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I. "SIN ABOUNDS." This appears —

1. From its extensive prevalence. It is not a local evil, like many natural evils; but it is an universal mischief. This the apostle has shown in chaps, 1 and

2. However men may differ in their customs, wherever you go, sin reigns.

2. From the immense number of sins that are constantly committed. If we include, as we ought, our sins of omission, and our sins of thought, who can enumerate his errors (Genesis 6:5). From the first dawn of reason, through infancy, childhood, youth, and riper years, even to the end of human life, we are offending against God (Psalm 40:12).

3. From the eagerness with which men sin. How are our iniquities cultivated by art! they become, as it were, a trade. Men sin "as with a cart rope," "with both hands earnestly," and what plans are formed for the execution of it.

4. In some seasons and places iniquity unusually abounds; and persons arrive at a certain pitch of wickedness, beyond which God will not suffer them to go. Thus it was with Sodom and Gomorrah, etc.

5. Consider all the aboundings of sin in the aggravations of it. Thus, no doubt, Judas, with the knowledge he possessed, was far more criminal than Pilate. Religious education tends greatly to aggravate the sins of those who continue in them; and when sins are committed against the special goodness and mercy of God, they are also greatly aggravated.

6. Sin will appear to abound, if you advert to the calamitous effects which it has produced. God would not suffer His creatures to endure so much misery if He were not greatly displeased with their sins. The earth is cursed for man's sake.

7. The prudence of man in framing human laws is another proof of the same truth. Why are bonds and oaths necessary in our affairs? Why must we have locks, and bolts, and bars, to our habitations? Why must we have judges and magistrates, prisons and gibbets? The reason is, that sin so much abounds.

8. Recollect also the numerous and painful diseases which invade the human frame.

II. GRACE SUPERABOUNDS. Grace signifies "the free favour of God" towards sinful and undeserving creatures; and it stands opposed in Scripture to the merit or wages of works performed (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Romans 6:23). Grace abounds —

1. In the whole business of salvation, from first to last. It originated in the heart of God, who, pitied us in our low estate; and devised a plan of salvation; to us perfectly easy, to Himself highly honourable. It was God who, unasked, presented to the world that "unspeakable gift." Grace is admirably displayed in the glorious person and the perfect work of the Son of God. "Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, etc."

2. In the gospel of Christ, which, on that account, is itself called "The grace of God" (Titus 2:11, 12).

3. In the free and full justification of the sinner who believes (1 Timothy 1:14). But it is not only said that "grace abounds," but that it "much more abounds." We derive more from Christ than we lost in Adam.Conclusion:

1. Let us diligently study the doctrine Of grace.

2. Let us be concerned, above all things, to be partakers of this grace.

3. What a source is here of consolation, even for the chief of sinners.

4. What abundant cause is here for praise — ardent, constant praise!

5. This subject furnishes us with a mighty incentive to holiness.

(G. Burder.)

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KJV: Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

WEB: The law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly;