Theme: “Nobody’s perfect.” This folk wisdom recognizes some moral/ethical standard and the reality that no one fully embodies it. The cultural temptation is to conclude either “free pass” or “people stink” (Judges 21:25). God’s Word reveals the meta-story of humanity’s divine creation, dire fall, erratic ways - and the gracious offer of deliverance and re-storation through The Son’s incarnation and atonement (Romans 6:23). Touched by this, we worship God as “You/Thou,” and offer our hospitality to others as “you” - instead of treating allas “its.” (Martin Buber)
Outline:
1. Triune God, with love, created all things good, including humanity (Genesis 1:30)
2. Humanity, male & female, was made imago Dei for co-stewardship (Genesis 1:26f)
A. Heart’s affections, soul’s exertions, mind’s reflections, strength… (Mark 12:28-31)
B. So human life has sacred worth. Qualities include choice, communion, creativity. Ephesians 5:1 - Be imitators of God
3. But each chose to “play god” - breaking relationship, wounding character (Genesis 3). To play God is different from imitating God
4. How does this act effect our human DNA?
A. Historic Jewish view: tug-of-war between the good and evil yetzer (inclination)
B. Jesus “made like us in every way” (Hebrews 2:17) and without sin; babies no original guilt. Born “not guilty,” but born “wounded.”
C. Paul’s symmetry: both trespass and redemption await our ratification (Romans 5:19)
D. Tertullian (ca. AD 200) describes effects as vitium: a wound, weakness, defect
E. Augustine (ca. AD 400) roots a wandering past in original guilt; baptize infants!
5. Sum: “God created humankind upright - but they have gone in search of many schemes/devices [chishshabon]” (Ecclesiastes 7:29)
6. Life East of Eden: What are the trails and traps of sin?
A. The Law: human trespasses/debts against divine markers (1 John 3:4)
B. The Conscience: Knowing what’s right, but rebellion/indifference (James 4:14)
C. The Spirit: Guided toward faith-fulness, yet shrink or surge (Romans 14;23)
7. The Timelss Call: Repent - not as transaction, but in relationship!
A. Direct: 1-on-1 with God - “if we confess sins, He is faithful to forgive…” (1 John 1:9)
B. Assist: with soul-friend/healer - “Confess to one another, and pray” (James 5:16)
C. Public: when many affected, David’s confession and prayer a model (Psalm 51)