First Sunday In Lent
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
Lesson 1: Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17, 25-3:7 (E); Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 (C); Genesis 2:7-9, 15-17; 3:1-7 (L); Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 (RC)
The account of humanity's fall into sin. Today's Lesson is taken from the second Genesis account of creation by the Yahwist (J) school of authors. The first part of the pericope gives the setting for the Fall: creation of Adam from dust and spirit, the garden with the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In preparation for the Fall we need to know that Adam and Eve were created sinless as indicated by their unashamed naked-ness, and that God expects obedience to his will. By means of a serpent, temptation comes to Eve. Her yielding was the result of Satan's causing doubt in her mind (Did God say ...?), telling her a lie (You will not die"), and appealing to her pride ("Be like God"). The consequence was the couple's loss of innocence and their shame.
Lesson 2: Romans 5:12-19 (20-21) (E); Romans 5:12-19 (C, RC); Romans 5:12 (13-16), (17-19) (L)
Sin came to all through one man; salvation is available to all through one man. Paul contrasts Adam and Christ. Through Adam sin entered the human race and the consequence is death for all. Adam started it all! Since Adam, the heart of humanity has been disposed to rebel against God. Likewise, through one man, the second Adam, grace came to humanity in Jesus Christ. In Adam there came condemnation; in Christ came acquittal. Because of Adam, humanity experiences death but in Christ, humankind has life. The passage teaches the universality of sin and salvation, death is the consequence of sin, life and death depend upon obedience to God, and the corporateness of humanity. Sin comes in through Adam; sin goes out through Christ.
Gospel:
Matthew 4:1-11 (C, E, L, RC)
Jesus overcame temptation in the wilderness. Jesus had just been baptized when he was called, ordained and empowered by the Spirit to be God's beloved Son and to do the Father's will in being the Messiah. How is he to bring the world back to God? For 40 days Jesus goes to a wilderness to think it through and to decide. Here he is tempted by Satan to use demonic methods of plenty (bread), prestige (pinnacle of the temple), and power (kingdoms). Each one is a test, for "temptation" means "to be put to the test." Jesus answers each temptation by quoting scripture. This passage teaches: (1) the universality of temptation - even Jesus was tempted; (2) Jesus is the Son of God - "If you are the Son of God;" (3) Jesus uses only God's methods to redeem humanity; (4) Satan is turned away by the scripture; (5) Jesus is fully human - tempted like us; (6) temptation comes when we are tired and hungry - Jesus fasted for 40 days and was then tempted; and (7) three basic temptations come to us - possessions, pride and power.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 130 (L) - "He shall redeem Israel from their sins (v. 7)"
Psalm 32 (C) - "Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven (v. 1)."
Psalm 5 1 (E) - "Cleanse me from my sins (v. 2)."
Prayer Of The Day
"Lord God, our strength, the battle of good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your word, and, when we fall, raise us up again and restore us through your Son."
Hymn Of The Day
"Who Trusts In God, A Strong Abode"
Theme Of The Day: The Source And Solution Of Sin
Gospel - Temptation to sin can be conquered
Lesson 1 - Yielding to temptation is sin
Lesson 2 - Sin's solution is the one man Jesus
The three Lessons are closely integrated and inter-related. In Lesson 1 we have the first Adam who yields to temptation and exhibits perfect disobedience. In the Gospel there is the second Adam who resists temptation by perfectly obeying God. Lesson 2 contrasts the two Adams: corporate humanity has in these two men a contrast: life vs. death, obedience vs. disobedience, sin vs. righteousness. In the three Lessons we learn of the origin (Lesson 1), continuation (Gospel) and the conquest of sin (Lesson 2). The Psalms point to Christ who came to redeem us from our sin of yielding to temptation. The Prayer asks for steadfastness to the Word to conquer temptation. The Hymn exhorts us to trust in God rather than in humanity.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
Matthew 4:1-11
1. The reality of Satan. He is very much alive. His existence is confirmed by the evidence of temptation and wickedness. For Jesus, the devil was a reality in the wilderness experience. The origin of Satan is not the question. Our problem is overcoming Satan's temptation lest we sin.
2. The source of temptation. Jesus was "tempted by the devil." If Satan is the author of temptation, why do we pray, "Lead us not into temptation?" In this petition, we pray for strength to withstand the temptation.
3. The humanity of Jesus. Though Jesus was filled with and led by the Spirit and was pronounced at his baptism the Son of God, his temptation indicates that he was truly and fully human to be tempted as a man. If he were only divine, Satan would have known there was not a chance to succeed. At least, Satan considered him a human being capable of being tempted. If tempted, there was the possibility of yielding to the temptation and sinning. And sinning would have put Jesus on Satan's side. Though Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, he did not sin.
4. The power of the Word. Jesus turns away each temptation by quoting the Bible. The power of God's Word is in its truth. Since Satan is the father of lies, he cannot tolerate truth and lies. In "A Mighty Fortress" Luther says, "One little word shall fell him." And that "one little word" is Jesus.
Lesson 1: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
1. The nature of humans. Before temptation, the human person was good, in fact - perfect. Adam said, felt and did no wrong. This is God's intention for the human family. In God's sight this is what it means to be human. Since the fall of humanity, he constantly yields to temptation and sins to the point of total depravity - sin permeates his whole being. Because of this, he needs to be redeemed and reconciled to God that he may live as he was originally created.
Lesson 2: Romans 5:12-19
1. The corporateness of humanity. Paul teaches that through one man, sin came to all people. Thus, sin and death are universal. Since our first parents, no one, except Jesus, was able to live a sinless life. Humanity is a common lot: all are related to each other in the family. What one human does affects all the rest. The principle applies to the one man Jesus through whom the human family was saved. As death came through one person, life came through one person. This implies that Christ's atonement was for all humankind. This is the good news to proclaim. It should lead to our turning to God in repentance and faith.
2. Original sin. This passage deals with the universality of sin caused by Adam. This does not mean all sons of Adam are responsible for his sin in the garden. It means that his sin of disobedience, pride and rebellion possess all people everywhere. It is a condition of human nature - a disposition and inclination to oppose God. As a result, all people suffer death.
3. The solution to sin and death. The solution is Jesus, the one man who lived perfectly, who died redemptively. Through this one man grace came to humanity, and with grace came life. Through this Jesus, humanity has the restoration of its original state: righteousness and innocence in the perfect accord with God.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
A Problem of Preaching in Today's Lent
The problem is: are our people hearing the message of the cross in today's Lent? Since Sundays in Lent are not a part of Lent, but rather festival days, the Lessons do not directly deal with the passion or cross, except Lent 6. Lenten services are held on weekdays, special Lenten services when the Passion is considered. In addition, years ago Sunday evening services were held. These provided another opportunity to preach on the cross. Today's world and church have changed. Most do not have Sunday evening services, and mid-week Lenten services attract at best about 25 percent of a Sunday morning attendance. This means that a majority of the members will not hear the message of the cross unless it is presented on Sunday mornings. Furthermore, many churches today do not hold daily Holy Week services except Maundy Thursday with Holy Communion and Good Friday with a Tenebrae service. At these Holy Week services the sermon is reduced to a brief meditation.
What is the solution to the problem? There are certain options:
1. Promote a Sunday morning attendance at the Lenten mid-week services with messages on the cross.
2. Substitute for the lections a series of Sunday morning sermons on the events of characters or questions in the passion history.
3. Develop the lections in terms of the passion and cross. Treat the text in the perspective of the end, the cross. Draw from the passion history illustrations for the sermons based on the Lessons.
THREE LESSONS
Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11
Only Good People Are Tempted!
Need: Usually we link temptation with evil people. Good people are supposed to be above temptation. The opposite is the case. The closer you are to Christ, the finer life you live, the more temptation you receive. Probably no one was more tempted than Jesus, and he was sinless! The wicked are not tempted nearly as much because they have already surrendered to Satan and yielded to his temptation. The three Lessons teach us the fact about temptation.
Outline: When you are tempted -
a. Know you can overcome it as Jesus did - Gospel - Matthew 4:1-11.
b. Realize you sin by yielding to temptation - Lesson 1 - Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7.
c. Find the solution to your yielding in Christ - Lesson 2 - Romans 5:12-19.
Gospel:
Matthew 4:1-11
1. Keep the Devil Out! 4:1-11
Need: In the days when the book and movie, The Exorcist were popular, people were concerned with getting the devil out of them. To avoid this difficult problem, we need to keep the devil from entering us in the first place. In today's Gospel, Jesus did not allow the devil to enter his mind and heart by resisting the temptations of the devil. We need to show our people how we can keep the devil out by following the example of Christ.
Outline: How to keep the devil out of your life.
a. Be filled with the Spirit - v. 1; cf. Luke 4:1.
b. Protect your weakness - v. 2. Satan attacks us in a weak moment. He came to Jesus after 40 days of fasting.
c. Have faith - vv. 3, 6. Satan attacks by sowing doubt: "If you are the Son Of God - cf. Genesis 3:1. "Did God say ...?"
d. Answer with Scripture - vv. 4, 6, 10.
2. All You Need to Know About Temptation. 4:11
Need: Few people stop to think about temptation. Some may not recognize temptation when it comes. Our people are in need of knowledge and understanding about temptation. The text tells us all we need to know about it. If we know about it, we will be equipped to confront it.
Outline:
a. Who tempts you - v. 1.
b. What tempts you - vv. 3, 5, 8.
c. How you can overcome it - vv. 4, 6, 10.
d. Why you are tempted - vv. 1 , 10. God allows temptation as a test of our faith and love of God. Our victory over temptation leaves us stronger with angels ministering to us.
3. Sing Away the Devil. 4:1-11 : "A Mighty Fortress is Our God!"
Need: An appropriate Hymn for the day is Luther's, "A Mighty Fortress." Since this hymn is identified with the Reformation, it seems the choice is out of place for Lent 1. A study of the hymn convinces one that it is most appropriate for Lent 1 because it deals with Satan, temptation and sin. This sermon may be a creative one based on the hymn. See the devil flee when this hymn is sung with earnestness and conviction! David used music to drive the devil out of Saul - 1 Samuel 16:23.
Outline: What are we singing about?
a. Our deadly foe - first stanza.
b. Our Advocate in the fight - second stanza.
c. Our secret weapon - third stanza.
d. Our ultimate victory - fourth stanza.
Lesson 1: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
1. What It Means to Be Human. Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Need: Today there is a popular emphasis upon being human, and the cry goes out for human rights among nations. It seems we are called to be human rather than to be Christian. How many understand what it means to be human? There is a need to give the biblical understanding of humankind revealed in this Lesson. A 1975 poll by several church periodicals reported that the third top concern of church people is "the desire of persons to be more fully human."
Outline: What it means to be human.
a. To be human is to be perfect - 2:15-17. God created us to be perfectly good, without sin, akin to God.
b. To be human is to err - 3:1-7. This is not the way God wants it. The Bible is a story of how God used every effort to regain humanity.
2. Is It a Sin? 3:1-17
Need: People ask, "What is sin?" or "Is it a sin to ...?" Is it a sin for one and not for another? Is it a sin if you feel good in doing it? Is it a sin if both parties consent to the act? The text gives the biblical outline for the guidance of our people.
Outline: What the Bible considers sin to be.
a. Disobedience to God's laws - vv. 1-4.
b. Doubting God's Word - v. 1.
c. Desire to be like God - v. 5.
Lesson 2: Romans 5:12-19
1. What the Hell Is Wrong with Me? 5:19
Need: So exploded a man who could not understand his misery. Paul faces the same problem when he complained that he did not do what he wanted to do, and did what he did not want to do. Why are we so ornery? Why do we so easily surrender to temptation? Why is evil more appealing than the good? The answer is in the text: original sin. We are offspring of Adam, born in sin, incapable of being totally sinless. Original sin affects all humankind of all ages because of the corporateness of the human family.
Outline: What causes us to wrong.
a. We are victims of Adam's sin - original sin.
b. We are born as slaves to sin - cannot but sin.
c. We are liberated from the curse of sin by Christ - our need of Christ.
2. Your Destiny Depends on One Man. 5:18
Need: Paul says humankind is infected with sin because of one man's sin. Likewise, human-kind is delivered from sin by one man, Jesus. This is based upon our unity as one family, our corporateness, being one human body. So much depends on one man: the first Adam and the second Adam. Under which Adam do you live?
Outline: Because of one man -
a. You sin and die - v. 18.
b. You receive forgiveness and life - v. 18.
The account of humanity's fall into sin. Today's Lesson is taken from the second Genesis account of creation by the Yahwist (J) school of authors. The first part of the pericope gives the setting for the Fall: creation of Adam from dust and spirit, the garden with the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In preparation for the Fall we need to know that Adam and Eve were created sinless as indicated by their unashamed naked-ness, and that God expects obedience to his will. By means of a serpent, temptation comes to Eve. Her yielding was the result of Satan's causing doubt in her mind (Did God say ...?), telling her a lie (You will not die"), and appealing to her pride ("Be like God"). The consequence was the couple's loss of innocence and their shame.
Lesson 2: Romans 5:12-19 (20-21) (E); Romans 5:12-19 (C, RC); Romans 5:12 (13-16), (17-19) (L)
Sin came to all through one man; salvation is available to all through one man. Paul contrasts Adam and Christ. Through Adam sin entered the human race and the consequence is death for all. Adam started it all! Since Adam, the heart of humanity has been disposed to rebel against God. Likewise, through one man, the second Adam, grace came to humanity in Jesus Christ. In Adam there came condemnation; in Christ came acquittal. Because of Adam, humanity experiences death but in Christ, humankind has life. The passage teaches the universality of sin and salvation, death is the consequence of sin, life and death depend upon obedience to God, and the corporateness of humanity. Sin comes in through Adam; sin goes out through Christ.
Gospel:
Matthew 4:1-11 (C, E, L, RC)
Jesus overcame temptation in the wilderness. Jesus had just been baptized when he was called, ordained and empowered by the Spirit to be God's beloved Son and to do the Father's will in being the Messiah. How is he to bring the world back to God? For 40 days Jesus goes to a wilderness to think it through and to decide. Here he is tempted by Satan to use demonic methods of plenty (bread), prestige (pinnacle of the temple), and power (kingdoms). Each one is a test, for "temptation" means "to be put to the test." Jesus answers each temptation by quoting scripture. This passage teaches: (1) the universality of temptation - even Jesus was tempted; (2) Jesus is the Son of God - "If you are the Son of God;" (3) Jesus uses only God's methods to redeem humanity; (4) Satan is turned away by the scripture; (5) Jesus is fully human - tempted like us; (6) temptation comes when we are tired and hungry - Jesus fasted for 40 days and was then tempted; and (7) three basic temptations come to us - possessions, pride and power.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 130 (L) - "He shall redeem Israel from their sins (v. 7)"
Psalm 32 (C) - "Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven (v. 1)."
Psalm 5 1 (E) - "Cleanse me from my sins (v. 2)."
Prayer Of The Day
"Lord God, our strength, the battle of good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your word, and, when we fall, raise us up again and restore us through your Son."
Hymn Of The Day
"Who Trusts In God, A Strong Abode"
Theme Of The Day: The Source And Solution Of Sin
Gospel - Temptation to sin can be conquered
Lesson 1 - Yielding to temptation is sin
Lesson 2 - Sin's solution is the one man Jesus
The three Lessons are closely integrated and inter-related. In Lesson 1 we have the first Adam who yields to temptation and exhibits perfect disobedience. In the Gospel there is the second Adam who resists temptation by perfectly obeying God. Lesson 2 contrasts the two Adams: corporate humanity has in these two men a contrast: life vs. death, obedience vs. disobedience, sin vs. righteousness. In the three Lessons we learn of the origin (Lesson 1), continuation (Gospel) and the conquest of sin (Lesson 2). The Psalms point to Christ who came to redeem us from our sin of yielding to temptation. The Prayer asks for steadfastness to the Word to conquer temptation. The Hymn exhorts us to trust in God rather than in humanity.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
Matthew 4:1-11
1. The reality of Satan. He is very much alive. His existence is confirmed by the evidence of temptation and wickedness. For Jesus, the devil was a reality in the wilderness experience. The origin of Satan is not the question. Our problem is overcoming Satan's temptation lest we sin.
2. The source of temptation. Jesus was "tempted by the devil." If Satan is the author of temptation, why do we pray, "Lead us not into temptation?" In this petition, we pray for strength to withstand the temptation.
3. The humanity of Jesus. Though Jesus was filled with and led by the Spirit and was pronounced at his baptism the Son of God, his temptation indicates that he was truly and fully human to be tempted as a man. If he were only divine, Satan would have known there was not a chance to succeed. At least, Satan considered him a human being capable of being tempted. If tempted, there was the possibility of yielding to the temptation and sinning. And sinning would have put Jesus on Satan's side. Though Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, he did not sin.
4. The power of the Word. Jesus turns away each temptation by quoting the Bible. The power of God's Word is in its truth. Since Satan is the father of lies, he cannot tolerate truth and lies. In "A Mighty Fortress" Luther says, "One little word shall fell him." And that "one little word" is Jesus.
Lesson 1: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
1. The nature of humans. Before temptation, the human person was good, in fact - perfect. Adam said, felt and did no wrong. This is God's intention for the human family. In God's sight this is what it means to be human. Since the fall of humanity, he constantly yields to temptation and sins to the point of total depravity - sin permeates his whole being. Because of this, he needs to be redeemed and reconciled to God that he may live as he was originally created.
Lesson 2: Romans 5:12-19
1. The corporateness of humanity. Paul teaches that through one man, sin came to all people. Thus, sin and death are universal. Since our first parents, no one, except Jesus, was able to live a sinless life. Humanity is a common lot: all are related to each other in the family. What one human does affects all the rest. The principle applies to the one man Jesus through whom the human family was saved. As death came through one person, life came through one person. This implies that Christ's atonement was for all humankind. This is the good news to proclaim. It should lead to our turning to God in repentance and faith.
2. Original sin. This passage deals with the universality of sin caused by Adam. This does not mean all sons of Adam are responsible for his sin in the garden. It means that his sin of disobedience, pride and rebellion possess all people everywhere. It is a condition of human nature - a disposition and inclination to oppose God. As a result, all people suffer death.
3. The solution to sin and death. The solution is Jesus, the one man who lived perfectly, who died redemptively. Through this one man grace came to humanity, and with grace came life. Through this Jesus, humanity has the restoration of its original state: righteousness and innocence in the perfect accord with God.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
A Problem of Preaching in Today's Lent
The problem is: are our people hearing the message of the cross in today's Lent? Since Sundays in Lent are not a part of Lent, but rather festival days, the Lessons do not directly deal with the passion or cross, except Lent 6. Lenten services are held on weekdays, special Lenten services when the Passion is considered. In addition, years ago Sunday evening services were held. These provided another opportunity to preach on the cross. Today's world and church have changed. Most do not have Sunday evening services, and mid-week Lenten services attract at best about 25 percent of a Sunday morning attendance. This means that a majority of the members will not hear the message of the cross unless it is presented on Sunday mornings. Furthermore, many churches today do not hold daily Holy Week services except Maundy Thursday with Holy Communion and Good Friday with a Tenebrae service. At these Holy Week services the sermon is reduced to a brief meditation.
What is the solution to the problem? There are certain options:
1. Promote a Sunday morning attendance at the Lenten mid-week services with messages on the cross.
2. Substitute for the lections a series of Sunday morning sermons on the events of characters or questions in the passion history.
3. Develop the lections in terms of the passion and cross. Treat the text in the perspective of the end, the cross. Draw from the passion history illustrations for the sermons based on the Lessons.
THREE LESSONS
Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11
Only Good People Are Tempted!
Need: Usually we link temptation with evil people. Good people are supposed to be above temptation. The opposite is the case. The closer you are to Christ, the finer life you live, the more temptation you receive. Probably no one was more tempted than Jesus, and he was sinless! The wicked are not tempted nearly as much because they have already surrendered to Satan and yielded to his temptation. The three Lessons teach us the fact about temptation.
Outline: When you are tempted -
a. Know you can overcome it as Jesus did - Gospel - Matthew 4:1-11.
b. Realize you sin by yielding to temptation - Lesson 1 - Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7.
c. Find the solution to your yielding in Christ - Lesson 2 - Romans 5:12-19.
Gospel:
Matthew 4:1-11
1. Keep the Devil Out! 4:1-11
Need: In the days when the book and movie, The Exorcist were popular, people were concerned with getting the devil out of them. To avoid this difficult problem, we need to keep the devil from entering us in the first place. In today's Gospel, Jesus did not allow the devil to enter his mind and heart by resisting the temptations of the devil. We need to show our people how we can keep the devil out by following the example of Christ.
Outline: How to keep the devil out of your life.
a. Be filled with the Spirit - v. 1; cf. Luke 4:1.
b. Protect your weakness - v. 2. Satan attacks us in a weak moment. He came to Jesus after 40 days of fasting.
c. Have faith - vv. 3, 6. Satan attacks by sowing doubt: "If you are the Son Of God - cf. Genesis 3:1. "Did God say ...?"
d. Answer with Scripture - vv. 4, 6, 10.
2. All You Need to Know About Temptation. 4:11
Need: Few people stop to think about temptation. Some may not recognize temptation when it comes. Our people are in need of knowledge and understanding about temptation. The text tells us all we need to know about it. If we know about it, we will be equipped to confront it.
Outline:
a. Who tempts you - v. 1.
b. What tempts you - vv. 3, 5, 8.
c. How you can overcome it - vv. 4, 6, 10.
d. Why you are tempted - vv. 1 , 10. God allows temptation as a test of our faith and love of God. Our victory over temptation leaves us stronger with angels ministering to us.
3. Sing Away the Devil. 4:1-11 : "A Mighty Fortress is Our God!"
Need: An appropriate Hymn for the day is Luther's, "A Mighty Fortress." Since this hymn is identified with the Reformation, it seems the choice is out of place for Lent 1. A study of the hymn convinces one that it is most appropriate for Lent 1 because it deals with Satan, temptation and sin. This sermon may be a creative one based on the hymn. See the devil flee when this hymn is sung with earnestness and conviction! David used music to drive the devil out of Saul - 1 Samuel 16:23.
Outline: What are we singing about?
a. Our deadly foe - first stanza.
b. Our Advocate in the fight - second stanza.
c. Our secret weapon - third stanza.
d. Our ultimate victory - fourth stanza.
Lesson 1: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
1. What It Means to Be Human. Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Need: Today there is a popular emphasis upon being human, and the cry goes out for human rights among nations. It seems we are called to be human rather than to be Christian. How many understand what it means to be human? There is a need to give the biblical understanding of humankind revealed in this Lesson. A 1975 poll by several church periodicals reported that the third top concern of church people is "the desire of persons to be more fully human."
Outline: What it means to be human.
a. To be human is to be perfect - 2:15-17. God created us to be perfectly good, without sin, akin to God.
b. To be human is to err - 3:1-7. This is not the way God wants it. The Bible is a story of how God used every effort to regain humanity.
2. Is It a Sin? 3:1-17
Need: People ask, "What is sin?" or "Is it a sin to ...?" Is it a sin for one and not for another? Is it a sin if you feel good in doing it? Is it a sin if both parties consent to the act? The text gives the biblical outline for the guidance of our people.
Outline: What the Bible considers sin to be.
a. Disobedience to God's laws - vv. 1-4.
b. Doubting God's Word - v. 1.
c. Desire to be like God - v. 5.
Lesson 2: Romans 5:12-19
1. What the Hell Is Wrong with Me? 5:19
Need: So exploded a man who could not understand his misery. Paul faces the same problem when he complained that he did not do what he wanted to do, and did what he did not want to do. Why are we so ornery? Why do we so easily surrender to temptation? Why is evil more appealing than the good? The answer is in the text: original sin. We are offspring of Adam, born in sin, incapable of being totally sinless. Original sin affects all humankind of all ages because of the corporateness of the human family.
Outline: What causes us to wrong.
a. We are victims of Adam's sin - original sin.
b. We are born as slaves to sin - cannot but sin.
c. We are liberated from the curse of sin by Christ - our need of Christ.
2. Your Destiny Depends on One Man. 5:18
Need: Paul says humankind is infected with sin because of one man's sin. Likewise, human-kind is delivered from sin by one man, Jesus. This is based upon our unity as one family, our corporateness, being one human body. So much depends on one man: the first Adam and the second Adam. Under which Adam do you live?
Outline: Because of one man -
a. You sin and die - v. 18.
b. You receive forgiveness and life - v. 18.
