THE SIN OF IGNORANCE

I.INTRODUCTION--We sometimes pray for the Lord to forgive us of sins of "omission" as well as "commission."
A.The Bible speaks of "unwitting" or "ignorant" sins, or mistakes we make out of ignorance.
1. God, in the OT, permitted a "sin-offering" for such sins.
2. Wilful sins, committed in spite of a knowledge of the sinful nature of our deeds, were not provided a "sin-offering" (Hebrews 10:26).
B. But, IGNORANCE, of itself is a dangerous thing.
1. God has given many commands for teaching His will. Exodus 24:12, Psalm 143:10, Matthew 28:19-20
2. A lack of knowledge of God is sufficient for condemnation. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

II. LESSON--
A. There are two types of ignorance.
1. INTENTIONAL--
a. Gentiles guilty of this. Ephesians 4:17-19, Romans 1:28
b. BUT, it is found in Christians, also. Hebrews 3:7-15
c. The WILFUL nature of this ignorance is hard to correct. 2 Peter 3:1-7
2. UN-INTENTIONAL--
a. Paul's ignorance was evidently of this type. 1 Timothy 1:12-14
b. He was readily obedient to knowledge. Acts 26:12-20
c. The Bereans were commended for this "readiness" of mind. Acts 17:10-11
B. "Ignorance of the Law is no excuse," in EITHER case. Luke 12:47-48
1. We see here guilt from wilful ignorance.
a. This brings calamity on those who reject knowledge. Proverbs 1:20-33
b. This calamity comes to Christians, also. James 4:17
2. But, guilt results from "innocent" ignorance. see Acts 3:13-19.
a. We are under obligation to "walk" by what we know. Philippians 3:16
b. Where is the dividing line between un-intentional and wilful ignorance? Will we be unable to distinguish? See 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

CONCLUSION--
A. The Lord desires that we "increase" in knowledge. Colossians 1:9-10, 2 Peter 3:18, Ephesians 5:17
B. We are not to associate ourselves with the causes of the ignorant. 1 Corinthians 15:19, 33-34; 2 Peter 3:15-17
C. The road to stedfastness, and the fullest proof of our Christianity, lies in the direction of knowledge and wisdom. Colossians 2:1-7