Title: Exposed by the Light: A Three-Part Series on Heinous Biblical Sins
Foundation Scripture
Proverbs 26:26 (KJV) “Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be showed before the whole congregation.”
This Proverb teaches us that deceit and malice cannot remain hidden forever. God, in His perfect wisdom and justice, will reveal the truth. While humanity may attempt to conceal sin, His light will shine, exposing everything hidden in darkness.
As Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.” God values honesty and transparency. He desires to purify us and bring us closer to Him, not to punish.
Cross-References for the Series
- Luke 12:2-3: “For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.”
- Ephesians 5:13: “But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.”
- Hebrews 4:13: “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
A Personal Reflection
Before diving into the teaching, let me share a part of my own journey. There were times when I lived in deceit, trying to juggle multiple relationships or hide my true self. I thought I could outsmart situations, but God always exposed my ways. One time, while I was with one girl, another showed up—and then another! I laugh now, knowing how blind I was. God was teaching me a lesson: You cannot hide who you are from the Lord.
Beyond my own faults, there were also people who sought to exploit my kindness and talents. They disguised their intentions, using me for their gain. But God, in His mercy, would always pull me out of these situations, exposing their true nature. I learned that discernment from the Holy Spirit is essential. Not everyone who smiles at you has your best interests at heart.
As Christians, we are called to be wise and discerning, “as wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). The enemy works tirelessly to deceive, as he did with Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Betrayal, deceit, and malice are not new; they are deeply rooted in human history and Scripture. Let’s explore these themes by examining three heinous stories in the Bible.
Part 1: The Fall of Gehazi
Introduction
Cross-reference: Ephesians 5:11-13 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.”
Deceit often begins with greed or selfish ambition. Such was the case with Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, who allowed his greed to cloud his judgment and lead him into sin. His story reminds us of the destructive power of unchecked desires and the consequences of lying to cover them up.
The Biblical Story: 2 Kings 5:20-27
After Elisha healed Naaman of leprosy, Naaman offered gifts in gratitude. Elisha, however, refused, showing that God’s miracles are not for sale. Gehazi, driven by greed, pursued Naaman and deceitfully asked for the gifts in Elisha’s name. He hid the goods, thinking his actions were secret. However, Elisha confronted him, saying, “Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you?”
As a result, Gehazi was struck with Naaman’s leprosy. His sin, though concealed for a moment, was exposed by God’s prophet. This story teaches us that greed and deceit will not go unpunished, and God’s justice will prevail.
Reflection
Gehazi’s fall resonates with times in my life when I sought personal gain instead of honoring God. His story serves as a cautionary tale to guard our hearts against greed and to trust in God’s provision.
Part 2: The Sin of King David and Bathsheba
Introduction
Cross-reference: Luke 12:2-3 “For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.”
Gehazi’s deceit was driven by greed. Meanwhile, the sin of King David and Bathsheba reveals the destructive power of lust. It also shows the lengths to which one might go to conceal wrongdoing. This story is a sobering reminder that even the most beloved of God’s servants are not immune to sin.
The Biblical Story: 2 Samuel 11:1-27
King David, a man after God’s own heart, succumbed to temptation when he saw Bathsheba bathing. Instead of turning away, he acted on his lust, bringing her to his palace and committing adultery with her. When Bathsheba became pregnant, David attempted to cover up the sin by summoning her husband, Uriah, from the battlefield. David encouraged Uriah to go home to his wife, hoping to disguise the child as Uriah’s.
Uriah refused to leave his post out of loyalty to his fellow soldiers. In response, David resorted to an even more heinous act. He arranged for Uriah to be placed in the front lines of battle, where Uriah was killed. David’s actions seemed hidden, but God sent the prophet Nathan to confront him. Through a parable, Nathan exposed David’s sin, saying, “You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7). As a result, David faced severe consequences, including the death of his child.
Reflection
David’s sin and its exposure teach us that no one is above God’s law. Even when we try to conceal our wrongdoings, God sees all. David’s heartfelt repentance in Psalm 51 is sincere. It shows that God’s mercy is available to those who truly turn back to Him. This story challenges us to examine our hearts, seek forgiveness, and strive for integrity.
Part 3: The Betrayal of Judas Iscariot
Introduction
Cross-reference: Hebrews 4:13 “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
The story of Judas Iscariot is one of the most heinous acts of betrayal recorded in Scripture. It demonstrates how the enemy can use greed, pride, and disillusionment to corrupt even those closest to Jesus. Judas’ actions serve as a stark warning of the dangers of allowing sin to fester in our hearts.
The Biblical Story: Matthew 26:14-16, 47-50; 27:3-5
Judas was one of the twelve disciples, chosen by Jesus and entrusted with the group’s finances. However, his greed led him to betray the Son of God for thirty pieces of silver. Judas conspired with the chief priests, agreeing to deliver Jesus into their hands.
On the night of Jesus’ arrest, Judas identified Him with a kiss. This was a gesture of intimacy turned into a symbol of treachery. Jesus, fully aware of Judas’ intentions, still referred to him as “friend” (Matthew 26:50).
Overwhelmed with guilt, Judas returned the silver to the priests and declared, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4). Yet, instead of seeking forgiveness, Judas took his own life. His tragic end underscores the devastating consequences of sin and unrepentance.
Reflection
Judas’ betrayal is a sobering reminder that proximity to Jesus does not guarantee a pure heart. It challenges us to examine our motives and guard against pride, greed, and disillusionment. Unlike Judas, we have the opportunity to repent and receive God’s mercy when we fall short. This story encourages us to remain steadfast in faith and humility.
Conclusion
These three stories—Gehazi’s greed, David’s lust, and Judas’ betrayal—illustrate the devastating consequences of sin when it is hidden and left unchecked. They also highlight God’s justice in exposing wickedness and His mercy toward those who truly repent. Let us walk in the light, seeking His guidance and striving for lives of integrity, humility, and faithfulness.
Joseph Mekael Page 
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