MDB 75: 1 Tim 5

Do you ever wonder whether the good that you do will be noticed? Do you feel sometimes that there is no point in refraining from that sin because no one is around? 

Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 5:24-25 that there is one who sees: God himself. And he makes sure that the sins and good works we do when no one is looking will be revealed in the last day: "The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden."

That should bring you good comfort on those days when you wonder whether you are making any difference. As you are faithful in your work, with your children, in your marriage, God sees. As you share God's Word faithfully, restrain your heart from sin, seek to be the lead repenter, God knows. Indeed, as one old preacher said, "Seed sown is seed lost until the harvest." All the good that God's Spirit does in and through you will be revealed on the last day.

In the same way, this text should cause you to fear if you are cherishing a hidden sin. Perhaps there is some private lust that you cherish, some inward fantasy in which you delight. Perhaps it is some anger, some bitterness that you delight to keep at a slow, smoldering burn. Perhaps it is some lie that you have maintained through the years in order to allow your sin to fester. Be warned: God sees; God knows. And in the last day, these too will be revealed at the judgment.