The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree

Northwest Gospel Church

The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree

Genesis 4:1-16

April 7, 2024 • Ben Potloff • Genesis 4:1–16

Genesis 4:1-16 | Ben Potloff | Everything went wrong in Genesis 3, and things continue to go from bad to worse in Genesis 4. Here, we are devastated to see Cain murder Abel and we are filled with hope in light of the news of the one who will come to restore Creation to its original and perfect state.

MAIN IDEA

Sin turns family into fugitives.

OUTLINE

I. Two brothers, two offerings, and two responses (vv. 1-5a)

II. Sin isn’t ruled but rules, and the result is murder (vv. 5b-8)

III. God offers protection in the midst of punishment (vv. 9-16)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Coming soon

Not Done Yet

May 5, 2024 • Ben Potloff • Genesis 8

Genesis 8:1-22 | Ben Potloff | All life has been blotted out from the corrupted and sin-scarred world; all except for God's chosen remnant, Noah and his family. But what will happen to these chosen people as the flood waters continue to cover the earth? And, how will humanity start again once back on dry land? MAIN IDEA A pleasing sacrifice secures God’s promise. OUTLINE I. God keeps his promise. (vv. 1-14) II. God’s grace leads to a second chance. (vv. 15-19) III. A sacrificial offering is pleasing to God. (vv. 20-22)

The Promise

April 28, 2024 • Ben Potloff • Genesis 6:9–22, Genesis 7

Genesis 6:9-7:24 | Ben Potloff | God, grieving over the sinfulness and escalating wickedness of humanity, decides to wipe humanity from the face of the earth. But, God shows mercy on a single family who will be a remnant for humanity. Here, we see God speaking to and saving Noah and his family as he punishes sin and floods the world. MAIN IDEA Sin leads to death, but God’s promise leads to life. OUTLINE I. God justly judges sinners. (6:11-13, 7:10-12, 17-23a) II. Even though humans are sinful, God establishes a relationship by grace through faith. (6:9-10, 14-21, 7:1-4, 23b-24) III. The right response to God’s grace is obedience. (6:22, 7:5-9, 13-16) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Did God overreact in sending the flood? Why or why not? 2. Beyond God’s justice, what does the story of the flood teach us about God’s character? 3. 2 Peter 3:8-10 says that a final judgment by fire is coming but that God is patient, allowing more to come to repentance and be saved. Who around you needs to trust in Jesus and be saved? Are you praying for them? Are you looking for opportunities to share the gospel with them? 4. The Bible calls us to obey while we wait for God to bring about his promises. What areas of your life is God calling you to obey while you wait?

Worse Than Ever

April 21, 2024 • Ben Potloff • Genesis 5, Genesis 6:1–8

Genesis 5:1-6:8 | Ben Potloff | Still being so early in the Genesis story, we begin to wonder how bad it will get. From the Fall to the murder of Abel and the boasts of Lamech, humanity's story goes from bad to worse. How bad can it get? When will God put a stop to this cycle of sin? MAIN IDEA God punishes evil, but provides grace. OUTLINE I. Mankind is wicked. (vv. 5:3-27, 6:1-2, 4-5) II. God is just 'and' gracious (vv. 6:3, 6:6-7, 5:28-32, 6:8) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Our culture says you should “follow your heart” or “trust your gut.” Based on what the Bible teaches about the human heart, is this good advice or bad advice? Why? 2. Sexual perversion was a result of sin from the beginning and we still see that playing out today. How does the Gospel speak to the sexual sin in our lives and in the world around us? 3. The Bible reveals God as both just AND gracious. How do we see that in Genesis 6:1-8? 4. Are you more prone to see God as just or gracious? How does that affect your relationship with Him? Why is it important to have a wholistic view of God as we relate to Him?