If you do well will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it. Genesis 4:7
You will recognize this as the conversation God had with Cain following the rejection of the offering he had brought to the Lord. We learn from the book of Hebrews that Cains brother, Abel, offered “a more acceptable sacrifice” than Cain.
Cain is jealous and envious of the approval Abel receives and Genesis tells us he is “very angry and his face fell”.
The Hebrew word angry is properly, to kindle, ignite a fire; (figuratively) "light someone's fuse," "set them off"; burst forth in anger, focusing on the moral "touch point" that sets off the anger (like kindling); what ignites red-hot indignation in a moral dispute ("hot outburst”).
God’s response to Cains fallen countenance shows God’s view of Cains emotions luring him into sin. Cain is being tempted and God sets a first in scripture for us: If you do well, you are accepted. Sin lies in wait for the opportune moment, it lies at the door. Sin has a desire. Its desire is to you. It wants to destroy you. But, you must rule over it. Sin must be dominated.
Satan is the author of sin, just as Jesus is the author of righteousness.
Sin entered the world through one mans disobedience and righteousness has come through one mans obedience,
Jesus has forever destroyed the power of sin and sin no longer has dominion over us.
The phrase “you must rule over it” is properly, to rule, with full administrative control and power; to manage as overlord, reigning over a particular realm (sphere) with immediate dominion; jurisdiction to govern.
James 1:14 Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire, Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
There is no temptation that comes our way that God is not faithful to provide a way of escape. Where sin abounds grace does much more.
If Cain could have overcome sin, how much more shall we, as new testament believers, delivered from the power of the devil, filled with the Holy Spirit, with grace, wisdom and revelation abounding to us, dominate sin?