Sin and the devil are often conflated, but they are separate concepts. In essence, sin refers to the act of succumbing to our wicked desires and transgressing against the will of God. On the other hand, the devil preys upon those who engage in sinful behaviour. Regrettably, people frequently attribute their own actions against God, saying, “The devil made me do it”.
It is important to recognize that while God created both good and evil in this world, His intention was for humanity to remain in His light, shielded from the knowledge of evil. To uphold this, God explicitly prohibited Adam and Eve from partaking in the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. However, the curiosity of man regarding this prohibition caught the attention of satan. It is crucial to note that satan did not inject sin into their heart; rather, he exploited the preexisting inclination towards disobedience that lingered within her. By posing probing questions to Eve, satan planted doubts in her mind regarding God’s instructions.
The Origin Of Sin and Its Encroachment
The sin entered into the human heart as a result of disobedience towards God. Over time, sin begins to exert control over one’s actions and behaviours. The presence of an authority figure is often necessary to maintain honesty and integrity in an individual’s conduct. In the absence of such supervision, individuals may feel inclined to act freely according to their own desires. In the narrative of the Garden of Eden, God’s presence was encountered by Adam and Eve in the evening, but not during the day. This lack of visual presence from God fostered an environment where disobedience became possible, leading to their subsequent hiding and separation from God.
Adam and Eve subsequently bore sons who were deprived of the opportunity to witness the physical presence of God but were only able to perceive His voice. On a fateful day, Cain, filled with rage towards his older brother Abel, devised a sinister scheme to bring about his demise. However, God interceded and admonished Cain regarding the grave repercussions of succumbing to sin.
God imparted wisdom to Cain, enlightening him about the nature of sin and its consequences. With utmost clarity, God elucidated the essence of sin to Cain. Regrettably, despite being forewarned about the dire consequences of allowing sin to prevail, Cain tragically failed to maintain dominion over his own sinful inclinations, thus succumbing to their influence. The Scripture discusses the essence of sin in this passage, while elsewhere it aids in discerning sin through the law.
Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.
Genesis 4:6-7 (NIV)
Sin is an ever-present threat, looming just outside our vulnerable situation. With great caution, we must resist its allure, for once it infiltrates our hearts, it can lead us down a perilous path. The unfortunate account of Eve’s susceptibility to sin serves as a reminder of the consequences that can follow when we succumb to its lure. Even Cain, in his weakness, fell prey to its grip, committing the unfathomable act of murder against his own brother, Abel.
David, too, acknowledged the inherent sinful nature within him, recognizing its power. The apostle Paul, burdened by the weight of sin, fervently pleaded for deliverance from its clutches. These recurring incidents remind us of the perpetual struggle against sin and the need for constant vigilance in our journey toward righteousness.
For in my inner being, I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?
Romans 7:22-24 (NIV)
The Re-birth Of Sin
While Paul wondered who would rescue him from the wages of sin, he depended on Jesus, to attain victory over the clutches of sin. Thanks be to God, who delivers him through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 7:25)! When the blood of Jesus has cleansed our sins, sin should not have a hold on us. However, we empower sin by allowing it to creep into all areas of our lives. Unfortunately, people fail to get rid of sin, as they assume that sin has some permanent hold over them. Some visualize sin as a giant bop bag and think it will bounce back if try and punch it down.
Sin is a parasitic force that relies on our own strength for power. Despite lacking inherent power, it appears formidable because of our own strength. According to scripture, our sins were transferred to God’s Son in the past, as He died on the Cross as our substitute. This parasitic sin was unable to feed on Jesus, even though the sin of the entire world resided within Him. In other words, Jesus lacked a sinful nature for the countless sins to cling to. As a result, sin died, and the devil, its predator, lost its prey.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53 :6 (NIV)
When our sins were placed upon Jesus, He willingly died to pay the penalty for our sins. The blood of Jesus, which flowed from the cross, has the power to cleanse the sins of every person, whether they have already lived and died, are currently alive, or are yet to be born. As a result, sin no longer has a rightful place within us. However, despite this truth, we sometimes find ourselves desiring sinful pleasures and indulging in the memories and reenactment of sin through our thoughts and intellect. It is in this aspect that the law assumes a significant role in the reenactment of sin within us.
For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death.
Romans 7:11 (NIV)
Strength Of The Sin
The experience of weakness often arises when the sin parasite depletes our strength. This malevolent force also undermines the impact of the living word we receive, depriving us of its transformative power. In times of illness, these tapeworms even hinder the efficacy of medicinal treatments, prolonging the process of healing. Analogous to tapeworms, the persistent sin drains the spiritual nourishment of individuals, impeding their growth and well-being.
Sin, much like a tapeworm extracted from the human intestines, is rendered powerless when removed from our souls. Freed from its grip, sin withers away and ultimately perishes. However, it is crucial to recognize that sin may attempt to ensnare others before its demise, seeking to perpetuate its destructive influence. To rid ourselves of sin, we must acknowledge that its potency lies in the law. As we strive to adhere to moral guidelines, sin gains strength, and when we falter, it seizes the opportunity to afflict us. Only through understanding this intricate dynamic can we truly combat sin’s allure.
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)
Jesus has successfully fulfilled the prerequisites of the law through the experience of death, effectively liberating us from its jurisdiction. It is of utmost significance for us to refrain from granting sin any power by abstaining from strict adherence to the legal ordinances. Presently, our compliance with the law does not serve as a means of attaining salvation, but rather as a means of honouring the redemptive work achieved by Jesus through his obedient sacrifice on the Cross. If, despite attaining knowledge of this truth, we persist in subjecting ourselves to the authority of the law, we effectively render ineffective the grace bestowed upon us by our Savior.
I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
Galatians 2:21 (NIV)
Preaching The Gospel To Ourselves
It is important to regularly engage with the teachings of the Gospel, as they provide invaluable guidance and inspiration in our daily lives. By immersing ourselves in the message of unconditional love, grace, and redemption, we can find strength and solace amidst the myriad challenges and temptations of the world.
Reflecting upon the Gospel’s truths enables us to navigate through the complexities of life with wisdom, compassion, and steadfast faith. Let us constantly remind ourselves of the transformative power of the Gospel, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships as we strive to live up to the standard of God.
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV)
The teachings of the Gospel remind us of our solemn duty to manifest God’s incredible love and grace in our interactions with others. It is incumbent upon us to serve as beacons of hope, embodying God’s boundless goodness in a world that often yearns for solace. By resolutely adhering to the principles outlined in the Gospel, we can navigate the intricate tapestry of life with faith, hope, and the assurance that our connection to our heavenly Father is eternal.
Let us strengthen our spirits with the truth bestowed by the Gospel, unwavering in our belief that it is through our Lord Jesus Christ and his boundless love that we uncover tranquillity, meaning, and eternal joy, thus extinguishing the influence of sin.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
The Jordan Valley 
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