Understanding Sin: The Duality of Human Nature

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we delved into the profound question of why the world is as it is today, exploring the biblical narrative of sin and its pervasive impact on humanity. We began by examining Ecclesiastes 7:29, which contrasts the upright nature of Adam with the fallen state of humanity. This journey through scripture reveals the Enigma of The Double Image: we are made in the image of God, yet born in the likeness of Adam, inheriting a nature inclined towards sin. This duality explains the inherent value and worth of human life, alongside its vulnerability and brokenness.

We explored the story of Natasha Reed, a young woman who, despite her promising future, found herself caught in the hysteria of riots, committing a crime she couldn't comprehend. This incident illustrates the deceitfulness of the human heart, as described in Jeremiah 17:9 and Psalm 19. Both David and Jeremiah acknowledge the mystery of our own hearts, which often lead us to actions we cannot understand.

Turning to Ephesians 2, we examined the pervasive nature of sin within the human personality. Sin infiltrates our thoughts, desires, and cravings, corrupting our entire being. This understanding challenges the notion that we are inherently good, revealing instead that we sin because we are sinners by nature. The analogy of a deep-sea oil well spewing crude oil vividly depicts the endless fountain of sin within us.

We also discussed the cultural narrative that promotes self-esteem and the belief that we are born perfect. This perspective, popularized by figures like Lady Gaga, stands in stark contrast to the biblical teaching of sin. The danger of this narrative is that it blinds us to our need for redemption. Instead, we must recognize our brokenness and our need for a Savior.

In conclusion, the choice before us is clear: do we believe the word of God or the affirming messages of our culture? Recognizing our sinful nature is the first step towards embracing Christ, who offers redemption and transformation. As we bow in prayer, we acknowledge our need for Jesus, embracing Him in repentance and faith, and committing our lives to His guidance and grace.

Key Takeaways:

- The Enigma of The Double Image highlights the duality of human nature: created in God's image yet born in Adam's likeness, leading to inherent sinfulness and vulnerability. This understanding provides a framework for comprehending the brokenness in our lives and the world. [01:24]

- The story of Natasha Reed exemplifies the deceitfulness of the human heart, as described in Jeremiah 17:9. Our hearts often lead us to actions we cannot comprehend, revealing the mystery and complexity of our inner selves. [06:01]

- Sin is pervasive, infiltrating every aspect of our personality—our thoughts, desires, and cravings. This understanding challenges the notion of inherent goodness, revealing that we sin because we are sinners by nature. [09:41]

- The cultural narrative of self-esteem and inherent perfection, as popularized by figures like Lady Gaga, stands in stark contrast to the biblical teaching of sin. Recognizing our brokenness is essential for understanding our need for redemption. [30:12]

- Embracing the biblical doctrine of sin is crucial for guiding our lives. Recognizing our sinful nature leads us to distrust our own hearts and submit to the sure foundation of God's word, ultimately leading us to Christ, our Redeemer. [27:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction to The Inside Story
- [00:33] - The Contrast of Adam and Humanity
- [01:24] - The Enigma of The Double Image
- [02:11] - Reflections on Recent Riots
- [03:14] - The Story of Natasha Reed
- [06:01] - The Deceitfulness of the Heart
- [07:28] - Exploring Ephesians 2
- [09:41] - The Pervasiveness of Sin
- [12:40] - Sin in Everyone
- [17:38] - Examples of Sinful Cravings
- [21:07] - The Christian Life: A Battle Against Sin
- [26:40] - The Heart Wants What It Wants
- [30:12] - Cultural Narratives vs. Biblical Truth
- [38:42] - Embracing Christ as Redeemer
- [39:22] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Ecclesiastes 7:29
- Jeremiah 17:9
- Ephesians 2:1-3

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#### Observation Questions
1. What contrast does Ecclesiastes 7:29 present between Adam and humanity today? How does this relate to the concept of the "Enigma of The Double Image"? [00:33]
2. In the story of Natasha Reed, what question does she repeatedly ask herself, and how does this reflect the deceitfulness of the human heart as described in Jeremiah 17:9? [06:01]
3. According to Ephesians 2:1-3, what are the characteristics of our sinful nature, and how do they manifest in our lives? [07:59]
4. How does the analogy of the deep-sea oil well help us understand the nature of sin within us? [10:28]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the duality of being made in God's image yet born in Adam's likeness affect our understanding of human nature and sin? [01:24]
2. What does the story of Natasha Reed reveal about the complexity of human actions and the mystery of our hearts? How does this align with the biblical perspective on sin? [06:01]
3. How does the cultural narrative of self-esteem and inherent perfection contrast with the biblical teaching of sin, and what are the implications of this contrast for our understanding of redemption? [30:12]
4. In what ways does recognizing our sinful nature lead us to distrust our own hearts and rely on God's word? How does this understanding guide our lives towards Christ? [27:40]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you acted in a way that you couldn't understand, similar to Natasha Reed. How did you reconcile your actions with your understanding of your own heart? [06:01]
2. How does the pervasive nature of sin, as described in Ephesians 2, challenge your view of yourself and your actions? What steps can you take to address this in your daily life? [09:41]
3. Consider the cultural messages you receive about self-worth and perfection. How do these messages align or conflict with the biblical view of sin and redemption? How can you discern and choose which to believe? [30:12]
4. In what ways can you actively distrust your own heart and instead submit to the guidance of God's word in your decision-making processes? [27:40]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with sinful cravings or desires. What practical steps can you take to combat these with the help of the Holy Spirit? [21:07]
6. How can you model humility and repentance in your family, especially to your children, to help them understand the reality of sin and the need for a Savior? [32:02]
7. Reflect on the choice between believing the word of God or the affirming messages of culture. How does this choice impact your relationship with Christ and your daily walk with Him? [38:13]

Devotional

Day 1: The Enigma of The Double Image
The duality of human nature is a profound mystery. Created in the image of God, humanity was intended for uprightness and righteousness. However, being born in the likeness of Adam, we inherit a nature inclined towards sin. This duality explains the inherent value and worth of human life, alongside its vulnerability and brokenness. Understanding this enigma provides a framework for comprehending the brokenness in our lives and the world. It challenges us to recognize both the divine imprint within us and the inherited inclination towards sin. [01:24]

Genesis 1:27-28 (ESV): "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'"

Reflection: In what ways do you see the image of God in yourself and others, and how does this awareness affect your interactions with those around you?


Day 2: The Deceitfulness of the Heart
The story of Natasha Reed serves as a poignant illustration of the deceitfulness of the human heart. Despite her promising future, she found herself caught in the hysteria of riots, committing a crime she couldn't comprehend. This incident exemplifies the mystery and complexity of our inner selves, as described in Jeremiah 17:9. Our hearts often lead us to actions we cannot understand, revealing the need for introspection and reliance on God's wisdom to navigate the complexities of our emotions and decisions. [06:01]

Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

Reflection: Can you identify a recent decision or action that surprised you? How might you seek God's guidance to better understand and guard your heart in similar situations?


Day 3: The Pervasiveness of Sin
Sin is not just an external act but a pervasive force that infiltrates every aspect of our personality—our thoughts, desires, and cravings. This understanding challenges the notion of inherent goodness, revealing that we sin because we are sinners by nature. The analogy of a deep-sea oil well spewing crude oil vividly depicts the endless fountain of sin within us. Recognizing this pervasive nature of sin is crucial for understanding our need for redemption and transformation through Christ. [09:41]

Romans 7:18-19 (ESV): "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. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing."

Reflection: What are some thoughts or desires you struggle with that reveal the pervasive nature of sin in your life? How can you invite God into these areas for healing and transformation?


Day 4: Cultural Narratives vs. Biblical Truth
The cultural narrative that promotes self-esteem and the belief that we are born perfect stands in stark contrast to the biblical teaching of sin. Figures like Lady Gaga popularize the idea of inherent perfection, which can blind us to our need for redemption. Recognizing our brokenness is essential for understanding our need for a Savior. This awareness challenges us to discern between cultural affirmations and biblical truths, leading us to a deeper reliance on God's word. [30:12]

1 John 1:8-9 (ESV): "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Reflection: How do cultural messages about self-worth and perfection influence your self-perception? In what ways can you align your understanding of self with biblical truth?


Day 5: Embracing Christ as Redeemer
Embracing the biblical doctrine of sin is crucial for guiding our lives. Recognizing our sinful nature leads us to distrust our own hearts and submit to the sure foundation of God's word. This submission ultimately leads us to Christ, our Redeemer, who offers redemption and transformation. The choice before us is clear: do we believe the word of God or the affirming messages of our culture? As we acknowledge our need for Jesus, we embrace Him in repentance and faith, committing our lives to His guidance and grace. [27:40]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Christ and embrace Him as your Redeemer? How can you commit to living under His guidance and grace in your daily life?

Quotes


We are made in the image of God and that is what gives your life today meaning, value, and worth but at the same time you and I, we are born in the likeness of Adam and that means that our lives are messed up and vulnerable right from the beginning and that is true of every human being born into the human race. [00:01:30]

The heart, the human heart is deceitful above all things it is beyond cure and then this question who can understand it do you understand your own heart the psalmist David raises the same question in Psalm 19 he says this who can discern his errors who can make sense of the things that he does. [00:06:28]

Sin goes everywhere everywhere in the human personality it is pervasive notice what the scripture says here it's in the thoughts it's in the desires it's in the cravings of the heart in other words sin pervades the mind the will and the heart the thoughts the desires and the affections it is pervasive in the human personality. [00:08:32]

Not only are we sinners because we sin we sin because we are sinners and many people grasp the first statement that's fairly straightforward oh yes we all do wrong things uh some of the time but Ephesians chapter 2 is getting us behind why we do wrong things it's telling us what the source of our sins actually is and where it lies. [00:09:32]

The sinful nature produces sinful cravings notice the word that Paul uses here gratifying the cravings it's a very strong word cravings of our sinful nature now a craving as you know is a strong desire or an intense longing. [00:16:06]

The very nature of the Christian life is that it is a sustained battle against the constant impulses of sin that arise from the sinful nature so that if you are a Christian today your sins are forgiven but sin has not yet been expelled that will await the day when Christ comes in glory. [00:21:13]

If you believe that your heart is fundamentally good here's what you will do you will follow the inclinations of your heart and you will live on impulse just just like Woody Allen did but if you believe as we're learning from the Bible today that the heart is in fact pervaded with sin then you will learn to distrust your own heart. [00:26:47]

We live in an affirming culture that gives us the idea that the best thing we can do for our children is to constantly tell them how good they are and here's the problem that is and I choose my words carefully that is the most damning thing you could ever tell your children because if nothing in your child is broken then what in your child can be redeemed. [00:30:58]

Are you helping them to understand the mystery of sin that is in you and is in them or are you blinding their minds by drip feeding them the false gospel of self-esteem and I got to tell you my mama did not tell me when I was young we're all born superstars and I am so grateful for that. [00:36:06]

If nothing in you is broken there is nothing in you to redeem and as long as you believe that you will never embrace Christ and you will die in your sins but if you see today even for the first time that you are a sinner by nature and by practice I say to you today there is a redeemer to whom you can come. [00:38:25]

I come to him in repentance and I embrace him as he reaches out with hands that were pierced on that cross for me I embrace him by faith and as your grace streams even now into my life I say Lord make me your and yours alone from this day for all of my life and for all of eternity. [00:40:33]

I hear your word I believe your word I receive your word I see the truth about myself and now I see why I need Jesus how much I need Jesus and today I thank you for Jesus. [00:40:01]

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Transcript
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