Key Verse: “Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent? 7 If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.” (Genesis 4:6-8 CSB)
The reality is that we are only just one or two steps away from making a bad decision that can have grave consequences in our lives and for those around us.
For Cain, one of the sons of Adam and Eve, the temptation to sin was very real and present. Having had his offering to God rejected because of his wicked living (1 John 3:12), he was jealous of his brother Abel. The Lord warned Cain, saying, “Sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it” (v.7).
Sadly, this is not what Cain chose to do. Instead of ruling over the sinful temptation, he gave into it. He ended up attacking and murdering his brother Abel in a jealous rage. The consequences were severe.
This is precisely what the enemy of our soul is looking to do in our lives as well. He is lurking, ready and waiting for an opportunity to take us down and bring shame on the name of Jesus. Some days we are more aware of this than others. At times, we can more easily sense the heat or the pressure that is rising around us.
The temptations of Satan, the world and our own flesh are powerful and real. Our adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). While our spirit may be willing, the flesh is weak (Mark 14:38). Even when all seems quiet on the front, we must be mindful and ready. Sin is crouching at the door looking to have its way in our lives.
But we do not need to be afraid. The answer is not fear or anxiety, but rather faith. We must stand firm in our faith in the face of temptation and “rule over it.” Temptation and sin don’t have to have the final word. Jesus does! It is always possible through Christ to rule over sin and not let it be our master.
God has promised that He is able to keep us from stumbling (Jude 24). Jesus has already won the victory. Now that He has given us the Holy Spirit, we have the same power that raised Christ from the dead available to us to help us stand firm. It is by God’s Spirit that we can put to death the deeds of the flesh and find life (Romans 8:13). God is faithful and has promised to grant us a way of escape in every situation in which we are tempted, so that we can follow Him (1 Corinthians 10:13).
In what ways do you sense the enemy’s activity in you life right now? Where is sin crouching at your door ready to pounce? Remember, through Jesus, victory is not just possible. It’s guaranteed! So today, choose to stand firm through faith in Him. “Take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand” (Ephesians 6:13).
Prayer: God, I know that sin is crouching at my door ready to strike. But I praise you that your power is greater than any temptation I will face. I choose to take my stand today and rule over sin through faith in Jesus Christ. Thank you for all that you have done to guarantee my victory! Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
