Have you have heard this phrase? “The Seven Deadly Sins.” Let me share with you that there is nowhere in the Bible that specifically lists Seven Deadly Sins.

This list was developed by the early church. All of these seven deadly sins are described in the Bible as sins in both the New Testament and Old Testaments.

So, we go into this knowing that these “Deadly Sins” are simple sins that are getting in the way of our relationship with God and our growth as Christians. The most common sins are not new. 

Let me ask you a question. If there is something in your life that is not pleasing to God, do you want to know? Let’s not be too comfortable with these seven sins. God is gracious toward sinners, but He is always angry towards sin. And we should be the same way.   

1. The sin of PRIDE

Pride is improper and excessive self-esteem shown as conceit or arrogance. It is thinking you are really good and taking pleasure in thinking about how good you are.

Pride is sin, and God hates it. It is a hindrance to knowing God because it makes you hard-headed.

Nowhere in the Bible is pride spoken well of or endorsed. Confidence is good, but pride is bad. Pride and God do not mix! They are like oil and water!

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

How are you doing in this area? Are you proud? Are you prideful? You may want to invite a trusted friend to give you an honest answer to these questions. Sometimes others see us better than we see ourselves.

2. The sin of GLUTTONY

Now this one rings my bell. Gluttony is defined as excessive eating or drinking. I love to eat, and I am not the only one. Most of us eat much more than we need. And some of us are addicted to food.

“Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat.” Proverbs 23:20

The idea is eating or drinking too much is not healthy. A triple cheeseburger is a good picture of gluttony.

Our society celebrates gluttony, and if we are not careful, we will too. So, how are you doing in this area?

3. The sin of GREED

Frank Buchman said this: “There is enough in the world for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.” Greed is a selfish and excessive desire for more than is needed. We all want more stuff.

“Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household.” Proverbs 15:27

Ecclesiastes also says; “He who loves money will never be satisfied with money.”  Jesus taught the disciples not to worry about “stuff.” Instead, we are to seek first the kingdom of God and to store up treasures in heaven. How much time do we spend thinking about stuff we want to get rather than stuff God wants us to give?

4. The sin of SLOTH

When I hear the word sloth, I think of laziness. But sloth is apathy. It is not caring. It is laziness, joylessness, and mediocrity.

Sloth is wasting what you have been given due to unwillingness to engage in what is going on around you. Somebody needs to hear this today. Being lazy does not honor God.

“The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.” Proverbs 21:25

Having a bad attitude does not honor God. Doing just enough to get by at work or school does not honor God. Are you lazy? Are you slothful?

5. The sin of LUST

Lust is a sin that is celebrated in our society. What I want to emphasize today is: BE FAITHFUL. Let me repeat it. BE FAITHFUL.

And not just physically.

“I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:27-28

This warning is for men and women both married and unmarried. The way we see other people is important. We should see them from God’s perspective and be careful with our eyes. BE FAITHFUL. How are you doing in this area?

6. The sin of WRATH

Are you a hot-head? Do you ever lose it? Wrath is a fit of strong vengeful anger. There is nothing like the wrath you see in kids. I guess we all look a little ridiculous when we get angry.

“A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.” Proverbs 14:17

Nobody likes a hothead. How are you doing in this area?

7. The sin of ENVY

Envy is another nasty one. There is an important difference between jealousy and envy. Jealousy says, “I want what you have.” Envy says, “If I can’t have it, I don’t want you to have it either!”

“Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?” Proverbs 27:4

The Bible has a lot to say about our struggles with these seven sins. Know that God wants to work these things out of your life because He loves you. He knows that these things are not healthy for you, even if they seem right.