Do I sin because of Adam?

[junkyardboy]

exerting self will over God's will is rebellion and thus sin

Oh, is it now

the exerting of self will is not in and of itself sinful

Then you're going to have to rethink the above - aren't you? Exerting self will -in opposition to- gods will, is what you probably meant to say there. If I was exerting my own self will with no reference or knowledge of gods will - over gods will- it wouldn't be sinful.

but only becomes sin when it rebels against the will of someone in greater authority
God's will v. man's self will

Right, so, pretty much what I just stated - that self will gives you the ability to sin, not that you sin -because- you have self will. Right?

self will gives you the ability to oppose someone else's will
remember the adage 'happy wife, happy life'?
be self willed and see how long your marriage lasts