1. When I Sin, Who Knows Sin is unrighteousness and a transgression of God’s Law. It presents a potent force that has brought evil and sorrow upon mankind from man’s very beginning. Sin has a way of make a difference in one’s life by being known or found out. When the children of Israel came to the promised land, Rueben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh requested inheritance on the east side of the river Jordan. The other tribes were to cross over Jordan and inherit on the west side. The land on the east was appealing to shepherds, and this prompted Rueben, Gad, and Manasseh with their flocks, to desire to inherit there. They were granted this request on the condition that they would cross over Jordan and fight with their brethren and help them in taking the land on the west side. After the enemies had been subdued, they could come back and live in their inheritance on the east. They had given their word that they would do this. They were told by Moses, “but if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.”, Num. 32:23. It is common for men today to mock sin by denying that sin will find them out. Solomon wrote, “Fools mock at sin; but among the righteous there is favor.” Prov. 14:9. We may deceive ourselves by thinking that when we sin, no one will know about it, and no difference will exist in the lives of anyone because of our sins.

2. Known By the Sinner We have consciences with which we have to live. When we sin, they convict us in keeping our knowledge. John 8, adulterous woman. There to tempt and accuse Jesus. Jesus convicted them, and they left, vs. 9. Lk. 15:17-19, prodigal son. “And when he came to himself” again conscience rose. He repented and did something about it. Ps. 51:3, David. “For I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me.” SIN made a difference in these lives. Sin found them out! Perhaps David ahs reference to the killing of Uriah and adultery with Bathsheba. Whatever it was…it was ever before him! It made a difference in his life.

3. Known by GOD God is aware of all we do or say. We can’t hid or escape from God. Adam and Eve tried it in the garden. Jonah tried to flee from God. Ps. 139:7-8. We should all be conscious of His presence. Heb.. 4:13. Joseph and Potiphar’s wife, Gen. 39:9. Regardless of where he was and whatever circumstances existed, Joseph recognized that fornication was fornication and it was SIN against God. He knew God would know, and he respected God by not sinning against Him.

4. Known by Enemies Nathan and David. 2 Sam. 12:14. The enemies of the Lord knew of his sins, and David’s sins gave them reason to blaspheme. When members of the Lord’s church sin publicly, enemies of the Lord seem to know about it before others, and delight in ridiculing the truth and the Lord’s people. We need to be careful to walk with Jesus, and give no one reason to blaspheme the name of Christ or the Church.

5. Known Often by Victims Sin has a way of finding victims. Just think of what ungodly, hateful tongues have done to the character of innocent people. Paul wrote of Alexander. 2 Tim. 4:14-15. Paul warned Timothy. People need to know of the sins of men like Alexander, who greatly withstand words of truth, that they might not be deceived. Diotrephes, 3 Jn. 9-10. He was malicious and evil treating the brethren. It is common today to refer to someone who loves authority as practicing the sin of Diotrephes. Lk. 17:3-4. Jesus was aware of the sins of others making a difference in other people’s lives. He knew that trespasses would occur, and gave His teaching regarding them. When brother goes against brother, it is obvious that that sin is recognized as being committed. There is to be rebuke of the sinner; repentance of the sinner and forgiveness by the offended party. Forgiveness follows the rebuke and repentance, which many people are inclined to ignore and grant forgiveness when none of the conditions are followed or met. Victims have obligations, and when I sin, they often are active in my sin being found out.

6. Known by All at Christ’s Coming I Cor. 4:5, At the coming of the Lord, the hidden things of darkness will be brought to light and the counsels of the hearts will be made manifest. Eccl. 12:13-14, God will bring every work into judgment with every secret thing. Rom. 2:6, We should never endeavor to hide any deeds. Ps. 19:12, I may have sins that others do not know of, but when they are not forgiven in this life, they will be made known at the coming of the Lord. 1 Tim. 5:24, Be sure …our sins will find us out!