THE SINNER AND THE WICKED
A BIBLICAL RESPONSE
JEAN MAURICE PROSPER
INTRODUCTION
Scripture Reading: Psalm 1:5-6 “Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”
Greetings brothers and sisters. In this ebook, I want to speak to you about an important truth many overlook. The difference between a sinner and a wicked person. We often blur this subject, yet God’s Word helps us understand the distinction to examine ourselves, grow in humility, and avoid the path that leads to destruction.
You see, we are all sinners in need of God’s grace, but the Bible tells us that there’s a deeper level of rebellion called wickedness, where the heart hardens against God and chooses evil as its delight. Let us explore this together in a spirit of love, correction, and encouragement.
CHAPTER 1
A Sinner: Falling Short but Still Reaching for God
Let’s start with what it means to be a sinner. The Bible is prominent: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This means that every single one of us has sinned. We have said things, done things, or even thought things that are against God’s will.
But here’s the key difference: a sinner doesn’t necessarily want to stay in sin. Some sin out of weakness, others out of ignorance, and some because of the pressures of life. Yet, within the heart of a sinner, there is often a flicker of hope, a longing to turn back to God. Think of the tax collector in Luke 18:13. He stood at a distance, wouldn’t even lift his eyes to heaven, and prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” This man knew he was guilty. He didn’t defend himself or justify his actions. He humbled himself before God, and Jesus said he went home justified.
My dear friends, being a sinner doesn’t mean you are hopeless. It means you need God’s grace and fortunately, He freely offers it!
A Wicked Person: A Heart Hardened Against God
Now, let us look at the wicked person. The Bible speaks powerfully about wickedness because it is not just about sin, it is about embracing sin, delighting in it, and refusing to turn back to God.
Psalm 10:4 says, “The wicked, in the pride of his countenance, does not seek Him. All his thoughts are, ‘There is no God.” The wicked person doesn’t just fall into sin, they choose to live in rebellion. They mock God’s ways, reject His love, and lead others astray.
Wickedness is a condition of the heart that hardens when someone repeatedly refuses God’s call. Think of Pharaoh in Exodus repeatedly, God gave him chances to repent, but he hardened his heart. He chose pride and rebellion over humility and obedience.
The wicked person isn’t someone who struggles with sin but has made sin their identity, lifestyle, and delight.
The Key Differences
Let’s pause and reflect on the difference between a sinner and a wicked person:
Attitude Toward Sin: A sinner may feel guilt or remorse and desire to change, but the wicked person is proud of their sin and justifies it.
Heart Condition: A sinner’s heart can still be tender and open to correction, but the wicked person ’ s heart is often complex and rebellious.
Response to God: Like the tax collector, a sinner may cry out for mercy. A wicked person mocks God and His Word, refusing to acknowledge their need for Him.
CHAPTER 2
God’s Desire for All
Here’s the beauty of God’s Word:
Whether you see yourself as a sinner or someone leaning toward wickedness, there is Hope. God does not delight in the destruction of the wicked but longs for everyone to repent and turn to Him.
Ezekiel 33:11 says, “As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.”
God’s arms are open wide for anyone willing to turn to Him. Whether you are caught in sin or feel like your heart has grown cold, He can soften your heart, cleanse your sin, and restore you to Himself.
How to Respond
How does God call us to respond to them?
This is not just an academic question but practical and deeply personal. Every day, we encounter people struggling with sin or who have hardened their hearts against God. Our response matters. It reflects our understanding of God’s grace and truth, which can be the difference between someone turning back to God or moving further away. What does the Bible teaches us about responding to sinners and wicked people?
Responding to a Sinner: With Compassion and Truth
When we think of a sinner, we often think of someone who knows they are wrong but struggles to break free from their sin. These are individuals who may feel shame, guilt, or even helplessness. How should we respond to them?
Show Compassion and Grace
Remember, brothers and sisters, we are all sinners saved by grace. There is no room for pride or judgment when approaching someone caught in sin. Jesus demonstrated compassion to sinners, eating with them, talking with them, and offering them hope.
• Scripture: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
• Application: Approach a sinner with humility and love. Be a reminder of God’s mercy, not His judgment.
Point Them to Christ
Sinners don’t need condemnation. They need a Saviour. Our role is lovingly pointing them to Jesus, who forgives sins and transforms lives.
• Scripture: “There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
• Application: Share the Gospel, pray with them, and encourage them to turn to Jesus, who offers forgiveness and freedom.
Encourage Repentance
Genuine compassion does not ignore sin but gently calls for repentance. Sinners must recognise their wrongs, confess them, and turn away to walk in God’s grace.
• Scripture: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19).
• Application: Walk alongside them in their journey, encouraging them to leave sin behind and live in the freedom of Christ.
Responding to a Wicked Person: Bold Truth and Prayerful Patience
Let’s turn to the more challenging question: How do we react to wicked people? These are individuals who have hardened their hearts, deliberately rejected God, and embraced sin as their way of life.
Speak the Truth in Love
A wicked person often rejects correction, but that does not mean we remain silent. Our role is to speak God’s truth with love and firmness, reminding them of God’s standard and the consequences of rebellion.
• Scripture: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).
• Application: Be bold but gentle. Do not attack them personally; instead, confront their sin with a heart that desires repentance.
Pray for Their Heart to Soften
Only God can transform a wicked heart. Our role is to intercede for them, asking God to break through their pride and rebellion and bring them to repentance.
• Scripture: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
• Application: Commit to praying regularly for those whose hearts are far from God. Trust that no one is beyond His reach.
Protect Yourself from Their Influence
While we are called to love and witness to wicked people, the Bible warns us to be cautious. Their influence can lead us astray if we are not careful.
• Scripture: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
• Application: Set boundaries, remain rooted in God’s Word, and seek counsel from mature believers when engaging with wicked individuals.
Why Our Response Matters
Brothers and sisters, our response to sinners and wicked people is not about proving ourselves right or condemning others. It is about being ambassadors of Christ, reflecting His grace and truth to a world that desperately needs Him.
When we show compassion to a sinner, we mirror the heart of Jesus, who said, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more ” (John 8:11). When we speak boldly to a wicked person, we echo the prophets who called Israel to repentance, always offering hope alongside warning.
CHAPTER 3
A Call to Action
Let me leave you with this challenge: Examine Your Heart: Are you showing the same grace to others God has shown you?
Be Bold and Compassionate: Speak the truth, but let it always be rooted in love.
Pray Without Ceasing: Pray for those struggling in sin or hardened in wickedness, trusting that God can transform any heart.
What if we try but cannot respond appropriately?
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. ”
Beloved, there are times when we feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or even helpless in dealing with difficult people. Whether they are sinners struggling in their weakness or wicked individuals set in their rebellion.
The Bible calls us to respond with grace, truth, and love, but let’s be honest this is not always easy.
Maybe you ’ ve tried to be patient but are running out of kindness. Perhaps you ’ ve spoken the truth but received it with hostility, and now you feel defeated.
If this is where you are, take heart. God knows our struggles and does not leave us to face them alone. What we can do when we find it hard to respond as the Bible teaches?
Acknowledge Your Weakness
The first step is to recognise that we cannot do this alone. When faced with difficult people, human nature struggles with pride, frustration, and fear. But acknowledging our weakness is not a failure, it is the beginning of allowing God’s strength to work through us.
Scripture: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Application: When you cannot respond biblically, pause and admit your need for God’s help. Pray something simple, like, “Lord, I can’t do this alone. Please give me Your strength and wisdom.”
Depend on God’s Grace
God’s grace is sufficient for every situation, including the difficult ones. His grace not only forgives us when we fall short but empowers us to respond in ways that reflect His love.
Scripture: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Application: Lean into God’s grace. Ask Him to soften your heart, give you patience, and remind you of His love for the person you struggle to deal with.
Remember God’s Example
When we feel like giving up on someone, it helps to remember how God has dealt with us. He has been patient with our sins, gracious in our failures, and faithful even when we have strayed.
Scripture: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8).
Application: Reflect on how God has shown grace to you. Use this to motivate others to extend the same grace, even when it is difficult.
Ask for the Holy Spirit’s Help
The Bible reminds us that we cannot walk in obedience without the Holy Spirit. He is our helper, counsellor, and source of strength.
When we feel weak, the Spirit intercedes for us and equips us to respond in ways we could never manage.
Scripture: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and remind you of all that I have told you ” (John 14:26).
Application: Before responding to a difficult person, pause and pray, “Holy Spirit, guide me. Help me to respond with Your wisdom and love.”
Focus on Small Acts of Obedience
Sometimes, the thought of responding biblically feels overwhelming because it requires more than we think we can give. But God does not expect perfection. He asks for faithfulness, even in small steps.
Scripture: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up ” (Galatians 6:9).
Application: Focus on a tiny act of obedience at a time. Maybe it’s choosing to listen instead of reacting, offering a kind word instead of a harsh one, or simply praying for the person before speaking to them.
Trust God with the Results
We struggle to respond biblically because we feel responsible for the outcome. We think, “What if they don’t change?” or “What if they don’t listen?” But remember, our job is to obey; the results are in God’s hands.
Scripture: “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow ” (1 Corinthians 3:7).
Application: Trust God to work in the other person ’ s heart. Your faithful response is an act of obedience to Him, regardless of how the other person reacts.
CONCLUSION
Beloved, responding as the Bible teaches is not always easy, but it is always possible when we rely on God’s strength and grace. If you find it difficult, don’t be discouraged. Remember that God sees your struggles and is with you every step of the way. We are all called to be instruments of God’s grace and truth.
Whether dealing with a sinner who needs encouragement or a wicked person who needs correction, let us respond in a way that glorifies God and points them to Jesus.
When you feel weak, lean on His power. When you feel unsure, seek His wisdom. When you feel frustrated, remember His patience with you. And When you feel like giving up, trust that He is working in ways you cannot see.
Remember, God is patient, “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Let us mirror His patience, love, and truth as we interact with those around us.
And to those who might disagree with my message, I humbly say this: I know no better way to bring peace and love into our lives and our world than what Jesus has taught me in his word; this is His way. If you find yourself questioning, I invite you to take it to Jesus. Pray, read His Word, and see what He says. His ways are higher than ours, and He will guide you in truth.
Let us commit today to walk in obedience, not by our strength but by His Spirit. May the Lord guide you as you walk this journey, and may He use you to bring sinners and even the wicked to the foot of the cross.
Amen