Genesis 3
Theme: Our theme for this week is “The Fall”. The fall (of mankind) refers to mankind bringing sin into the world, corrupting the earth that was designed to be good, and being separated from a relationship with God due to our unrighteousness. However, in God’s goodness he reveals his plan to reconcile the fall: Jesus.
Major Points:
((V. 1-7) The nature of sin) As Eve is tempted by the serpent we get a picture of our own sinful nature. Satan’s game plan is usually simple: find the smallest way to get us to doubt the goodness of God (did God really say?). He makes us think that what God wants for us isn’t good and pleasing. We make it easy for satan because we as humans have become addicted to instant gratification (sensual pleasure). God knows what's best for our eternity (such as not eating from this one tree), but we, like Eve, look at the tree and see a beautiful fruit that probably tastes great and will fill us so we doubt God’s good plan and eat.
((V. 8-19) The result of sin) Seperation, brokenness, pain & death are all results of our sin. Adam and Eve were separated from the Garden and cut off from his good design for their lives. Then not only was the relationship between God and man broken but also the relationship with each other. The relationship between each other would become a battle rather than a partnership. Pain has now entered the world through our sin. Not just pain in childbirth but all pain such as murder, lying, divorce etc. Lastly we see death. Now that our relationship with God is broken we are cut off from the vine. Instead of dwelling with God forever sin has destroyed our bodies and they are slowly dying each day like a flower cut off from a plant. The thing to remember is that when we participate in sin we continue to produce these things. You can not walk in sin and expect no consequences.
((V. 15-24) The mercy of God) In the worst act mankind could ever display God’s mercy shines brighter. We see two things that prove to us God loves us and is filled with grace and mercy: his plan to defeat satan and removing us from the garden. The Lord promised that Eve’s offspring (Jesus) would crush the head of the serpent (satan). Jesus has always been the plan (even when we are rebellious). We also see God remove mankind from the garden so we could not eat from the tree of life. God knew that if we ate from the tree of life in our broken sinful state we would be stuck that way for an eternity. This an act of love that we struggle to understand because we love instant gratification. We want the garden and all of its pleasures but because of our sin can’t see the big picture. God does. I
Question Bank:
How has your week been spiritually? / What is God teaching you?
What sins are you struggling with that you need to confess?
(V. 1-7) What sensual pleasures in your life are hindering your relationship w/ God?
(V. 1-7) How can we become more proactive against the game plan of Satan?
(V. 8-19) Share the result your sin has had on the relationships around you?
(V. 8-19) If sin has consequences then why do we continue to struggle with the same sin?
(V. 15-24) What would the fall look like today if God was less merciful?
- (V. 15-24) Share your thoughts on verses 22-24.