We can all admit that some, if not all, the sins we commit have some pleasant or pleasurable attribute; otherwise, we would not bother to do them in the first place. And although we have learned that sin’s byproduct tenders us nothing sustainable (in contrast to what we have in Christ Jesus), it is the fleshly pursuit of gratification that draws us back to them. So if that is all there is to sin, what is the big deal; why is our Lord so against sin?
It’s Kind of Like Tooth Decay
The Greek word for sorcery (from today’s passage) is ‘Pharmakeia, ’ which is where we get the word pharmacy. Therefore, when we see the word used in the Bible, we can know that sorcery is more closely related to drug abuse than it is to those things we might commonly associate with the word sorcery, although those trappings can surely be included in the mix. I have singled out drug use for a reason.
The danger of sin (perhaps more readily identified in the illegal use of drugs), is that during the activity, all things demonic have been given access to our souls. This demonically-fueled evil, if not thwarted (via confession and repentance), leads to destruction. A Christian cannot be possessed by the devil or by demons, but given access they will do severe damage to the spiritual walls that surround our souls. The sinning Christian does not lose his salvation, but there are brutal consequences for his sins he commits.
A Picture of Nehemiah
“The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” Nehemiah1:3
In a way, the sinning Christian is like Jerusalem represented here in the Book of Nehemiah. The Lord has not withdrawn Himself from her, but because of sin and neglect, her walls lie in a shambles, so much so that most believe that they cannot be restored. However, we know how the story ends, and like the Prophet Joel records, if there is repentance, the Lord can and will restore that which the locust has ruined.
He Dwells -- The B'log in My Eye 