Sin 101: Subtle Origins

Genesis 3:1-13

Sin and its consequences are horrifically devastating. Not only is sin extensive in its impact, but its destruction runs deep into our most inner-being. The next three sermons will explore these aspects of sin, with the first sermon beginning with its subtle origins.

Although Adam and Eve's treachery against God is damning, the way that they were tempted was subtle. It began with a seemingly innocent question about God's Word, but morphed into a blatant attack on God's character. Eventually, Adam and Eve base their actions and decision not on God's character and Word, but based on their own judgement.

This account of the original sin presents a template on how we too are tempted. Moreover, it exhorts us to have a repentant attitude toward God instead of casting blame on external factors. It exposes a lie that is particularly influential today: our problems are external and our solution is internal. The gospel of Jesus Christ, on the other hand, proclaims the opposite: our problems are internal (i.e., sin), but praise be to God that our solution is external (i.e., the work of Jesus Christ and his Spirit).