February 22, 2026 – The Champion

First Sunday in Lent (Series A) – Romans 5:12-19

In our Old Testament lesson today, we see the devil tempting Adam and Eve, leading them into sin and separating them from God. That sin changed everything. Man, who was created in the image of God, to be holy like God, lost that holiness. With that loss of holiness, he also lost the life that God created man to enjoy with Him. That defeat brought sin and death to all mankind.
If that contest in the garden were the be-all and the end-all of all things, then we would be without hope. Thankfully, there was a rematch, that God had planned for us–and the results were far different. Paul tells us: Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. This is our hope, our victory, and our life. We have a champion, and in that champion, we share the victory of life and salvation, no matter how hard the devil may still strive against us.

Printed Sermon: Lent 1-26-A Sermon