OUTLINE:
The Total Depravity of Man re: Gen 3:10
If the words of Adam in [Genesis 3:10] are carefully pondered, a solemn and fatal omission from them will be observed: He said nothing about his sin, but mentioned only the painful effects which it had produced. As another has said, “This was the language of impenitent misery.”
The Total Depravity of Man re: Gen 3:10
The chief objective of the fallen sons of men is to quiet their guilty consciences and to stand well with their neighbors. Hence so many of the unregenerate assume the garb of religion.
The Total Depravity of Man re: Pr 19:3
This is one of the vilest forms in which human depravity manifests itself: that after deliberately playing the fool, and discovering that the way of transgressors is hard, we murmur against God instead of meekly submitting to His rod.
Ro 2:11
For there is no partiality with God.
Integrity
Objectivity exists in the absence of partiality. We cannot make special rules for those we love (including, and starting with, ourselves)! Jesus despises this! (Lk 11:46)
The “Big” Question
“How do even well-intentioned believers get caught up in subjectivity, partiality, and the deceitfulness of sin?” (cp Pr 4:13-15)
“Gateway Sin”
These are the sins that we deem “less important” or “less damaging” than the supposed “big sins”. They comprise all the “little sins” and tend to remain “under the radar,” going undetected. “Gateway sins” are the insidious ones!
Understanding Sin
We are incapable of measuring the distance between even the “smallest” sin imaginable and the Holy God of the Universe. The chasm between the two is infinite. Therefore, every sin is a “big deal”.
The Simple Definition for Sin
Sin is any lack of conformity to God’s will, whether expressed actively or passively.
The Total Depravity of Man
Describes the pervasive corruption and pollution of sin passed down from Adam. Its effects are devastating to man.
Depravity borne of sin…
1) Effects every aspect of man
2) Renders every man unable to please God
3) Is universal, effecting every man ever born
The Disease of Sin
Sin deceives us into thinking that we have a simple cough when we have lung cancer, that sin itself is merely a once-and-a-while result when it is ever-present. If we buy this lie, we surrender to sin’s mastership (cp. teshuqa).