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Hamartiology - The Doctrine of Sin
Hamartiology - The Doctrine of Sin
Objectives
1. The disciple will understand truths about the origin of sin.
2. The disciple will see more clearly the fact of sin in the human race.
3. The consequences of sin will be clearly understood.
4. The disciple will understand that sin has permeated the entire human race.
Scripture Memory
For the one who obeys the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.
James 2:10
Agenda
1. Mutual accountability and prayer.
2. Sharing of memory work.
3. Discuss the study materials.
4. Discuss review questions.
5. Discuss any new terms.
Introduction
One of the chief questions posed by the human mind is, “where did sin come from?” That evil is
in the world is not debatable. Every day there are threats and killings and sorrow that seem to fill
our lives at every juncture.
This session is set apart for a discussion of sin and its impact upon the human race as we
experience it.
We will discuss the beginnings of sin, its reality in the world, what happens because of sin, and
its universality. We will also speak of its ultimate banishment from the earth and universe.
Worksheet
WHERE DID SIN ORIGINATE?
The origin of sin is not totally clear. There seems to have been a revolt against God before the
world began. In Isaiah 14:12-17, there are words that are believed to relate to Satan sometime
before the world was made. In reading this account, the statement _____ __________ occurs five
times. That seems to be the essence of sin in its beginning. When we compare 2 Peter 2:4, we see
that ___________ sinned having kept not their first estate. We don’t know for sure exactly what
that was. There also seems to be a period of time between Genesis 1:1 and verse 2. Some have
said that the translation should read, “the earth became void...” They suggest that the earth
became void as a result of angelic rebellion, possibly because the angels aspired to a higher place
than their creation allowed.
SIN’S ENTRANCE INTO THE HUMAN RACE
Having accepted the reality that sin is in the universe, how did the sinfulness of humanity come
about? We find the account of this in Genesis 3. Read this account and see if you can answer the
following questions.
1. Who was the primary person involved in the fall of Adam and Eve?
2. What was his appearance like?
3. Who did he approach?
Why do you think the approach to Eve was made rather than Adam?
4. What was the nature of the temptation?
5. How was Satan’s appeal to Eve similar to the account in Isaiah 14?
6. What was the result of the fall as indicated in Romans 5:12?
What was the result of the fall to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:14-24?
So what is in the human race today that speaks of sin? See Psalm 51:5; 58:3; Genesis 8:21
THE REALITY OF SIN
There are several ways we know that sin is in the universe We will consider nature, law, the
human heart, and divine revelation.
I. Look at the contrasts that exist in nature, such as every rose having thorns. There is an
awesome howl in every storm, the shriek of a captured animal, the minor key in all of nature and
the shifting of the earth that shakes and causes the death of many of us who inhabit the earth.
We know that sin has affected creation because of Romans 8:19-22. How does this passage
speak of the effect of sin in creation?
From this passage, is anything tied to our ultimate redemption that involves creation? Discuss
this subject briefly.
II. How does the law give the knowledge of sin, Romans 3:20?
“Law” refers to the commandments given by the Father in the Old Testament.
A. James 2:10
B. Romans 7:10
C. Romans 7:7
III. Man confesses that he is a sinner. What do the following verses say about man’s own
confession?
A. The prodigal son, Luke 15:21
B. King David, 2 Samuel 19:20
C. Achan, Joshua 7:20
These are but a few men who confessed their sin. Surely you and I would acknowledge the same.
IV. The very presence of Christ and the knowledge of the Father speak eloquently of the reality
of sin. When an awareness of the Father and the presence of Christ are experienced, this brings a
new awareness of the sinfulness of man. How was this described in the following verses?
A. Luke 5:8
B. Job 42:4-6
C. 1 Timothy 1:15
There is no goodness we can claim before a righteous God.