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

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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?