Romans 5:12-14
Introduction:
1. This lesson explains how we humans lost our place in the garden of Eden.
2. It also sets the context for future key words that will describe the process by which God restores to us what we forfeited.
3. We look at these terms together because one gave rise to the other.
Discussion:
I. The Meaning and Scope of Our Terms
A. Sin: related terms include trespasses and transgressions
1. Multiple words are so translated in both covenants.
2. The basic meaning of these terms is to miss the mark, stray from the path, or violate the Divine will (Mounce).
B. Death: Scripture speaks of physical and spiritual death
1. The basic meaning is separation: 1) physically of the body and soul, and 2) spiritually of humanity from God.
2. Death, in both senses, is the direct result of sin (Genesis 2:17; Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:21; Ephesians 2:1; James 1:15).
C. These are universal issues (Romans 3:9-12, 23; 5:12; 1 John 1:8-10).
II. What This Teaches Us About God and Humanity
A. God and humanity view sin very differently.
B. This is due to God’s inherent holiness (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 89:14; Isaiah 6:3).
C. This is the mark we miss, the path from which we stray, and the Divine will we violate in sin (Genesis 1:26-28; James 5:19; 1 Peter 1:14-16).
D. His purity demands our sins be purified (Romans 3:21-26; 1 John 1:5-7).
III. How These Truths Should Shape Our Lives
A. First, we must take sin seriously (Psalms 97:10; Amos 5:15; Romans 12:9).
B. Second, we must determine to put it away (Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 4:1-2).
C. Third, we must learn what is and is not sinful so that we may put it away (Psalms 119:104; Ephesians 4:17-24; 5:15-17; Hebrews 5:11-14).
D. Finally, this demands we humble ourselves before God (James 4:7-10).
Conclusion:
1. Sin cost us our home in God’s garden of delight (Genesis 3:22-24).
2. Physical and spiritual death ensued (Romans 5:12).
3. Thankfully, this is not the end of the story (Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26).
4. The rest of our word studies pertain to God bringing this to fruition.