1. It deceives us into misusing the Law of God. It persuades us that if we have not actually performed an act of sin, then we have not sinned!
2. It points out our failure and therefore depresses us. We feel hopeless. In our feelings of failure and hopelessness we easily sin the second, third etc time. We quickly become enslaved.
3. The more we sin, the more grace abounds and we repeat the mantra of "being under grace" and we twist the doctrine of grace to mean that our actions no longer matter. To quote another ... "we can kick the old lady across the road!" Rubbish!
4. Sin deceives us by making us feel that God is against us "has God said?" is the question asked of Eve.
5. It makes us feel that the Law is unreasonable and is prohibitive and cramping our style!
6. Sin makes us think more highly of ourselves. "why should we be deprived of what is desirable?" that is the nub of the temptation in the Garden. We are owed better! We were meant for freedom!
7. Sin tells us that certain drives and instincts are natural and need full expression. Repression will be bad for us! We should never have a feeling of guilt!
8. Sin deceives us about its actual nature. It appears so attractive and makes the righteous life look so drab and lacking in colour!
9. It deceives about the consequences of sin by belittling the outcomes. "You shall surely die?" is the question asked in the Garden. It talks much about the love of God - anything to divert our attention from consequences.
