Chuck Smith emphasizes the exceeding sinfulness of sin, explaining that many misunderstand the nature of sin by reducing it to mere physical acts. He highlights the importance of recognizing sin's depth and its psychological implications, arguing that true understanding of sin is essential for salvation, evangelism, and holiness. Smith points out that Christ's teachings reveal that sin goes beyond actions to the heart's intentions, and he warns of the destructive nature of sin, urging believers to grasp the significance of Christ's sacrifice for their redemption.

"THE EXCEEDING SINFULNESS OF SIN" Intro: Reduced command to actual physical act itself. They never understood the 10 commandments, isolated injunctions. I. CHRIST TEACHING ON THE NATURE OF SIN. A. Doctrine of sin not popular today. 1. Explained psychologically. a. Evolved from animals sloughing off nature. b. 50 yrs. Darwin's theory that we evolved from animals, and we've been going to the dogs ever since. 2. If we accept modern thought - scriptures can't mean much to us. B. Importance of doctrine of sin. 1. Essential to understand salvation. a. Why did He die on the cross? b. Why the incarnation? c. God had told men how to live, not enough. Why? Human heart. d. God would not have allowed His Son to suffer unless it was essential. 2. Essential in understanding new birth. 3. Essential for true evangelism. a. Not just inviting men to wonderful life. b. Conviction for sin essential. 4. Essential for true understanding of holiness. 5. To understand God's great love. C. What did Christ teach? 1. The depth or power of sin. "Thou shalt not commit adultery." a. He did not say that as long as you did not commit the act, all is well. b. Need to get to heart of the matter, sin not sins. c. It is not so much that I do a thing, but what made me do it. What urged me on. d. The subtlety of sin. Reading novel. 2. The perverting nature and effect of sin. a. If the right hand offend thee - eye. b. It takes the instruments that God has given to us and perverts them. 3. Sin is destructive. a. "Better that one member should perish than whole body be cast into hell." I thank God for the gospel that teaches me that Christ who was holy, pure, spotless took my sins and guilt upon Himself and washed me in His precious blood and given me a new nature, His own.