Genesis 4:7

“Is it not true that if you do what is right, you will be fine? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it.”

This scripture provides such a strong image, “sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you.” I wanted to make sure I had a good understanding of this image so I looked up the word “crouch”.

Crouch - to avoid detection

Let me insert the definition into this scripture.

“Is it not true that if you do what is right, you will be fine? But if you do not do what is right, sin is avoiding detection. It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it.”

Sin avoids detection in one key way, you don’t think it’s sin. You think you have the right to feel / respond / act in a certain way. Because you are so upset…Because you are so passionate…Because you are so angry…You are about to respond.

Sin has the same mission for each of us. Sin desires to dominate you. Sin wants to consume your life. Sin wants to have control of everything you do. Sin is crouching, it's hiding, it’s staying undetected, it’s not reveling it’s true identity.

Sin is there, staying undetected. But notice how God tells us to respond, “but you must subdue it.”

How might you subdue this sin that is crouching at the door? I would like to offer two ways you might subdue.

When I read this scripture I’m reminded of another door in the Bible. This door is found at the end of your Bible, in Revelation 3:20.

Revelation 3:20

“Listen! I am standing at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into his home and share a meal with him, and he with me.” - Jesus

Notice the contrast between Genesis 4:7 and Revelation 3:20.

Sin hides. Jesus stands.

Sin doesn’t wants to avoid detection. Jesus knocks, He wants you to know He's there.

Sins wants to dominate you. Jesus wants to share a meal.

So…It seems that both Sin and Jesus are outside your door. Whom do you want to invite it?

2. Before you act on what you feel you need to do, please share your plan with a trusted, Jesus following friend. Please don’t tell this trusted friend what YOU DID. Tell this trusted friend what YOU ARE GOING TO DO. There is a big difference. A good trusted Jesus following friend will help you subdue any sin in your life and help you open the door to our great Jesus.

I hope this short devotional helps you along your spiritual journey.

Stay blessed,

Pastor Matt