From Dust to Life and Fruitfulness (Gen 2:4-14)

November 19, 2023 • Ben Purves • Genesis 2:4–14

We are dust. It’s not an inspiring reality, but it’s one that should humble us. We have come from the dust, and because of sin, we will return to the dust. The dust reminds us that we are mortal and our days our fleeting. Yet for all who are in Christ, we have great hope beyond the dust. The creation of Adam (Gen 2) points us forward to the resurrection of the second Adam (1 Cor 15), and the coming of the New Creation (Rev 21-22).

As we approach this Sunday, take some time to read Genesis 2:4-14 and consider what this text reveals about God and man, and think about how the words and themes introduced in this passage are threaded throughout the Scriptures.

May the Lord bless our fellowship this Lord’s Day as we gather to worship Him!

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Ben

As a reminder, the Dale City Community Group will be in overflow this Sunday.

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Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 2:4–14)

How does Genesis 2:4–14 function in relationship to the Creation Week (Gen 1:1–2:3)?

How is Genesis 2:4–14 organized?

What should we notice when we read “LORD God” (YHWH Elohim) instead of “God” (Elohim)?

What do you observe about God’s attributes and works in Genesis 2:4–14? Compare and contrast with creation and mankind.

What is unique to the antediluvian (pre-Flood) world?

How is the creation of man unique from the creation of everything else?

Consider the significance of dust throughout the Scriptures. What are practical implications of being of the dust, and returning to the dust?

How does man receive life? What is significant about this? How is this theme threaded throughout the Scriptures?

What might be observed about the rivers, gold, and precious stones mentioned in Genesis 2? Compare and contrast with the Tabernacle, Temple, and New Creation.

How ought we to respond to this text?

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?