(Sermon Quote) Sin In God's Presence
Erlo Stegen teaches that sin causes a separation from God, turning joy into fear and making us flee from His presence instead of seeking Him.
This sermon delves into the consequences of sin entering a person's life, leading to a shift from joy and closeness with God to fear and avoidance. It explores how sin can distort what is precious and holy, causing individuals to run away from God instead of seeking His presence. The narrative of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is used to illustrate the impact of sin on relationships with God and the introduction of fear into their lives.
Full Transcript
And he came, and then they ran away. Before, they always enjoyed the visit of God. They always were happy.
But now, their happiness changed. And they fled from him. They didn't want to see him, didn't want to hear him.
That's what happens in a person's life when sin comes in, when the devil comes in. Then that which is precious, most precious and holy, turns into something bad, and you don't want to stay there anymore. You want to run away.
Adam, where are you? He said, I was afraid because I was naked. He was afraid because he was naked when God came. It shouldn't have been God calling him.
It should be Adam calling God. God, where are you? You've left me because of my sin. Be gracious to me.
Instead of running and fleeing to God, he ran away from God. And then fear came into their lives. Are there some Christians here that have got fear in their lives? Where did things go wrong that fear has entered you in your life? He says, because I was naked.
He'd always been naked. He had no fear. But he couldn't see that he was naked.
His eyes opened, as the serpent said, your eyes will open.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Change in Relationship with God
- Before sin, there was joy in God's presence
- After sin, fear and fleeing replace joy
- Sin causes a break in fellowship with God
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II. The Consequence of Sin
- Sin brings awareness of nakedness and shame
- Fear enters where there was none before
- Separation from God is the root of fear
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III. The Call to Return to God
- God calls out to us despite our sin
- We should seek God, not run away
- Confession and grace restore fellowship
Key Quotes
“That's what happens in a person's life when sin comes in, when the devil comes in.” — Erlo Stegen
“It shouldn't have been God calling him. It should be Adam calling God.” — Erlo Stegen
“He'd always been naked. He had no fear. But he couldn't see that he was naked.” — Erlo Stegen
Application Points
- Recognize how sin can cause fear and separation from God in your life.
- Respond to God's call by confessing your sins and seeking His grace.
- Choose to run toward God instead of away, restoring your fellowship with Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Adam and Eve run away from God?
Because sin made them aware of their nakedness and shame, causing fear and separation from God.
What does sin do to our relationship with God?
Sin breaks fellowship with God, replacing joy with fear and causing us to flee from His presence.
How can we overcome fear caused by sin?
By confessing our sin and seeking God's grace, we can restore our relationship and experience His peace.
What does God do when we run away from Him?
God calls out to us, inviting us to return and be reconciled despite our failures.