John 3:18-21• Non-believers 18

• Do: Practice evil deeds 19

• Values: Hate light, love darkness 19-20

• Seek: Avoids reproof for his deeds 20

• The cover of darkness is used to conceal the sins of man and allows him to remain comfortable in his current practices

Cover of Darkness• Cover (Covert - hidden or disguised)

• 1 Thess 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

• Convert When Jesus returns for judgment:

• Correct all denominations of their errors

• Convince all the atheists of His existence

• Congratulate all church members?

Covert or Convert?• Conceal true self to avoid church discipline1 Cor. 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to

keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer (abuser), or a drunkard, or an extortioner (swindler, robber); with such an one no not to eat.

• These 6 and more contained in 6:9-11

• 5 of 6 sins are obvious to most Christians (fornication, extortion, abuse, drunk, idolatry)

Conceal Sin from Self• The hard one to spot in ourselves is covetousness• Cover, Covert, Convert• Cover, Covet • 2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in

the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

• Amos 5:18-20 looked forward to the day of the Lord not realizing it meant their destruction

• Was the rich young ruler aware of covetousness• Did Ananias and Sapphira justify lie to themselves

Easily Concealed Sin• Need to be responsible with money:

• provide for family: 1 Tim. 5:8

• pay our bills: Rom. 13:7-8

• contribute on Sunday: 1 Cor. 16:1-2

• retirement planning: Gal. 6:4-5• 2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be

in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?