The Fall and the Promise – A Journey Through Genesis 3

Introduction:

Opening Remarks

Welcome the congregation and express gratitude for their presence.

The Pivotal Chapter

State that Genesis 3 is not just another chapter in the Bible; it is a pivotal moment that explains much of the human condition and God's overarching plan for redemption.

The Blueprint of Human Struggles

Mention that this chapter is like a blueprint that outlines the challenges, temptations, and consequences we all face in our spiritual journeys.

The Introduction to Redemption

Highlight that while Genesis 3 discusses the fall of humanity, it also introduces the concept of God's grace and the first glimmers of a redemptive plan through the "seed" that will crush the serpent's head.

Setting the Stage

Conclude the introduction by stating that as we delve into this chapter, we will explore the complex issues of temptation, judgment, grace, and redemption, all of which are as relevant today as they were in the days of Adam and Eve.

Transitional Sentence

Invite the congregation to open their Bibles to Genesis 3 as we begin to unpack this incredibly rich and transformative chapter in the Word of God.

State that Genesis 3 is not just another chapter in the Bible; it is a pivotal moment that explains much of the human condition and God's overarching plan for redemption.

I. The Deception and the Fall (Genesis 3:1-6)

Genesis 3:1–6 ESV

1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

A. The Serpent's Craftiness

Briefly describe the serpent as more cunning than any other creature.Explain how the serpent used clever questioning to sow doubt in Eve's mind about God's command.

B. Human Susceptibility to Doubt

Discuss how Eve, and by extension, Adam, fell prey to doubt and how this led to disobedience.Mention that we too can be susceptible to doubt, especially when we are enticed by something that seems good but contradicts God's Word.

C. The Act that Changed History

Describe the gravity of Adam and Eve's decision to eat the forbidden fruit and how it led to the fall of humanity.

Illustration

Share a real-life story or anecdote about how misinformation or doubt led someone to make a poor decision, leading to negative consequences. Relate this back to the Genesis account.

Perhaps in today’s world more than ever we realize the danger of misinformation or “fake news.” If you don’t know the truth, how can make the right choice?

The Consequences of Doubting God's Word

Stress the importance of trusting God's Word even when faced with doubt or temptation.Suggest practical ways to resist doubt, such as through prayer, scripture reading, or seeking wise counsel.

Sum up by saying that the fall in Genesis 3 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of doubting God’s Word and the need for constant vigilance in our own spiritual walks.

II. The Blame Game (Genesis 3:7-13)

Genesis 3:7–13 ESV

7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

A. Realization of Nakedness

Discuss how Adam and Eve's eyes were opened after eating the fruit, leading them to recognize their nakedness.Highlight how this realization brought about shame, a new and painful emotion they had never experienced before.

B. The Fig Leaves: A Failed Cover-Up

Describe their attempt to cover their shame with fig leaves, emphasizing how human efforts to cover sin are always insufficient.

Just think how laughable it was for them to try to hide from God.

C. The Blame Game

Explain how Adam and Eve tried to shift the blame when confronted by God—Adam blaming Eve and indirectly blaming God ("The woman you gave me..."), and Eve blaming the serpent.Discuss how this tendency to avoid responsibility still manifests in human behavior today.

Genesis C. Results of the Fall into Sin (3:7–13)

“Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent, and the serpent was left without a leg to stand on!”

The Destructive Power of Not Taking Responsibility

Emphasize the importance of owning up to our mistakes and seeking forgiveness, both from God and others.Mention that failing to take responsibility only leads to a cycle of shame and blame, which can be destructive to relationships and our spiritual health.

Conclude by emphasizing that the story of Adam and Eve's fall isn't just an ancient narrative but a mirror reflecting our own tendencies to hide, shame, and blame. It's a call to self-examination and responsibility.

III. God’s Judgment and Promise (Genesis 3:14-19)

Genesis 3:14–19 ESV

14 The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. 15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” 16 To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.” 17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; 18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

In 3 different places the word “bless” is used to describe creation. Now the word “curse” is used 3 times to describe what happens to creation. Twice in this passage and once later with the account of Cain and able.

A. Curse on the Serpent

Discuss the curse placed on the serpent as a symbolic representation of Satan.Mention how this curse also foreshadows the ultimate defeat of evil through Jesus Christ.

Symbol of death—food for the serpant.

Genesis 3:15 ESV

15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

Romans 16:20 ESV

20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

B. Curse on Eve

Explore the specific hardships laid upon Eve, particularly focusing on the pain in childbirth and the altered dynamics in marital relationships.

C. Curse on Adam

Examine the curse placed on Adam, which affected not just him but the entire creation.Discuss how this curse is manifested in the hardships of labor and the eventual reality of death.

Romans 8:20–22 ESV

20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

Each curse involves grace

the ground would still yield food

the woman would still be able to have children

the serpent would still exist

victory would come.

Social Consequences of Sin

Stress that sin is not just a personal issue; it has social ramifications that can affect families, communities, and even nations.Encourage the congregation to consider the broader impact of their actions and decisions, highlighting the importance of integrity and accountability.

Conclude by reiterating that the curses stemming from the fall are not just punishments but also reminders of the brokenness that sin brings into the world and our lives.

IV. God's Grace Amidst Judgment (Genesis 3:20-21)

Genesis 3:20–21 ESV

20 The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. 21 And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.

A. Adam Names Eve

Discuss the significance of Adam naming his wife Eve, which means "living" or "life producer."Highlight Adam's faith in God's promises and plans, even after the fall.

B. God Clothes Adam and Eve

Describe how God provided garments of skin for Adam and Eve, showing His compassion and grace.Discuss the concept of "covering" as both a literal and spiritual metaphor.

V. Expulsion for Protection (Genesis 3:22-24)

Genesis 3:22–24 ESV

22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

A. The Expulsion Explained

Discuss the reason Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden: to prevent them from eating from the Tree of Life and living forever in a fallen state.Emphasize that the expulsion, while a consequence of their disobedience, was also an act of divine mercy.

He would experience a living death forever.

B. The Bigger Picture

Highlight how God's actions often have a deeper purpose that may not be immediately apparent.God's "no" is often a "not yet" or a "not this way," revealing His wisdom and mercy.

Share a personal story or a well-known account where a seeming setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This could be a story of job loss leading to a better opportunity or a failed relationship that led to personal growth.

Setbacks as Setups

Reinforce the idea that what seems like a setback could actually be a setup for something greater.Encourage the congregation to trust God's wisdom and mercy, even when facing challenges or setbacks.

Conclude by affirming that even when we face hardships or setbacks, God's merciful plan is at work, setting us up for His redemptive purpose.

VI. Theological Issues and Life Application

A. The Problem of Evil

Introduction to the Issue

Briefly mention that the existence of evil is one of the most challenging questions in theology and philosophy.Scriptural Perspective

Clarify that Genesis 3 indicates that evil exists due to human actions (Adam and Eve's disobedience), not because God willed it.Application Point

Encourage the congregation to recognize that while we may not understand the complete origin of evil, we can trust God's goodness.

B. Submission and Leadership in Relationships

Contextual Background

Discuss the Biblical view of the husband-wife relationship, especially as it is affected by the Fall.Scriptural Guidelines

Point to the verses that talk about the roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives post-Fall.Application Point

Offer practical advice on how to live out these principles in modern relationships, emphasizing mutual respect and love.

C. Reading and Obeying God's Word

The Importance of Scripture

Discuss how Genesis 3 shows the catastrophic effects of doubting and disobeying God's Word.

Modern Day Relevance

Highlight the significance of reading the Bible and obeying God's Word in a world where misinformation and deception are rampant.Application Point

Encourage the congregation to make Bible reading and obedience a priority, as it is the ultimate source of truth and guidance.Conclusion (2 minutes)

Closing

“After the fall, Adam was walking with his sons Cain and Abel. They passed by the garden of Eden. One of the boys asked, “Dad, why did you ever leave such a beautiful place?”

Adam replied, “Well, you might say your mother and I ate us out of house and home!””

Sometimes like Eve we are deceived.

Sometimes like Adam we aren’t deceived and yet choose to sin anyhow.

Adam failed to exercise the leadership God entrusted to him and because of that…they both sinned.

Genesis IV. Life Application: Conscious Sin

Like Adam and Eve, we too, in the words of the old hymn, “are prone to wander … prone to leave the God I love.” We must not depend on our own logic, our own rational thinking, our own perception of what we must do. Our goal should be to please the God who made us and who has redeemed us at great cost.

Prayer