Foundations Week 1, Day 2

Scripture Read:  Genesis 3 - 4
Title: The Beginnings of and Consequences of Sin
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H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse::  "And if you do not do well sin is crouching at the door.  Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it"  Genesis 4:7b
(E) Explain: These chapters document the introduction of sin into the world of humanity and also the negative consequences unchecked sin brings.  In these verses we see sin and its consequences... blame, pride, anger, violence, deceit, selfish desires, pain, struggle, hostility, suffering, death (physical and spiritual), broken relationships, separation from God and much more.  
I find it interesting that whenever a sin in committed in these chapters God always responds to the guilty party with a question.  "What have you done?" (3:13, 4:10)  "Where are you?" (3:9)  Who told you that you were naked?" (3:11)  I believe this is God's way of lovingly confronting the sinner and offering them a chance to confess their sins and seek forgiveness.  Unfortunately, Adam, Eve and Cain choose blame or excuses instead of confession.  Things have not changed much today.  Often people choose excuses and blame over confession and owning up to their sin.  
(A) Application:  I face the temptation of sin daily.  We all do.  Sin continually crouches at the doors of our lives daily.  Sin desires to entangle me and cause me to give in to its tempting lures.  But I must rule over it.  The problem is I cannot rule over it in my own power.  Fortunately, because of Jesus, I can can overcome sin and even rule over it.  Since Jesus "crushed the head of the serpent" (His death on the cross and his resurrection so the world can be set right) sin no longer has dominion over me.  I can choose to not sin through the power of the Holy Spirit in my life.  
(R) Respond:  Lord, help me to overcome the temptations of sin that I face daily.  Sin has been defeated through Jesus Christ, but the temptations are daily.  I fully rely on you and your Spirit in me to withstand these temptations and live in the power of your victory.