Today we start a series of lessons on the subject of sin, focusing on the origin and nature of it.  This morning, by way of introduction, we will examine the deceptive nature of it.  Thanks to Jeremy Sweet in Back To Basics for the idea.
The definition of sin is to literally miss the mark, hamartia, such as an archer misses the target. Who's behind it and what's the problem with it?  (For a more detailed outline of sin click here)  

1) SATAN IS VERY GOOD AT WHAT HE DOES
    A. Sin is deceptive in nature, creeps up on people and many times catches them off guard.  1 Cor: 10:12
    B. 1 Peter 5:8 -  Peter sounded that warning long ago
    C. Since Satan is the ultimate deceiver we need to be aware of his schemes - 2 Cor 2:11
    D. How is it advertised?  FUN, GLAMOROUS, SATISFYING, GOOD,ETC..

2)  SIN TAKES YOU FURTHER THAN YOU WANT TO GO
     A. How does he (Satan) work? A little at a time.
         1.  First it's the attitude.  He finds an attitude tht is comfortable and complacent with worldly sin.
         2.  He sells the lie that people can commit a single sin and be ok, without worrying about a lifestyle.
         3.  Before you know it, men are ensnared in the habitual practice of it. 
         4.  The mind is clouded, the conscience seared, the heart hardened, a soul lost  Eph 4: 17-19
         5.  Satan wins, you lose.

3)  SIN CAN BE ADDICTIVE
     A. Jesus understood that - John 8:34
     B. Sin is presented as a momentary, passing pleasure, that single night of fun.
     C. But, for the enjoyment to continue the sin must persist.
     D. Sin will become our master if we obey our lusts - 2 Pet 2: 19

4) IT COSTS MORE THAN YO WANT TO PAY
     A. The pleasures may be momentary, but the consequences are not.  Proverbs 13:15
         1.  What are some consequences?  Broken homes, poor health, heartache, shame, guilt, squelches hope, and can provide no sense of purpose in this life AND ultimately can lead to being lost eternally.
               a.  2 Th 1: 8-9; Rev 20: 10, 15
 
5) THERE IS A WAY OF ESCAPE 1 Cor 10:13
     A. Keep a constant check on our attitudes and actions
     B. We must first obey the gospel and receive forgiveness of sins Mk 16: 15-16
     C. We must hate sin and expose error Ps. 119:104, 128; Eph 5:11
     D. We must keep "watching and praying" Mt 26:41
     E. We must pay close attention to the Word lest we drift away from sin Heb 2:1
     F. We must make no provision for the flesh Rom 13: 13-14, 1 Tim 6:11, Titus 2: 11-12

The consequences of sin NEVER have a positive outcome.