The Fall: From Wisdom That Grasps for Death, To Wisdom That Gives Eternal Life (Gen. 2:25-3:7a)

February 11, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 2:25—3:7

Dear OBC Family,

Without a proper understanding of Genesis 3, it is impossible to understand the world and our place in it.

Accordingly, we will take the next three weeks to examine this important chapter. Beginning with the Serpent entering the garden (v. 1), we will see what happens as Eve is deceived, Adam rebels, both hide, and God comes down to speak to his creation.

Today, the very good world that God made is no longer good. It is now cursed, and it is cursed because of what happened in Genesis 3. And yet, in that cursing there is the promise of salvation—a son who will come from the woman to save the world and destroy the devil (Gen. 3:15). This first gospel promise sets in place the whole story of redemption.

Before getting to the unfolding of that good news, however, we need to understand who the Serpent is, what the Serpent said, and why we should capitalize Serpent. Indeed, the woman and the man were not just approached by the most crafty beast, but as the rest of Scripture indicates, it was the devil himself who approached the pair and invited them to rebel.

This Sunday, we will consider what the devil said and what that teaches us about the world. Even more, though, we will see what it means to be faithful to God as temptations to sin come. And what it means that Christ our Lord did not sin when he was tempted by the devil.

So, to prepare, take time to read Genesis 3, Matthew 4:1–11, and Revelation 12. As you read, pray that God will help us to see Christ and the way he can save us from the schemes of the devil. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

For His Glory and your joy,

Pastor David

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Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 2:25 – 3:7)

Why is this text crucial for our understanding of the Bible and the doctrine of salvation?

Why is eating from one specific tree a capital offense? What is deficient in our understanding if we minimizing the sin recorded in this text?

Consider Adam’s role and responsibility in this situation. How does Scripture speak about Adam when it comes to the fall of mankind?

Compare God’s directions about the trees in Genesis 2 with this conversation in Genesis 3. What differences do you notice? Why is this significant?

What do we observe about the nature of temptation?

How ought one to respond to the lies of Satan?

Compare Gen 2:25 and 3:7. How does sin fundamentally change humanity?

What are the consequences of the first sin? Consider the vastness of the implications of this passage.

How does this text reveal our need for Christ?

How should we 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?