The Daily Struggle of Sin

Sin is part of people because the first humans—Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God. As a result, humans inherited sin. We sin because sin came into the world because of what one man did (Romans 5:12). Sin has been part of every person’s life from the beginning of time. The Bible is filled with prominent figures who struggled with sin. Therefore, we are not alone. Adam and Eve’s son, Cain, committed the first murder by killing his own brother (Genesis 4:8). Countless other people sinned after Cain. Sadly, humans became so evil and sin became so widespread and severe that God flooded the earth to wipe out the corrupted generation (Genesis 6:5, 7, 17), sparing only Noah and his family.

God spared Noah and his family because he was the most innocent man of his time, and he walked with God (Genesis 6:9). The Bible mentions even Noah sinned after the flood by getting drunk and naked, lying uncovered in his tent. Drinking wine is not a sin but allowing it to control our actions is. In Genesis 9:20–27, Noah’s actions were considered a moral failure primarily because drunkenness caused him to lose self-control. In ancient Near East culture, being naked and uncovered was strongly associated with shame, vulnerability, and a breakdown of household honor. Noah’s family also sinned, notably his son Ham, who saw him naked, and disrespected his father's vulnerable state instead of covering him, leading Noah to curse Ham's descendants.

God is very patient and merciful to humans. He provides people with help from the Holy Spirit. He provides people with the power to overcome the daily struggle of sin. The continuous process where a believer grows in grace, matures spiritually, and actively turns away from sin is known as sanctification. It is a lifelong process were God starts to change a believer’s thoughts and actions to conform them into the image of His Son, Jesus.

To learn more about sanctification, read the devotional, What Does it Mean to be Sanctified in Christ.