The Devices of Sin

What Are Devices?

Tonight we're looking at the subject of devices in each of our lives. What are my devices? Once we identify them, how do we get rid of them?

Devices are the number one way to accomplish sin in one's own life. A device is something we use to perform something sinful, to derive sinful pleasure from a circumstance. It is useful—the primary tool to execute a sinful task.

Devices exist in a believer's life as long as sin remains. This is a lifelong battle, a lifelong struggle in dismantling and tearing down devices—things beneficial in a negative way to bring about sinful results or actions.

A basic definition: Devices are plans or tools for carrying out sinful actions. A device is something made or adapted for a particular purpose, intended to produce a particular effect.

Biblical Foundation for Devices

Understanding devices from a biblical perspective helps identify and remove them. A foundational text is Ecclesiastes 7:25, 29:

See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many devices.

God made man upright, to walk righteously in honor and fellowship with Him. But humanity seeks out devices—turning from God's ideal life to vain pursuits. Everything outside fearing God and keeping His commandments is vanity, chasing after the wind.

Psalm 5:10:

Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own devices, because of the abundance of their transgressions; cast them out, for they have rebelled against you.

Devices bear guilt and produce an abundance of transgressions. They are tools to rebel against God.

Psalm 81:10-12, 16:

I am the Lord your God... Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices... I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.

Not listening to God leads to turning to devices. Satisfaction comes only from God, not devices. Being given over to devices is judgment.

Proverbs 1:29-31:

Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices.

Those who hate knowledge, reject the fear of the Lord, and despise reproof—exposure, conviction, and correction of sin—fill themselves with devices. Reproof is a treasure; despise it, and choose death over correction.

Job 5:12:

He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.

God frustrates devices of the crafty, making them useless.

Isaiah 32:7:

As for the rogue, his devices are evil; he devises wicked devices to ruin the poor with lying words, even when the plea of the needy is right.

Devices include evil speech to deceive and harm.

Isaiah 65:2:

I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices.

Rebellious people follow their own devices.

Jeremiah 6:19:

Behold, I am bringing disaster upon this people, the fruit of their devices, because they have not paid attention to my words; as for my law, they have rejected it.

Devices reject God's word; their fruit is disaster and judgment. Temptation is not opportunity but leads to God's judgment. Ask: Is this what Jesus died for?

Romans 1:30 describes people who invent evil—new sins beyond exhaustive lists.

Practical Examples of Devices

A device can be anything bringing sinful results—even something good twisted into sin. Jude 4:

For certain people have crept in unnoticed... ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Grace becomes a license to sin.

1 Corinthians 4:5 uses the same word for "purposes" of the heart—hidden devices God will expose.

Practical devices:

• Literal devices: Computer, smartphone, social media—access to pornography, slander, pride, immorality.
• Speech: Tongue as a device (James 3)—hurtful, deceptive words reveal the heart. Control it for self-control.
• Relationships: Used for immorality, identity, praise from sinners instead of Savior.
• Legalism: Outward righteousness hiding inward sin, like Pharisees—whitewashed tombs.

Scrutinize your life against God's word for stability, satisfaction, joy, security.

Dismantling Devices

Psalm 37:7:

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices.

Be still—don't move, quiet distractions, submit, wait patiently. Fretting leads to devices for prosperity or relief. In temptation, be still; zero stumbles. Trust God amid encroaching evil.

All sin is idolatry. Instead of waiting, Israel crafted a golden calf (Exodus 32:1-6)—a device-idol credited as their savior.

1 Corinthians 10:7-14:

Do not be idolaters... No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore... flee from idolatry.

Flee devices. Sins seem like Goliath; focus on big God. He provides escape—take it through trust, not self-reliance. Endure as marathon via gospel power (Hebrews 12). Christ defeated the enemy.