Getting More Than Red-Pilled: Seeing Christ in God's Good Creation (Gen. 2:18-25)

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Getting More Than Red-Pilled: Seeing Christ in God's Good Creation (Gen. 2:18-25)

December 3, 2023 • David Schrock • Genesis 2:18–25

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On Sunday we come to the last part of Genesis 2. Early this year, we spent some time in this section of Scripture when we looked at the Business of Is-Ness: Ontology 101. In that series we considered the nature of humanity, male and female, marriage and more.

In so many ways, the ethical problems of our day (e.g., transgenderism, so-called same sex marriage, abortion, the breakdown of the family, the rise of minor-attracted persons, etc.) pass through Genesis 2:18–25. Indeed, we could spend multiple weeks on these verses alone in order address the problems of our day. But instead of doing that, I would point you to the previous sermon series, Michael Clary’s recent book God’s Good Design (soon to be on the bookshelf), and Sunday’s sermon.

This Sunday, we will see the goodness of God’s plan to make his image male and female and the goodness of bringing them together in marriage. To prepare for Sunday, read Genesis 1-2 and Ephesians 5:15–33. Then pray that God would give us ears to hear what his Word says. I am persuaded that all of us are inclined to resist what Genesis 2:18–25 says. The deck is stacked against us today, as every form of education and entertainment teach us to think of ourselves as autonomous and self-directed individuals. Yet, Genesis 2:18–25 teaches something else. So, by God’s grace, let us come to Scripture seeking to see what it says.

As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday and worshiping together our great triune God.

For His Glory and your joy in Christ,

Pastor David

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

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Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 2:18–25)

What does this passage add to the creation story?

Who is the author / definer of marriage? What is the purpose of marriage?

Consider Genesis 2:18. What does it mean that man’s aloneness is “not good”? How does this relate to God’s statement of creation being “very good” (1:31)?

What kind of help should be understood in 2:18? Who is called “helper”? Why does this matter?

How should we understand the significance of man being formed first, and then woman being formed from man? This work of creation is different from all other creatures. Why?

How does the creation of man and woman inform men and women today? What does the covenant between the man and woman tell us about men and women today?

How does marriage point us to Christ and the church? Consider Ephesians 5.

Consider Genesis 2:21-23 and John 19:34. What parallels do you observe between Adam and Christ?

How do the moral imperatives of Ephesians 5:22-33 restore the pattern of marriage in creation?

What does this passage teach singles? Married? Christians? Unbelievers?

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?