Sin Is Crouching At The Door Series

SIN IS CROUCHING AT THE DOOR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 4:6-7

Key Verse: “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” — Genesis 4:7

Supporting Texts: James 1:14-15; Romans 6:12-13; Proverbs 14:12; Galatians 5:16-17; 1 Corinthians 10:13

INTRODUCTION

Sin is not passive. From the earliest account in Genesis, Scripture shows that sin crouches—waiting, watching, and ready to pounce on the unguarded heart. Cain was warned by God that while obedience brings acceptance, failure to master sin gives it access to dominate life.

Every believer faces opportunities where temptation and wrong desires lurk. Sin’s strategy is subtle, often disguised as convenience, entitlement, or even spiritual activity. Understanding that sin is crouching at the door helps us stay alert, spiritually disciplined, and dependent on God’s strength.

This sermon will equip believers to recognise sin’s approach, exercise authority over it, and respond with obedience, faith, and vigilance, ensuring that sin does not master their lives.

1. SIN LIES IN WAIT FOR OPPORTUNITY

Sin is strategic; it waits for the right moment to take control.

a) Sin crouches, not openly attacks (Genesis 4:7)

It does not always confront; it waits silently, often unnoticed.

b) Temptation grows when unguarded (James 1:14)

Personal desire can be exploited if left unchecked.

c) Sin exploits weakness (Romans 6:12)

Disobedience or neglect provides a foothold.

d) Awareness prevents enslavement (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Recognising sin’s approach gives opportunity for resistance.

Biblical Example:

Cain was warned by God about sin crouching at his door before he acted, highlighting the importance of vigilance.

2. SIN AIMS TO MASTER MAN

Sin seeks to dominate every area of life if not resisted.

a) Sin desires control over our decisions (Genesis 4:7)

It wants to dictate behaviour, emotions, and responses.

b) Rebellion and pride feed sin’s power (Proverbs 16:18)

Self-exaltation strengthens sin’s grip.

c) Allowing sin to rule leads to destruction (James 1:15)

Concealed sin grows into transgression and consequences.

d) Mastery requires authority through God (Romans 6:13)

Believers are called to present themselves as instruments of righteousness.

Biblical Example:

David’s initial indulgence of desire led to adultery and murder, showing how sin escalates when allowed to rule.

3. GOD OFFERS STRATEGY TO OVERCOME SIN

Divine guidance empowers believers to resist and master sin.

a) Recognition of sin’s presence (Genesis 4:7)

Awareness is the first step in resistance.

b) God grants authority over sin (Genesis 4:7)

Believers are not helpless; they are called to rule over sin.

c) Obedience neutralises sin’s approach (James 4:7)

Submission to God produces resistance to temptation.

d) Vigilance and prayer sustain mastery (Matthew 26:41)

Spiritually alert believers stand against sin’s crouching strategy.

Biblical Example:

Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife, exercising authority over sin instead of yielding to temptation.

4. SIN AFFECTS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND OTHERS

Unchecked sin damages fellowship, trust, and destiny.

a) Sin alienates from God (Isaiah 59:2)

Separation occurs when sin dominates.

b) Sin breeds conflict and envy (Genesis 4:8)

Cain allowed sin to control his emotions, leading to murder.

c) Sin hinders purpose and blessing (Proverbs 14:12)

Misguided choices result in loss and frustration.

d) Resistance restores favour and alignment (1 Peter 2:24)

Obedience and faith sustain life under God’s protection.

Biblical Example:

Cain’s submission to sin caused a permanent change in his destiny, showing the danger of allowing sin to crouch unchecked.

5. MASTERING SIN DEMANDS FAITH AND DISCIPLINE

Spiritual authority over sin requires conscious choices and divine partnership.

a) Submit daily to God (Romans 6:13)

Present your members as instruments of righteousness.

b) Reject temptation actively (1 Corinthians 10:13)

God provides escape routes from every trial.

c) Cultivate holiness through obedience (1 Peter 1:15–16)

Living right keeps sin at bay.

d) Walk in the Spirit continually (Galatians 5:16)

Dependence on the Holy Spirit secures victory over sin.

Biblical Example:

Jesus overcame every temptation in the wilderness by relying on Scripture and obedience to God, illustrating perfect mastery over sin.

CONCLUSION

Sin crouches, ready to seize every neglected or unguarded heart. The story of Cain teaches believers that sin is not passive; it waits for disobedience, pride, and negligence. Left unchecked, sin can escalate into destruction, affecting destiny, relationships, and fellowship with God.

However, God has provided both warning and strategy. Through vigilance, obedience, faith, and reliance on His Spirit, believers can master sin and exercise authority over it. Victory is available to every believer who chooses to rule over sin rather than be ruled by it.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, open my eyes to see sin before it attacks me in Jesus name.

2. Lord, give me authority to master every sin crouching at my door in Jesus name.

3. Remove pride, rebellion, and anger from my heart in Jesus name.