Section 1

Hebrews 12 challenges believers to lay aside the sin that so easily entangles them, revealing that sin is anything contrary to God and represents missing His intended mark. Dr. Dave explains that the Greek language describes entangling sin as something that skillfully surrounds a person, making the warning far more serious than simply acknowledging occasional mistakes. Whatever is not of faith can become sin, so Christians must honestly recognize those areas where they are allowing something contrary to God to gain influence in their lives.

Section 2

Going back to Cain and Abel reveals the dangerous appetite behind sin and its desire to gain control. God warned Cain that sin was crouching at his door, desiring to have him, but Cain was responsible for ruling over it. Dr. Dave emphasizes that Cain's problem was not his occupation but the quality of what he offered God: Abel brought his best while Cain merely brought something. Through Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers now possess even greater spiritual resources to resist sin rather than surrendering to its demands.

Section 3

Despite how powerful an entangling sin may appear, it does not own the believer and has no rightful claim upon his or her life. Dr. Dave compares sin to a vicious junkyard dog that becomes weaker when it is no longer fed, even though it may continue making considerable noise. Scripture repeatedly commands Christians to resist sin, put off the old nature, and walk according to the Spirit rather than the flesh. Whatever particular struggle immediately comes to mind should be confronted honestly, because through Christ believers can refuse its demands and declare that they owe sin absolutely nothing.