Sin is crouching at the door

Nothing has really changed much in this old world. Men
are still men, women are still the same. And sin is still sin.


While some of our activities might be a little different people are still the same. It doesn't matter if they live in Tanzania, Australia or the U.S.A. And time doesn't matter either. We, who are living today are no different to those who have lived before us.


God spoke to Cain and said, "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:7 NASB)


Just as sin was crouching at the door for Cain, so to it is for us. We need to realise it is there and be careful to do as Cain was told. We need to "do well".

We had a very good lesson last Sunday given by brother Wilson Maturo. He taught us the dangers of sin and the remedy of sin.


While we are the ones responsible for our sins, Jesus has redeemed us and paid the price we rightly should pay. We receive that most wonderful of gifts after having believed, repented, confessed the wonderful name of Christ and being baptised into His death for the forgiveness of sins. We are saved. Our sins are washed away. We have been bought with the price of the precious blood of Jesus. Thank you Lord Jesus!


But don't forget, "sin is crouching at the door". Just because we are forgiven. That doesn't mean that we are free of the temptation of sin. Peter writes, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8 NASB). Don't let him devour you!


We need to understand that the Devil wants us. He wants us to sin, he wants us to join him in his wicked domain. He would love to have another Christian to add to his long role call. Don't let him have you!


James, in his epistle gives us a short verse that outlines how we defeat the devil. He writes, "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7 NASB). Short but sweet.


First of all we have to "submit therefore to God". This is just what God told Cain; it is what he has told all His children from the beginning of time. We have to do as He says.


Secondly we have to "resist the devil". That means saying "no" to him and his various temptations. Jesus showed us His example of them when he was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). When we say no to the devil he has no power over us. In fact, in the words of James, "he will flee from you." When we resist the devil, then he has no power over us. If, however, we stop and look at his temptation, maybe enjoy it "just a little bit" - if we open the door to sin a little bit , WATCH OUT! "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8 NASB)


Heaven is our home, Christ is our saviour. Don't let sin in the door!