Despite the fact that Jesus paid for our sins on Calvary, sin takes a toll on you.  And we need to consider the toll of sin when we are debating whether or not to commit sin.  Many people never consider this because we live in an age of defiled and seared consciences.  People have a casual attitude toward sin and they lack the fear of God.  Consider these:

The Spiritual Toll of Sin, Ps 38:1-3, 9-10, 15, 18, 21-22.

Notice God’s wrath, hot displeasure, and anger.  Often, in his mercy and long-suffering toward us, we don’t feel the degree of his wrath that David described here.  Nevertheless, its in him, Eph 5:3-7.  You can’t sin with impunity.

David’s desire is toward the Lord, but he’s still groaning.  You need to realize this will happen when you make the decision to sin.  This spiritual toll lingers.

According to Ps 38:15, 18 the Lord will hear you when you declare your sin and you are sorry.  The young man who sinned in 1 Cor 5 was forgiven, but he could have been swallowed up with over much sorrow, 2 Cor 2:7.  Thankfully, you can recover.

Ps 38:21-22 the Lord will not forsake you, he will help you.  Thank God 1 Jn 1:9 is true.  But you will definitely feel this spiritual toll.

The Emotional Toll of Sin, Ps 38:4, 6, 8-9, 17.

Ps 38:4 David described how the sin had gone over his head, it was a heavy burden.  In v.6 he was troubled, bowed down, and mourning all day.  In v.8-9 he roared, and he was groaning.  And in v.17 he sorrowed continually.  Unless your conscience is totally seared, you’re going to feel this.

The Physical Toll, Ps 38:3, 5, 7-8, 11.

Ps 38:3 David had no soundness in his flesh, and no rest in his bones. v.5 his wounds stunk, and they were corrupt.  In v.7-8 he wrote of his disease, and in v.11 his sore.  Sin can leave you with permanent physical damage, depending on the type of sin.  Gal 6:7-8 shows you that when you sow to the flesh you reap corruption.

The Relational Toll, Ps 38:11-14, 16, 19-20.

Ps 38:11 Lovers and friends stand aloof, and kinsmen stand afar off.  Families are devastated by certain sins.  Churches are likewise hurt by sins you commit.  In 2 Cor 2:6 Paul recounts the punishment inflicted of many against the young man in 1 Cor 5.

And enemies will have a hey day seeking your hurt.  Nathan told David that he had given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme.  You can’t open your mouth or reprove them.  In Ps 38:16 they magnify themselves against you when you slip.

In Ps 38:19-20 David describes his enemies as lively and rendering evil for good.  Ahithophel turned on David years after the sin with Bathsheba and went with Absalom.  Joab turned on David at the end of his reign and went with Adonijah.

Conclusion: This is a very sober message on sin.  But you must consider these things before you decide to ruin your life and the lives of others with sin.  If you are currently involved in some sin that can do these things David described, slam the brakes on it now.  And if you are thinking about sinning like this, flee those youthful lusts.  Get away from this right now.