Why is there so much evil, disease, and war in a world God created as very good? This sermon takes us to the third chapter of Genesis (Genesis 3), a drama in four acts: from the perfect harmony of Eden, through the serpent’s cunning questions and humanity’s fateful choice, to the tragic consequences we still wrestle with today. We discover the tempter’s strategy, which has changed little over the millennia, but also the first promise of the gospel hidden in that very chapter. Listen and see that even in history’s darkest moment, God already had a rescue plan.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Genesis 3:1-6 the serpent asks, "Did God really say?", and Eve answers by adding a ban on touching the tree. What do these words reveal about how temptation works?
- According to the sermon, why did God place the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden, and what does having only one prohibition among all the trees say about His goodness?
- The sermon describes Satan's strategy: questioning God's word, undermining God's goodness and the consequences of sin, and appealing to pride. Which of these do you most often recognize in your own life?
- After the sin, Adam blames Eve and God, and Eve blames the serpent. Why is it so hard to admit guilt, and what helps you say plainly: this is my fault?
- The speaker calls Genesis 3:15 the first gospel and points to the garments of skin as a picture of blood being shed. How do these images help you understand what Jesus did on the cross?
- God asks Adam, "Where are you?" What weakness or shame are you trying to cover with "fig leaves" this week, and how can you bring it to the cross?
