The Three Classes of Sinners

Proverbs 1:22

“How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?”

In this verse we see three classes of sinners. More than likely we all know someone that falls under one of the three characteristics. Let’s look at what these three types of sinners are and you can decide which one you may fall under or someone you know may fall under so you can guide them away from these ways into a closer walk with Christ.

The first class of sinners that is mentioned is the simple. These are people who will believe absolutely anything but examine nothing. This characteristic is very dangerous. The simple are know for being very gullible and being easily lead astray. For instance, it is so important for people who are sitting in the pews on Sunday’s and Wednesdays to actually study what the Pastor has preached. The pastor could be falsely teaching God’s word, so as a follower of Christ we need to see what God’s word says to us. Yes most pastors are extremely knowledgeable and will aid you on your walk towards heaven, however there are some who are out there who will lead you astray for various reasons. So don't be simple minded! Dig deep into the word of God and seek your own spiritual growth!

The second class of sinners that is mentioned is the scorners. In my opinion these are the worst. These are the people who think they know it all. Let me be the first to tell you that I have been in the ministry for four years now, meaning my whole life is now devoted to serving God and studying His infallible word, but I don't know as much as I should know, let alone knowing it all! Warren Weirsbie described people who are scorners as “people who laugh at the things that are really important.” In my opinion the people of the church tend to fall under this category most of the time. Just because you go to church doesn't make you better than anyone else, going to church doesn't even make you a Christian. You should desire to come fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ and hear God’s word being preached, however sitting in a church pew every Sunday won’t save you, only a relationship with Jesus Christ will! So don't think you are better than anyone just because you come to church.

Here’s my point, the last thing Jesus has told us, after He died and rose out of the grave was to got be His disciples in this world. As Christians some of us don't take what Jesus told us seriously. The purpose of The Great Commission is for us to reach people by sharing the Gospel with them. Christians, we must understand that there are lost people who's final destination is Hell. If we do not get out into this world and share Jesus with them, which is the only way they can be set on a new destination towards Heaven, then the lost will spend an eternity in Hell. As Christians we possess the ability to share the Gospel with the lost, however we must be willing to do so. It’s time to start taking The Great Commission seriously and sharing the Gospel with the lost.

The fools are the final class. They are ignorant and stubborn. We all know someone who is stubborn right? The fool doesn't have a low IQ or poor education, their issue is they lack a desire to seek God’s wisdom. The fool is a materialistic person who has no desire of anything eternal. The fool is destined for Hell because they do not desire God at all. The only unpardonable sin is an unbelief in God (Matthew 12:31-32) and the fool will deny God. I must make this statement, just because all sins are forgiven that does not give us freedom to commit sin as much as we want. Don't be a fool, follow God!

So which category are you convicted by? Pray today that God would guide you into a closer walk with Him and don't forget the great call that Jesus has for us in the Gospel according to Luke, that if we want to be a follower of Christ we must deny ourselves and daily pick up our cross and follow Him on our journey Home.