32).  How could a divorce force a woman into adultery? ◦ She needed someone to take care of her! ◦ Peter carried Barnabas into hypocrisy over eating with Gentiles (Gal 2:11-14). ◦ “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Cor 15:33).

King David led Uzzah to sin and to die. ◦ We are responsible for our own actions.  “The soul who sins shall die” (Ezek 18:4).  “Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Rom 14:12).  “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire” (Js 1:14). ◦ Some people make it so easy for us to sin.

Use your influence to lead people closer to Jesus, not further from him.

2 Samuel 6:1-9

David wanted to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem. ◦ He moved the ark on a new cart.  God said to move the ark with poles (Ex 25:10-15).  Yet, David, following the custom of his day (1 Sam 6:7-10), moved the ark on a cart.

The oxen stumbled, and Uzzah put out his hand to steady the ark. really ◦ Would you really want the ark to fall and shatter?  God met Moses at that ark (Ex 25:22).  In that ark “was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant” (Heb 9:4). ◦ The Lord’s anger was kindled against Uzzah. God struck him and he died. his  The Lord struck Uzzah “down... because of his error” (v 7).

How can you avoid leading people into sin?

One: Figure. ◦ You must figure out what sin really is.  Sin is a violation of the will of God. ◦ “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness” (1 Jn 3:4). ◦ “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy” (Js 4:12).  God has provided us very specific lists of sin: 1 Cor 6, Gal 5, and Rev 21.

Two: Flee. ◦ “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor 10:13). ◦ Look for that way of escape!

Three: Focus. ◦ Focus on a plan to do better.  “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight’” (Matt 3:3).  God encourages planning: Prov 6:6-8. ◦ Look at recent sins.  What might you have done differently?  What can you do differently in the future?

Four: Forget. ◦ Forget yourself and seek to serve others.  David possibly have wanted the ark to receive God’s blessings for himself.  Regardless of others involved, David wanted that ark! ◦ You must cultivate a servant’s heart (Phil 2:3-8).  Go forth from here and serve others!  How will serving keep me from leading others to sin? ◦ Get in the habit of thinking about others!

Remember that your life is not really your own. ◦ “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl 12:13). ◦ “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price” (1 Cor 6:19- 20). Your life is to render service to others. ◦ Matt 20: ◦ Rom 13:8-10.

What type of world would we have if everyone was careful not to lead someone else into sin?

How would your life be different if you helped others avoid sin?