The Bible speaks of the progression of sin...

The slippery slope argument. 

"If we allow A to happen, then Z will eventually happen too, therefore A should not happen."

The claim goes that this is a fallacy because you do not have proof that this holds true in every situation.  Also it claims that what happens is that we look at the hypotheticals instead of looking at the issues at hand.

I understand both of those points but what about the warnings of Scripture?  What about the progression of sin that Scripture lays out in Romans 1 and also the passage this Sunday in 1 Peter 4 and many others?  Maybe the term "slippery slope" may be problematic and the concept of the "progression of sin" might be a better route of explaining this to keep our eyes on the starting point.  What about all the experience that I have also seen of this in real life situations?  

1 Peter 4:3 gives us another list of sins but I also see the progression that Peter gives here.

step 1 - sensuality - entice the senses, a step into the shameless

step 2 - lusts - now I need more, a desire to feed this step 1

step 3 - drunkenness - an over indulgence that leads to lack of self-control because of step 2

step 4 - carousing - a procession, involving others in the activity of step 3

step 5 - drinking parties - a gathering, a planned event, a looking forward to event of step 4

step 6 - abominable idolatries - a worship of that initial step set up by step 5

Someone went from just stepping across the line in an area of life that they knew was warned of in Scripture and ended up making it their god.  I have witnessed this over and over in real life and it never turns out good unless the person recognizes it as sin and therefore repents and turns back to God and God's way.  

The passage speaks to the abuse of alcohol but I think the principles could and should be used for any sin and the direction it will go if unchecked.  The Bible says things like "...not a hint..." or "...guard your heart and eyes..." or "...above reproach..." and the like to make us seriously look at the first step off the path.

So what am I saying?  Where does any sin lead?  What is it ultimate outcome?  I am reminded of the verse that started the church in Gaylord, John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."  The second part of the verse is so true and the one we usually focus on.  But the first part of the verse is also very true and the one we play around with too much.

Sin is not to be played with but to be dealt with.  You deal with in not on your own terms (you can't) but by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Maybe we as Christians need to be calling the "slippery slope" by its real name - "sin" earlier on (very early) in the progression.

Just some Saturday morning - pre Sunday sermon thoughts.

Adam