Our text today is James 4:17.  This morning we're going to talk about the sin of omission.  A subject that's occasionally discussed, but rarely looked at in depth. We won't have the opportunity to discuss everything about it, but we hope after this lesson we'll have a better understanding of what the sin of omission is.

1)  THE FREE WILL - Free will is the ability of man to rationally chooses to do or not do an action. The concept of waiting or withholding one's choice is really a choice to do no action.  James is dealing what the Christians were omitting from their lives, therefore they were sinning.

2)  COMMISSION AND OMISSION - We ofter talk about things we don't commit, but the Bible clearly teaches we can fail to do things we should be doing and also be wrong!
     A.  I John 3:4 - it's a serious thing to transgress the law...to commit sin. As we've said before many people categorize sin.  They say well, I don't commit adultery, steal, etc. and sit "comfortably" thinking that's all there is.  The good Lord also expects activity, to be pro-active servants.
     B.  Sin is lawlessness - it is anomia, or violation of the law.
         1.  Sin occurs when you do what is forbidden, or the sin of commission
         2.  Sin also occurs when you fail to do what is good or commanded, or the sin of omission.
              a.  We understand in society the seriousness of doing nothing, even children learn that!

3)  SCRIPTURES - relating to omission
     A.  ROM 3:23 - "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
     B.  JAMES 4:17 - "therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin" James 1:27 - What if you don't do those things mentioned here?
     C.  LUKE 12: 47-48 - the slave who did not act...
     D.  MT 23:23 - the things the scribes and Pharisees should have done.
     E.  1 SAM 15:3 - the example of Saul
     F.  1 SAM 12:23 - Samuel and the responsibility to pray
     G.  1 JOHN 3:14 - what about he who does not love the brethren?
     H.  HEB 10: 25-26 - attendance
     I.   1 Tim 5:8 - providing for your family
     J.   MAL 3: 8-10 - How have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings..
     K.  MT 25: 42-43 - What Jesus will say at the judgment that many failed to do..
     L.  JOHN 15: 8,2 - bearing fruit
     M.  2 PET 1: 5-10 - things to add, but what if you don't?
     N.  1 PET:3:7 - the responsibility of the husband
     O.  2 THESS 1:7-8 - the responsibility is to OBEY, but what if you don't?
     P.  Matt 25: 14-30 - the parable of the talents. Diligence is rewarded, negligence is punished.  Those who do evil will experience "wailing and gnashing of teeth", but also those who do nothing.
     We could mention others , but the point should be understood.

Conclusion:  IN THE LORD'S KINGDOM INACTIVITY IS SIN.  Remember, we can be guilty of the sin of omission and commission.