The Hebrew writer warned those to whom he wrote about the deceitfulness of sin. He said: "But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." (Hebrews 3:13) Sin deceives its victims. It hardens the heart and can result in a heart that cannot be penetrated, or at the very least, is difficult to penetrate. Think about the alcoholic - there had to be a FIRST drink. The drug addict - there had to be the FIRST "hit." And, the chronic gambler - there had to be the FIRST bet. Such sins deceive all who fall victim to them. If you ask those who have been deceived by these sins, they will quickly admit (if they are honest) that they gave little or no thought to the consequences of their actions (Genesis 3:1-23). Let us consider the question: What will sin do?

1. It Will Take You Farther Than You Wanted Or Intended to Go! The first drink of alcohol, the first "high," the first bet--many planned to go no farther! But all who end up as alcoholics, drug addicts, and chronic gamblers had to take the first step. Involvement in one sin often leads to involvement in others, and the consequences usually come as part of a packaged deal (2 Samuel 11,12).

2. It Will Keep You Longer Than You Wanted to Stay! Those who fall victim to sin are blinded by the pleasure of the first drink, the first high, or the first win (Hebrews 11:25). It was so pleasurable the first time that they are "sucked in" and overcome by the temporary pleasure. Then, they pursue it again and again and again. Many think, "just one more time won't hurt." They intended to drink alcohol only to be social, or smoke marijuana socially, or place a bet just "once in a while." Then they found themselves entangled and overcome, thus deceived and unable to resist sin’s urges (2 Peter 2:20).

3. It Will Cost More Than You Wanted to Pay! Many never consider the consequences of their sinful actions. How many alcoholics planned to kill or maim innocent people with their motor vehicles? How many drug addicts planned to contact AIDS or become thieves to support their habit? How many considered the physical pain, mental suffering, wrecked marriages, neglected children, broken homes, and destroyed lives they would engender through their involvement in sin. And most importantly, how many consider the fact that their souls are at stake (Acts 5:1-10)? True are these words, "...but the way of transgressors is hard." (Proverbs 13:15)

CONCLUSION: Some might think, "this can't happen to me...I'm a good Christian, and I don't participate in such sins!" But what about brethren who smoke, or seek out pornographic materials? What about those who dabble in the lottery? What about those who dress immodestly, not giving a thought to whether their immodesty causes someone to lust and sin? What about those who are involved in adultery and fornication, religious error and compromise, etc. (see Galatians 5:19-21)?

Can these sins take you farther than you wanted or intended to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost more than you wanted to pay? YES! Any unconfessed, unrepented-of sins will cost you your soul (Romans 6:23)! Heed the words of the Psalmist who wrote: "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:1,2). Also read Proverbs 4:14,15 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. My beloved brethren—do not be deceived!!