TGP Unit 1 Session 2: Did God Really Say?

Introduction:

Play Red Light, Green Light

After awhile, tell them they can choose not to respond to the Red Light command if they wish.

Q. What happened when some people chose not to follow the rules?

Q. How did it affect those who were following the rules?

Q. Why are rules and boundaries important in games—and in life?

Q. How is this like the boundaries God gives us?

Main Point: We can trust God’s boundaries are good.

Context: God ‘s creation is good > He is good > His boundaries are good

God’s boundaries are good

Read Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17.

The Garden of Eden

Man put there (2x, v. 8 &15)

… to work and keep

Trees

“You may freely eat”

God’s goodness

Missing out on the do’s by focusing on the don’ts

Freedom has no meaning without rules

V.16 can’t be true without verse 17

Q. What’s the point of boundaries? What does it reveal about God that He gives us boundaries?

He cares

Safety

Challenged

Q. Why do we sometimes struggle to submit to God’s authority?

We want to be the boss

Free will is not authority

Q. How can boundaries actually lead to freedom?

Boundaries, not bondage

Bondage = outside of God’s word

Freedom = Safety

Boundaries = Safety

Boundaries = Freedom

Believing God’s words helps us avoid sin

Read Genesis 3:1-7.

Serpent

Crafty

Dictionary.com: “skillful in underhand or evil schemes; cunning; deceitful; sly.”

“That God had made”

God made Satan

God’s character = God’s word

Doubt God’s word = doubt God’s character

Q. How did Satan Distort God’s words in verse 1?

“Did God really say...”

“Any tree”

The seed of doubt

First, “is this really what God said?

Eve’s correction: “He didn’t say that, but he did say this.”

Second, “well, does God really know best?”

Q. How do you see God’s Word being distorted in society? Why does culture reject its authority?

E.g. Gender, sex, and identity

Culture gives way to the impulses of man

The importance of knowing God’s word and detecting distortions

Q. When has Satan caused you to doubt one of God’s commands?

Purity

Profanity

Wrap-Up: Does your life reflect that you believe in God’s Word? Explain.

Authority impacts lifestyle

The Bottom Line: God is worthy of our obedience

PRAY