Dust // Week 4
Part of Covered in the Dust—Sermon Notes
January 23, 2025

Sermon Notes

What is Sin

Common definitions: Messing up, doing wrong, missing the mark, bad decisions.

Broader Definition: Sin is an enslaving cosmic force that corrupts creation and relationships, working through systems, structures, and individuals.

Colossians 2:13-15:
“He forgave us all our sins… having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

God’s Character and Generational Sin

Exodus 43:5-7 - “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin.”

God’s Hesed (steadfast love) is limitless, but sin, when unchecked, wreaks havoc for generations.

Generational Sin Defined

Patterns of sin that persist in families through behavior, trauma, or even DNA.

Examples: Lying, anger, jealousy, addiction, broken relationships.

Generational Sin in Scripture

Abraham’s Family Line:
1. Abraham lies about Sarah being his sister (Genesis 12:11-16; 20:11-16).
2. Isaac repeats the same lie (Genesis 26:7-9).
3. Jacob (Isaac’s son) deceives his brother and father (Genesis 27:19).
4. Jacob’s sons sell Joseph into slavery and lie about his death (Genesis 37:31-36).

Key Insight: Sin patterns worsen if not addressed and healed.

Jesus Came to Set Us Free

Luke 4:18-19: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me… to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and set the oppressed free.”

Jesus’ mission is to break sin’s power and restore freedom to His people.

Micah 7:18-19: God delights in showing mercy and casting sins into the sea.

Breaking the Cycle of Generational Sin

  1. Self-Awareness: Identify patterns of sin or brokenness in your family. “You cannot heal what you cannot admit.” – Dr. Rob Reimer
  2. Confess and Repent: Acknowledge sins and turn from them. Replace old patterns with Spirit-led habits.
  3. Utilize Resources: Counseling, spiritual direction, recovery programs, and tools like Soul Care and Emotionally Healthy Discipleship.
  4. Walk in Forgiveness: Forgive others and receive God’s forgiveness.


Questions and challenges:

Q: Pastor Jason shared about generational sin and how patterns of behavior can be passed down. What’s a family tradition or value (good or quirky) that has been passed down in your family?

Q: Exodus 34:6-7 describes God as compassionate and forgiving, yet also just in addressing sin. Which part of this description of God stands out to you the most, and why?

Q: In Colossians 2:13-15, Paul writes that Jesus disarmed the powers of sin and triumphed over them through the cross. How does this truth impact the way you view sin’s power in your life or family?

Q: Pastor Jason said, “God is forgiving, but sin is not.” How have you seen unaddressed sin or patterns affect someone’s life or relationships over time?

Q: The sermon emphasized breaking cycles of sin and creating new Spirit-led habits. Are there any patterns in your life that you feel God is prompting you to address or change? What’s a first step you could take?

Q: Pastor Jason said, “God wants freedom for your life.” As a group, how can we support one another in breaking harmful cycles and forming habits that reflect Jesus’ love and character?