Overcoming Inherited Imperfections: Choices Beyond Genetics

 

Summary

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves grappling with the imperfections inherited from our parents, both biologically and behaviorally. Each of us receives 23,000 chromosomes from our parents, and along with them, some of their imperfections. This is a reflection of the sinful nature that has been passed down from Adam and Eve. We all have an inherent tendency to do what we are not supposed to do, a tendency that manifests in various ways throughout our lives. Whether it's the urge to touch a hot stove when told not to or the desire to defy authority, this old nature is a part of us all.

Our defects and inclinations can be traced back to three main sources: biological, sociological, and theological. They can stem from our nature, our nurture, our circumstances, or our choices. However, regardless of their origin, we must confront and manage them. Genetics may explain our inclinations, but they do not excuse our sins. Just because we have a natural inclination towards something does not mean we should act on it, nor does it mean it is beneficial for us.

For instance, some people are naturally predisposed to anger, while others may struggle with motivation or addiction. These inclinations do not justify harmful behavior or inaction. We must recognize that having a tendency or desire does not give us the right to act on it. Instead, we are called to rise above these inclinations and make choices that align with our values and beliefs. It is through this conscious effort that we can overcome our natural tendencies and live a life that is pleasing to God.

Key Takeaways:

- Inherited Imperfections: We inherit imperfections from our parents, both biologically and behaviorally, reflecting the sinful nature passed down from Adam and Eve. This tendency to do what we are not supposed to do is a universal human experience. Recognizing this helps us understand our struggles and the need for grace. [00:11]

- Sources of Defects: Our defects and inclinations can be traced to biological, sociological, and theological sources. They can arise from our nature, nurture, circumstances, or choices. Understanding these sources empowers us to address and manage our imperfections effectively. [01:06]

- Genetics and Responsibility: While genetics may explain our inclinations, they do not excuse our sins. We must take responsibility for our actions, regardless of our natural tendencies. This understanding calls us to rise above our inclinations and make choices that align with our values. [01:42]

- Managing Anger and Motivation: Some people are naturally predisposed to anger or lack motivation. These inclinations do not justify harmful behavior or inaction. We are called to manage these tendencies and strive for a life that reflects our beliefs and values. [02:14]

- Overcoming Addictive Tendencies: Having a natural inclination towards addiction does not excuse acting on it. We must recognize our predispositions and actively work to overcome them, seeking help and guidance when necessary. This conscious effort is essential for living a life that honors God. [03:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Inherited Imperfections
- [00:24] - Sinful Tendencies
- [00:36] - Defying Authority
- [00:50] - The Old Nature
- [01:06] - Sources of Defects
- [01:18] - Nature vs. Nurture
- [01:29] - Genetics and Responsibility
- [02:00] - Self-Destructive Inclinations
- [02:14] - Managing Anger
- [02:26] - Motivation and Action
- [02:39] - No Excuses for Behavior
- [02:51] - Overcoming Laziness
- [03:07] - Addictive Tendencies
- [03:33] - Conscious Choices

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Romans 5:12 - "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned."
2. James 1:14-15 - "But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
3. Galatians 5:16-17 - "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."

Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what are the three main sources of our defects and inclinations? [01:06]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between genetics and personal responsibility? [01:29]
3. What examples of natural inclinations are mentioned in the sermon, and how are they suggested to be managed? [02:14]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of our inherited imperfections from Adam and Eve? [00:24]

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Romans 5:12 relate to the idea of inherited imperfections and sinful nature discussed in the sermon?
2. In what ways does James 1:14-15 help us understand the process of temptation and sin as described in the sermon?
3. How might Galatians 5:16-17 provide guidance for overcoming our natural inclinations and living a life that aligns with our values?
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of personal choice in managing our biological and sociological inclinations? [01:18]

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a natural inclination you have that might not align with your values. What steps can you take to manage this inclination in a way that honors God? [02:14]
2. Consider a time when you used genetics or upbringing as an excuse for certain behaviors. How can you take responsibility for your actions moving forward? [01:42]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with motivation. What practical steps can you take to overcome this and align your actions with your beliefs? [02:51]
4. Think about a situation where you felt the urge to defy authority. How can you approach similar situations in the future with a mindset that reflects your values? [00:50]
5. If you have an addictive tendency, what resources or support systems can you seek out to help you overcome it? [03:07]
6. How can you apply the principles from Galatians 5:16-17 to walk by the Spirit in your daily life, especially when faced with conflicting desires?
7. What is one practical way you can extend grace to yourself and others, recognizing the universal struggle with inherited imperfections? [00:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Inherited Imperfections and the Human Condition
In our journey through life, we often grapple with imperfections inherited from our parents, both biologically and behaviorally. This is a reflection of the sinful nature passed down from Adam and Eve, manifesting as a universal human experience. Recognizing this helps us understand our struggles and the need for grace. We all have an inherent tendency to do what we are not supposed to do, whether it's the urge to touch a hot stove when told not to or the desire to defy authority. This old nature is a part of us all, and acknowledging it is the first step towards seeking transformation. [00:11]

"For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out." (Romans 7:18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one imperfection you recognize in yourself that you believe has been passed down from your family? How can you seek God's grace to transform this area of your life today?


Day 2: Understanding the Sources of Our Defects
Our defects and inclinations can be traced to biological, sociological, and theological sources. They can arise from our nature, nurture, circumstances, or choices. Understanding these sources empowers us to address and manage our imperfections effectively. While genetics may explain our inclinations, they do not excuse our sins. We must take responsibility for our actions, regardless of our natural tendencies. This understanding calls us to rise above our inclinations and make choices that align with our values. [01:06]

"Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a defect or inclination you struggle with. Can you identify its source? How might understanding its origin help you manage it more effectively?


Day 3: Genetics and Personal Responsibility
While genetics may explain our inclinations, they do not excuse our sins. We must take responsibility for our actions, regardless of our natural tendencies. This understanding calls us to rise above our inclinations and make choices that align with our values. It is through this conscious effort that we can overcome our natural tendencies and live a life that is pleasing to God. [01:42]

"For each will have to bear his own load." (Galatians 6:5, ESV)

Reflection: What is one natural tendency you have that you often use as an excuse for certain behaviors? How can you take responsibility for this tendency and make choices that align with your values?


Day 4: Managing Anger and Motivation
Some people are naturally predisposed to anger or lack motivation. These inclinations do not justify harmful behavior or inaction. We are called to manage these tendencies and strive for a life that reflects our beliefs and values. Recognizing that having a tendency or desire does not give us the right to act on it is crucial. Instead, we are called to rise above these inclinations and make conscious choices that align with our values and beliefs. [02:14]

"Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly." (Proverbs 14:29, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a situation where you often find yourself reacting in anger or lacking motivation. What practical steps can you take to manage these tendencies and align your actions with your values?


Day 5: Overcoming Addictive Tendencies
Having a natural inclination towards addiction does not excuse acting on it. We must recognize our predispositions and actively work to overcome them, seeking help and guidance when necessary. This conscious effort is essential for living a life that honors God. By acknowledging our weaknesses and seeking support, we can find strength to overcome these challenges and live a life that reflects our faith and values. [03:07]

"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything." (1 Corinthians 6:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one addictive tendency you struggle with? How can you seek help and guidance to overcome it, and what steps can you take today to begin this journey?

Quotes


each of your parents gave you 23 000 chromosomes and because your parents were imperfect they gave you some of their imperfections have you noticed that have you noticed the older you get the more like your parents you get okay and and so and since we all came back from originally from adam and eve then what's going to happen means from adam and eve there has been a sinful tendency a old nature that in all of us that we want to do what we're not supposed to do [00:00:02]

and growing up you're told now don't touch that stove it's hot and what do you do it's like you see a sign that says wet paint don't touch what do you want to do you know and it's like when i was growing up my mom would always say no ricky i don't want to hear a peep out of you every bone in my body wanted to go peep okay why that's the old nature the tendency to say nobody's gonna tell me what to do [00:00:35]

i'm my own boss i'm my own god and and so we have part of the the defects come from you from three part of your defects are biological some of them are sociological and some of them are theological some of them are nature and some of them are nurture but some of them come from circumstances some of them come from choices and some of them come from your chromosomes doesn't really matter where they come from you need to deal with it [00:01:03]

genetics explain my inclinations but they don't excuse my sins genetics explain my inclinations but they don't excuse my sins just because i have a natural inclination towards something doesn't mean i should do it and doesn't mean it's necessarily good i can have all kinds of self-destructive inclinations in fact we all have those in our lives for instance i might be born with a natural inclination to get get angry [00:01:42]

some people it's real obvious have a harder time with anger than others they're just born that way they come out of the womb chomping on a cigar saying i dare you you know okay and and some people are just predisposed to get angry other people aren't you have fears and you've got other problems but let's say i've got a natural inclination to get angry that doesn't excuse me to just go abuse everybody verbally or physically there's no excuse for that [00:02:12]

some people are born naturally motivated and they're ready to take on the world from day one and other people aren't born with a lot of motivation and it's kind of like let it happen and i may be born with a natural inclination to not really do a whole lot but that does not excuse me to do nothing with my life and just be lazy [00:02:43]

i may be born with a predisposition or a natural inclination to be addicted to things i might have an addictive personality and i tend to get addicted to television or food or drugs or alcohol or sex or pornography or i might have a natural inclination an addictive personality some people do but that does not excuse me to go act it out [00:03:03]

just because i have a tendency or a desire or an attraction or an affinity or a predisposition does not mean that i should act on it [00:03:27]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?