Seeing the World with New Eyes (Gen 2:15-17)

November 26, 2023 • David Schrock • Genesis 2:15–17

On this Black Friday, I hope you are finding a few good deals and remembering God’s good news—that we who live in the land of ephemeral abundance are promised a great abundant life in Christ.

On Sunday, we will begin this season of Advent by seeing the way Genesis 2:15–17 explains the gospel to us. While salvation is promised to all those who truly believe on Christ, the Word of God says more. It explains to us how God the Son Incarnate can take the place of another in death, so that by union with him we have assurance of eternal life. Yet, understanding the logic gospel requires a basic knowledge of biblical covenants. And that is what Genesis 2 gives.

So far in Genesis 1–2, our focus has been on creation. Yet, this Sunday we will turn to the idea of covenant. Indeed, our salvation comes by way of Christ’s new covenant. But we can only understand how this covenant of grace “works” if we go back to the beginning to God’s covenant of works with Adam. To that end, we will begin this season of Advent in Genesis 2.

This Sunday we will look at Genesis 2:15–17. Next Sunday we will consider Genesis 2:18–25 before turning to Luke 1 for the rest of December.

To prepare for Sunday, pray for our gathering and read Genesis 2, as well as Romans 5. You may also find reading Numbers 3:1–13 helpful, as it provides the key to understanding the commands to Adam—"to work and keep" or “to serve and guard.” In all, we have much to celebrate this holiday season, and this begins by marveling at the way God makes and keeps covenants with sinners like us.

As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

For His Glory and your joy in Christ,

Pastor David

Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 2:15–17)

What is the main point of Genesis 2:15–17?

How do we know that Adam is a priest? That Eden is a Sacred Garden? That these verses a covenant?

What is a covenant?

Do you need to *understand* covenants to be saved? (Hint: no) Then why does understanding covenants matter?

What is the covenant of works? (Also called the covenant with creation, or covenant with Adam)

What is the relationship between creation and covenant?

What is the relationship between covenant of works and the new covenant (covenant of grace)?

How does understanding Genesis 1–2 in covenant terms help us understand the gospel?

What else do we learn in Genesis 2:15–17 about God? Mankind? And God’s relationship with humanity?

Has your reading of the Bible changed since beginning this series in Genesis? If so, how? What do you see now that, perhaps, you didn’t before?

How do “new eyes” help you walk more carefully before the Lord?

More from Creation & Covenant: Genesis 1-3

The Way Out Reveals the Wisdom, Justice, and Mercy of God (Genesis 3:20-24)

March 3, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 1—3, Genesis 3:20–24

The Way of God: A Threefold Curse and Consolation (Gen. 3:14-19)

February 25, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 3:14–19

He Gets Us: Reimagining the Fallout of Adam and Eve's Sin (Gen. 3:7b-13)

February 18, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 3:7–13

Dear OBC Family, If I had to outline Genesis 3, it would fall under the following headings. Genesis 3:1–6: The Fall. Genesis 3:7–13: The Fallout. Genesis 3:14–24: The Way Out. In these three steps, we get a sense of what happens to the first man and woman. First, seeking to be wise, they became fools. They broke God’s law, ate of the fruit, and invited judgment. Yet, before death came, God came. He entered the garden to find the fallout of sin. And then, after questioning the couple, he pronounced a judgment. That judgment led to Adam and Eve’s removal from the Garden. Yet, in that good judgment, the Lord God also pronounced good news. In Genesis 3:15 he declared that salvation was coming through the woman’s seed. Next week, we’ll see that promise in full. But this Sunday we must consider the fallout of Adam’s sin and Eve’s deception. And by looking square in the face of wreckage, it will reveal much about our own sin and its effects. Wonderfully, we can approach this Garden with the full knowledge of Jesus Christ. Yet, we still need to learn afresh how heinous sin is. And so, as you prepare for Sunday, pray for God to see our sin and to hate our sin. For truly, sin is the source of all death, despair, and destruction. And yet, because we are born in Adam, we do not hate sin—our sin!—as we ought. And that is our aim for Sunday. To prepare, go ahead and read Genesis 3. You may also find it helpful if you read Matthew 6, which will be connected to Genesis 3 on Sunday. As the Lord allows, I hope to see you Sunday. For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 3:7 – 13) What does 3:8 reveal about the fellowship with God that existed prior to sin? What does this text reveal about the effects of sin upon mankind’s relationship to God? Consider Adam and Eve’s response to their shame. What is the effect of their clothing? Does clothing allow them to walk with God? God knows all things. Consider then the significance God’s questions for Adam and Eve in verses 9, 10, and 13. Why does God ask questions? In what ways do we seek to hide because of our sin? What happens when we hide? What happens when our sin is exposed? Instead of taking responsibility for sin, consider the blaming that takes place. Who is blamed? Does blaming another remove one’s responsibility? Why or why not? How does God deal with our guilt and shame in the Gospel? What does the Bible teach us about clothing? (Consider how Scripture speaks about clothing from Genesis to Revelation). How ought we to respond to this text?