Hamartiology: The Doctrine of Sin - Part 2 - Sin’s Origin on Earth: Adam

Temple Baptist Church - 9-7-2025

Genesis 3:1-7

 

A.  Last week, we explored the origins of Sin and its Originator. Lucifer, known as the Angel of Light, the Light Bearer, the Son of the Morning, and the Anointed Cherub that Covers, sinned because of Pride.

 

1.  He roamed in the Garden of Eden as a defender of God’s holiness. The primary aspect of God's holiness that needed protection was related to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, as nothing else was off limits. Eating from that tree was a direct offense against God's commandment, which was solely to refrain from eating its fruit.

 

2.  This suggests that Lucifer’s role in Eden, the Garden of God, was to deter Adam and Eve from consuming the forbidden fruit of the tree, just as the cherubim with the flaming sword protected the Tree of Life after Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden of Eden.  However, after his fall, he betrayed that trust by enlisting the Serpent as a proxy to lead Adam and Eve astray.

 

3.  Now, the defender of the holiness of God is no longer willing to defend God’s holiness and the Serpent recruited for the act of tempting to sin.

 

4.  Speculating about why Eve was standing with the serpent, looking at the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, is unnecessary, so we will simply note that they were there together. Now, I would like to examine the original sin that occurred that day.

 

B.  Lucifer’s sin was pride in his beauty and wisdom.  Lucifer, now Satan, carried his sin to heaven and convinced countless angels to follow him. If Satan can persuade these angels, who live a perfect life in a perfect place with a wonderful God, he can also persuade humans.

 

C.  We will not spend time on the serpent, as we do not know all the particulars concerning his confederacy with Satan, but the serpent’s life was forever changed with his transgression.  Both then, now, and the future.

 

Genesis 3:14  And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

 

Isaiah 65:25  The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

 

D.  The introduction of the origin of sin.  In Eve, we find her curiosity in looking at the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

 

1. The Subtle Approach of Satan’s Attack.  Genesis 3:1  Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

 

a.  “Now the serpent”  The Serpent was Satan’s proxy—standing in place of or for another.  Very few times in the Bible does Satan himself directly attack men.  (Job – Joshua the High Priest – Christ)  He uses proxies.  Satan comes in disguise, using craftiness, never showing his true nature.  Today, Satan uses wicked people to tempt and sway God’s people.  Advertisements, music (so often about a triangle of love with a man and his wife and another woman or man), Hollywood, stores with the almost naked pictures of both men and women displayed, etc.

 

b.  “was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.” Satan’s attack was Subtle.  He chooses the serpent — cunning, appealing, not frightening.

 

2 Corinthians 11:3  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

 

c.  When tempted, we rarely see the end and consequences of sin, but sin begins “one inch at a time” in our lives. Sin may provide pleasure for a season, but seasons change, and the result is always death.

 

Hebrews 11:24-25  By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;  (25)  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

 

Romans 6:23a  For the wages of sin is death …

 

d.   “And he said unto the woman”   Satan always targets the weakest first, and here we see a weakness in the serpent. Satan and the serpent became acquainted, and the serpent will eat dust all the days of his life for his part in sin.

 

1 Peter 3:7  Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

 

2.  The Brazen Attack upon God’s Word. Verse 1.  “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”  Satan questioned God’s Word by quoting it verbatim while creating a subtle doubt in the mind of Eve.  (The serpent questioned a clear command given by God.  Satan continues to this day questioning the Bible, and we should not be ignorant of his devices.)

 

a.  In our day, there is such a blatant attack upon the King James Bible.  In days gone by, the attack was subtle but now it is blatant.  Beware of people who question the Word of God!  Satan will sow doubt about the veracity of God’s Word, the purity of God’s Word, and the authority of God’s Word.  Psalm 119:89 says that God’s Word is forever settled, but Satan casts doubt.

 

b.  Every sin begins when we either question or reject God’s Word, which is God’s authority.  If anyone questions the Bible, you find another person to hang around with.  You do not have to say a word or defend God’s Word, just turn and walk away.

 

3.  The Distortion of God’s Word.  Verses 2-3.  Genesis 3:2-3  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:  (3)  But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

 

a.  Notice the changing of God’s Word was not done at first by Satan!  Eve replied to the serpent, saying, “Neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.”

 

b.  God never said that they could not touch the tree.  God’s Word was changed through human reasoning: if you cannot eat of the fruit of the tree, then you cannot touch it either.  Human reason is not God’s truth, but a distortion of it.

 

c.  Adding to or taking away from God’s Word is error.  There are three “sentinels” in the Bible concerning adding to or taking away from God’s Word.  One in the beginning, one in the middle, and one at the end of the Bible.

 

Deuteronomy 4:2  Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

 

Proverbs 30:5-6  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.  (6)  Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

 

Revelation 22:18-19  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  (19)  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

 

4.  The Denial of God’s Word. Genesis 3:4  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

 

a.  Subtle deception turns into absolute denial!  Satan contradicts a clear command of God with the change of just one word, “Not!”

 

b.  Satan is “Not” only a liar, he is the “FATHER” of the lie!  People do not “understand” God’s Word because they listen the the Lies of Satan.

 

John 8:43-45  Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.  (44)  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.  (45)  And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

 

c.  People are deceived through personal choice. Doubt leads to denial and denial to open rebellion.  “Why do ye not understand … I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.”

 

5.  The Defamation of God’s Character.  Genesis 3:5  For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

 

a.  Satan’s lie that our wonderful Lord withholds good from us because He can.

 

James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

 

b.  God gave to Adam and Eve EVERY good thing in the Garden of Eden and only withheld that one thing that was harmful to them.  Knowing both “good and evil.”  God did not want them to “know” evil.  The word “know” in the Bible speaks of the intamicy between a man and his wife.

 

c.  God never intended for His children to be intimate with evil!  “then your eyes shall be opened … knowing good and evil.”  Our children are born in innocence, and I wish that they would never know evil, but, unfortunately, their innocence will one day turn into guilt and shame.

 

d.  The defamation of God’s character is an evil thing as God does not sin or do evil to His children! 

 

Psalms 23:6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

 

6.  The Desire for Self-Exaltation.  Genesis 3:5  For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

 

a.  “and ye shall be as gods.”  Satan wanted to be as God and, therefore above God.  Today, humanism is taught to our children by the world in both public schools and the outside world.  Humanism is “the god of self.”

 

b.  Humanism is when we want to be like God and become independent jof God.

 

c.  The root of Humanism is pride, and the end of Humanism is destruction!  Self-interest leads to self-rule, which leads to self-destruction!  Always!

 

7.  The Damnation of Fleshly Desire.  Genesis 3:6  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

 

a.  The Lust of the Flesh.  “good for food.”

 

b.  The Lust of the Eye.  “pleasant to the eyes.”

 

c.  The Pride of Life.  “a tree to be desired to make one wise.”

 

1 John 2:15-17  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16)  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  (17)  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

 

8.  The Destruction of Mankind.  Genesis 3:6-7  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.  (7)  And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked …”

 

Genesis 2:16-17  And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:  (17)  But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

 

a.  Brought about Spiritual Death.  “for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” 

 

1.  That 24-hour period when Adam knowingly, deliberately, disobeyed God, Adam and Eve entered into spiritual death.

 

2.  Thank God that He shed the blood of atonement that very 24-hour day in which Adam and Eve spiritually died and reconciled them once again back to fellowship with God through the promised Seed of the Woman, our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Genesis 3:21  Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

 

Romans 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 

b.  Brought about Physical Death.  “for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” 

 

Genesis 3:22-24  And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:  (23)  Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.  (24)  So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

 

2 Peter 3:8  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

 

Genesis 5:5  And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.

 

The oldest man who ever lived remained on this earth for 969 years.  The year that he was born, in God’s economy, he died!

 

Conclusion:

 

1 Timothy 2:13-15  For Adam was first formed, then Eve.  (14)  And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.  (15)  Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

 

a.  Eve, being the weaker vessel, was caught up in the deception.

 

b.  Adam was not!  A beautiful type of Christ who tasted death that we might live.  Adam knew what his wife had done and chose to die (Ye shall surely die) in order that both he and Eve could live again one day forever!

 

c.  Eve’s salvation would come through childbearing that brought forth the “seed of the woman,” our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

The Pastor and His Ministry

 Temple Baptist Church - 9-3-2025

1 Corinthians 4:15-21

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  Tonight, I will preach on a topic that I probably dislike preaching about the most. It has been nearly 21 years since I last preached on this subject, so God’s timing is better than mine, and it needs to be reaffirmed.

 

1.  In the preceding verses, we find the suffering of the Apostles.  They were certainly not popular with the world and suffered much as they became a “spectacle” or circus to the world. 

 

2. They suffered much for the cause of Christ, which makes this pastor thankful that I have suffered little.

 

3.  I have no horror stories to tell as the Lord has been good to my family and I would do nothing else.

 

4.  Men that I have gone to school with have not been as fortunate, but ALL have been blessed.

 

5.  I want to use these verses to show what a pastor is.  The Bible calls it the Office of a Bishop.

 

B.  The office of the Bishop: his work and his humanity.  Most church members do not fully understand the ministry or the pastor. It seems that almost everyone has a different view of his work, and when not taught diligently, they can often become disappointed or offended.

 

1.  The Pastor is a “bridge builder.”  He is not a priest who represents man to God, nor is he an apostle who represents God to man.  The pastor tries to keep the gap between God and man bridged so that his people can have a proper relationship with Him.

 

2.  The Pastor is an Overseer.  He watches for your soul and will one day give an account for it.

 

Hebrews 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

 

C.  I will try to clarify some aspects of the ministry that are essential for both the welfare of the local church and the spiritual growth of believers.

 

1.  The Office of the Bishop (Pastor) is a gift to the local church.  Pastor, a shepherd!  “The Lord is my Shepherd” clarifies that only the Lord Jesus Christ is the true and perfect Shepherd, but the Pastor is an “undershepherd,” a steward of the local church family, as he must give an account for each.

 

Ephesians 4:11-15  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  (12)  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  (13)  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  (14)  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  (15)  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

 

2.  The Office of the Bishop is a good work to be desired!  “Office of a bishop” in the Greek is one word meaning to “inspect” or “to go see.”  “Office of a bishop” does not mean to rule or to dictate, but to love, defend, and guide. 

 

1 Timothy 3:1  This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

 

D.  Paul highlights the distinction between many "instructors" and a few "fathers." The term "instructor" refers to a tutor or guardian who teaches facts, provides advice, or corrects behavior. However, Paul emphasizes that a pastor's role extends beyond simple teaching; it embodies spiritual fatherhood and shepherding responsibilities that involve care, sacrifice, and leading by example.

 

E.  In today's world, numerous voices offer instruction, criticism, and advice, but the faithful biblical pastor has a higher calling: to love, lead, nurture, and guide God's flock.

 

1.  The Pastor Is A Father – vs. 15

 

a.  Representative Of Respect - 1 Timothy 5:17  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

 

b.  Representative Of Authority - 1 Peter 5:2  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

 

2.  The Pastor Is A Shepherd – vs. 16

 

a.  As You Follow, He Guides - Psalms 23:1-3 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

 

b.  As You Follow, He Guards - Hebrews 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

 

3.  The Pastor Is A Teacher – vs. 17

 

a.  He Teaches By Example - 1 Timothy 4:12  Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

 

b.  He Teaches By Explaining - Acts 20:27  For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

 

1 Timothy 3:2  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

 

Apt – to have the aptitude (skill, ability, gift) to teach.

 

“pastors and teachers” in Ephesians chapter 4.

 

4.  The Pastor Is a Disciplinarian – vs. 18-21

 

a.  The Power Of Discipline – 1 Corinthians 5:5  To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

 

1 Timothy 1:20  Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

 

b.  The Progression Of Discipline - 2 Timothy 4:2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

5.  The Pastor Is A Friend – vs. 21

 

a.  He Is A Friend To The Family - Isaiah 40:11  He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

 

b. He Is A Friend To The Failing - Amos 3:12  Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch.

 

The pastor is your gift; he belongs to you!

Imprecatory Praying

 Temple Baptist Church - 8-31-2025

Psalm 35

Introduction:

 

A.  Psalm 35 is another of the Psalms of David, the greatest king who ever lived, and a man after God’s own heart. David wrote 73 of the 150 Psalms, almost half, as he was a musician, singer, songwriter, and also the most feared king alive.

 

B.  These things may seem contradictory, but they are not. We see both “sides of the coin” in King David: a hardness when needed, as he “killed his ten thousands” in battle, and also compassion.

 

C.  Imprecatory - he word “imprecatory” comes from imprecate, meaning to invoke a curse or to call down judgment.

 

D. An imprecatory prayer (or psalm) is a Spirit-inspired petition calling upon the Lord to execute judgment, bring down vengeance, and uphold His righteousness against those who oppose Him and His people instead of taking personal vengeance out of spite.

 

E.  Imprecatory in a Biblical sense:

 

1.  To call on God to judge the wicked according to His righteousness.

 

“Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.” (Psalm 35:4)

 

2.  To ask God to vindicate the righteous.

 

“Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none.” (Psalm 10:15)

 

3.  To appeal to God’s justice rather than taking personal revenge.

 

Psalms 58:6  Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.

 

“Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.” (Psalm 69:24)

 

F.  I said all that to express this: imprecatory prayer is both correct and Scriptural! There is a time for kindness, but there is also a time for righteous indignation and anger.

 

Ephesians 4:26  Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

 

G.  Now, to the breakdown of Psalm 35.

 

1. Verses 1-10 – David’s Plea for Divine Intervention.

 

a.  Verses 1–3 – David appeals to God as a warrior.  There is a time for peace and a time for war.  God’s people are not to be pacifists nor weaklings!  David was a man of War as a man of God!  Strong men, strong women who are willing to stand for right and justice.

 

b.  Verses 4-8 – David prays for the shame and destruction of his enemies.  If the wicked will not get right and continue in their wickedness, then the ultimate price must be paid!  Let them fall into the trap they have laid for the righteous.

 

c.  Verses 9-10 – David’s promise of glory and praise to God for His intervention.  “Let all be done to the glory of God!”  “In everything give thanks!” 

 

2.  Verses 11-18 – David’s Complaint of False Accusation.  Here, we find that the battle becomes psychological rather than physical.  Psychological abuse is, in many cases, worse than physical abuse. 

 

a.  Verses 11-12 – His enemies rise as false witnesses.  David is slandered.  He is repaid evil for good.

 

b.  Verses 13-14 – David’s Compassion Upon His Enemies.  I find this portion of the Psalm fascinating and essential.  David differentiated between the wickedness of his enemies and their condition.  As God hates the sin but loves the sinner, David fasted and mourned for them as if they were his brethren!  Some have greatly hurt our family over the years, and I have them on my prayer list.  I cannot hate them, nor do I wish them harm of any kind.  Justice, yes, but harm no!  Our Lord said this in the Sermon on the Mount.

 

Matthew 5:43-48  Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  (44)  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;  (45)  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.  (46)  For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?  (47)  And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?  (48)  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

 

c.  Verses 14-16 – The Cruelty of David’s Enemies.  They rejoiced over David’s misfortune and mocked at his calamity!  People can be so cruel to one another, and we see "so much the more" as the day of the Lord approaches.

 

d.  Verses 17-18 – David’s Confusion.  David did not understand God’s seemingly delayed promise, but he promised to trust God throughout the trial.  God’s silences are God’s business and we are prone to try and hurry God up at times.    I love these verses in Ecclesiastes chapter 3: 

 

Ecclesiastes 3:11  He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

 

Ecclesiastes 3:14  I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

 

3.  Verses 19-28 – David’s Prayer for Vindication and Final Judgment.

 

a.  Verses 19-21 – Don’t let them rejoice over me. 

 

Isaiah 59:19  So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

 

b.  Verses 22-25 – Don’t let the prevail over me.

 

c.  Verse 26 – Let them be brought to confusion.

 

d.  Verses 27-28 – David’s Vow.  Thanksgiving: Every section of this Psalm ends with a vow to praise God.

 

Psalms 35:9-10  And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.  (10)  All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

 

Psalms 35:18  I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.

 

Psalms 35:27-28  Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.  (28)  And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

Conclusion: 

 

Pray for those who choose to be our enemies in a spirit of forgiveness and compassion.

 

Be thankful to God in both the good and the hard times of life, as He must allow all things to happen for our good.

 

Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Hamartiology: The Doctrine of Sin - Part 1

Temple Baptist Church - 8-31-2025

Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:11-19

 

A. Hamartiology is derived from two words in Greek: hamartía, Greek: ἁμαρτία – to miss the mark, and logos, which means “word”— the study of sin. These messages will contain a lot of information. If you want my messages in their entirety, send me your email address at pastorjohnston@gmail.com and I will gladly add you to my sermon list.

 

1. The word “hamartia” (more accurately hamartía, Greek: ἁμαρτία) is a fundamental term in the New Testament. It is the most common Greek word translated into English as “sin” in the King James Bible.

 

2. In the Theological sense, it means to miss the mark, to fail, or to err concerning God’s laws and standards. Sin is found in the rebellion of mankind against God, whether by omission (not doing what is right) or commission (doing that which we know is wrong).

 

B. Today, I want to look at the Origin of sin and its results. When sermonizing sin, we must find its beginning and work from there.

 

1. I do not want to spend a lot of time on Angelology, but to understand the origin of sin, we must look a Lucifer.

 

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

 

2. Sin did not originate on earth. It originated in heaven; therefore, we must look into Angelology to a degree in order to understand sin’s origin and originator.

 

C. The Person of Lucifer. Lucifer – “light bearer” – “son of the morning” – a created being referred to as “the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. (15) Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.”

 

1. As to the time of Lucifer’s creation, we are not sure, but I believe that it was around the time of creation, as the Bible says, “In the beginning God created!” This expresses the thought that there was nothing created before creation. We do know that Lucifer’s sin took place after creation because he walked in Eden, the garden of God, before his sin.

 

Ezekiel 28:13a Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God

 

2. Lucifer was created as a Cherubim. Cherubims are different from angels in general, as they were specifically designed for a specific work. They are the defenders of the holiness of God.

 

D. The importance and work of angels.

 

1. There are different types of heavenly creatures mentioned in the Bible. I will start at the bottom. I will be general in my terms.

 

a). Angels in general. They are servants of God who do multiple things. 1) Angels were created to glorify God 2) Angels serve God’s people 3) Angels execute God’s commands 4) Angels deliver God’s messages 5) Angels protect believers 6) Angels accompanied Christ in His earthly ministry 7) Angels will participate in the final judgment. 8) Angels are never the center of attention but always point back to the greatness of God.

 

b) Seraphim (to burn or be on fire) are mentioned only twice in Isiah but are the Living Creatures found in other places in the Bible – 1) Seraphim dwell in God’s immediate presence 2) Saraphim proclaim and magnify His holiness 3) Saraphim model reverence and humility before God 4) Seraphim serve in God’s work of cleansing and preparing His messengers 5) Seraphim assist in the unfolding of God’s will in heaven and earth.

 

c) Cherubim - 1) Cherubim guard the holiness of God 2) Cherubim bear the throne and glory of God 3) Cherubim symbolize God’s presence in worship 4) Cherubim reflect God’s attributes of God in creation 5) Cherubim exalt the holiness and sovereignty of the God.

 

d) Three Special Angels:

 

1a) Michael the Archangel protects God’s people, especially Israel 2)Michael will lead angelic armies in battle against Satan 3) Michael is the leader among the angels 4) Michael will deliver Israel in the end-time.

 

2a) Gabriel the Messenger - 1) Gabriel delivers God’s word as His messenger 2) Gabriel interprets prophecy and give understanding 3) Gabriel announced God’s plan of salvation in Christ 4) Gabriel represents God’s presence as His envoy 5) Gabriel brings good news of hope and redemption.

 

3a) Lucifer (The Cherubim) – “Light Bearer” – “The Anointed Cherub that Covereth” “The Defender of the Holiness of God!”

 

1b) Cherubims protected the Tree of Life after Adam’s fall. Genesis 3:24 – After Adam and Eve sinned, God placed cherubim at the east of the Garden of Eden, with a flaming sword, to guard the way to the tree of life.

2b) Cherubims protected the Mercy Seat where God spoke to man. Exodus 25:18–22 – God commanded two golden cherubim to be placed upon the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant. God said: “there I will meet with thee…from between the two cherubims.”

3b) Lucifer had a special task to perform as he walked in Eden, the Garden of God. The only thing in Eden that needed to be protected was the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil!

 

E. Lucifer (“light-bearer”) was created as a perfect, exalted cherub before his rebellion.

 

Ezekiel 28:11-19 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, (12) Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. (13) Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. (14) Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. (15) Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.

 

1. “Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.” (v. 12)

 

2. “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God…” (v. 13)

 

3. “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth…” (v. 14)

 

4. “Thou wast perfect in thy ways… till iniquity was found in thee.” (v. 15)

 

1. The Sin of Lucifer.

 

Ezekiel 28:15-16a Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. (16) By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned:

 

a. Isaiah 14 lists the “I wills” of Lucifer.

 

Isaiah 14:12-16 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! (13) For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (14) I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

 

1) “I will ascend into heaven.”

 

2) “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.”

 

3) “I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation.”

 

4) “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds.”

 

4) “I will be like the most High.”

 

b. His sin was pride and a desire to usurp God’s throne (1 Timothy 3:6 warns against “the condemnation of the devil”).

 

1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

 

This verse does not mean that the devil condemns, it is saying that the same pride that we have is what condemns us just as it did Lucifer! Pride elevates the self above God and, therefore, causes us to place ourselves in the place of God. Therefore equal with God.

 

2. The De-Elevation of Lucifer.

 

Ezekiel 28:16b-19 Therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. (17) Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. (18) Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. (19) All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.”

 

a. These verses are both present tense practically and future tense in their prophecy.

 

b. By practical, the Bible speaks of Satan now. Satan means adversary or accuser—Devil – the supreme spirit of evil. Though he does not hold his previous position as the “anointed Cherub that covereth,” he still has access to the throne of God as the accuser of the brethren, as well as access to the earth.

 

Job 1:6-7 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. (7) And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

 

Satan is given many titles in the Bible describing his character and work:

 

Satan – “adversary” (Job 1:6; Zechariah 3:1).

 

Lucifer – “light-bearer” before his fall (Isaiah 14:12).

 

Devil – “slanderer” (Matthew 4:1).

 

Serpent – deceiver in Eden (Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9).

 

Dragon – symbol of destructive power (Revelation 12:3, 9).

 

Prince of this world (John 12:31).

 

God of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4).

 

Prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2).

 

Accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10).

 

Tempter (Matthew 4:3).

 

Wicked one (Matthew 13:19).

 

Angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14 – he disguises himself).

 

c. By prophetic, the Bible speaks of a future time when Satan will be “cast … to the ground … will lay thee before kings … will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee … and never shalt thou be any more.”

 

1) Cast down. Revelation 12:7-12 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, (8) And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. (9) And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (10) And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (12) Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

 

2) Laid before kings. Cast into the bottomless pit. Revelation 20:1-3 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. (2) And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, (3) And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

 

3) Destroyed forever. Finally cast into the lake of fire forever. Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

 

3. The Hatred of Lucifer.

 

a. Satan hates God.

 

1) He opposes God’s plan (Isaiah 14:13–14).

 

2) He counterfeits God’s works (2 Thessalonians 2:9).

 

b. Satan hates Christ.

 

1) Tempted Christ in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11).

 

2) Entered Judas to betray Him (Luke 22:3).

 

c. Satan hates Believers.

 

1) Accuses (Revelation 12:10).

 

2) Tempts (1 Thessalonians 3:5).

 

3) Deceives (2 Corinthians 11:3).

 

4) Devours (1 Peter 5:8).

 

5) Sows tares (Matthew 13:39).

 

6) Hinders the work of God’s servants (1 Thessalonians 2:18).

 

d. Satan hates the World

 

1) Blinds the minds of the lost (2 Corinthians 4:4).

 

2) Works in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2).

 

3) Controls kingdoms of this world (Luke 4:5–7).

 

4. The Serpent. Not to surmise a little but I believe that this must have happened.

 

a. The very thing that Lucifer was to protect because the object of his attack on all that God loved.

 

b. As we know that Lucifer walked in Eden, the Garden of God, he must have personally picked the serpent to do his dirty work. The body was a serpent, but the voice was one of Satan!

 

c. “Yea, hath God said?” The temptation of Eve, the deception of Eve, led to the sin of Adam, which led to Romans 5:12!

 

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

 

Conclusion: Lucifer – Satan – the Devil – is the epitome of sin incarnate as he used his time in God’s Garden of Eden to influence the serpent to entice Eve!