Discovering Genesis, Part 3 Series

Discovering Genesis, Part 3

Genesis 3:1-5

Introduction

- At our core, at our very molecular level, we were created to worship God

- APP: Worship is not just our praise but also our obedience to a Holy God

-- We must obey the God we serve; in everything; else we are not worshiping

-- It’s more than singing a few songs and listening to a sermon and giving

-- It’s more than showing up once a week and calling ourselves Christians

- Why do we worship? Rev 4:11 says, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

- Last week, we examined Chapter 2 and revealed God’s plan for mankind

- It covered mankind’s creation; where he is placed; his occupation (tend garden)

- The conditions (probation) of living there; his need for a companion/helper

- Lastly, God’s creation of woman out of the existing creation of man

-- She was not a new creation; but a creation from something already existing

-- Thus, she is equal to mankind (not above, below, or under – but equal)

- Today, we are going to tackle The Fall in two parts, so come back tonight

- This morning, we begin with the “what” (cause); tonight is the “so what” (effect)

- Read Genesis 3:1-5

- Pray

Point 1 – The Serpent Causes Doubt (1-3)

- One of the most important things to remember is that man was created innocent

- He was given life by the breath of God; given dominion over everything he sees

- This is critical in our understanding today; must know who we are in this text

-- Innocence is different than righteousness;

-- Righteousness is innocence maintained through temptation

- This is why Jesus can be called righteous; because He maintained His innocence

- We failed at this temptation, and it is the reason why we must look to Jesus

- Temptation has the ability to strengthen us; or the ability to tear us apart

- Working through temptation is where we develop our character and our strength

- This is the critical point to grasp here; when tempted, we usually fail … but why?

-- APP: It is because of the war of the flesh that rages within us day and night

- APP: Jesus was tempted, but He remained faithful to the Word of the Lord

- We choose to sin; God does not make us sin; nor does the devil

-- Don’t give the devil this much credit; especially as a believer

-- Flip Wilson used to say “The Devil made me do it” … Flip was a liar

-- The devil simply put the idea out there; and the choice to take it is yours/mine

- Gen 2:17 God gives man very clear instructions (probation/condition) on living

-- We can eat anything in the Garden; but must avoid this one particular tree

- Satan is revealed here for us, and his ability to utilize a creature is revealed

- IMP: The fact that we have a talking snake here is NOT the important issue

-- We must get past this fact else we will get hung up on what doesn’t matter

- Satan has the capability to change his appearance; appearing to appeal to us

--- 2 Cor 11:14, “angel of light”

--- Rev 12:9, “great dragon … old serpent …

Point 2 – The Serpent Denies the Word of God (4-5)

- Key Question: Why does Satan decide to approach the woman and not the man?

-- I believe it is b/c she got her information second hand; not from God but Adam

-- Man heard God’s voice and God’s instruction; and I’m sure he relayed it to her

-- So, Satan went after the one who didn’t have direct instruction from God

- Do we have any evidence that she did not receive direct instruction from God?

-- When God gave Adam instruction (2:16), he didn’t say not to touch it (v3)

-- So, right off the bat we have a change to God’s instruction (whispering game)

- What Satan does here is very crafty … he doesn’t tear God down; make fun; etc.

- All that he does is cast doubt, and then leave the interpretation up to you and I

- APP: This plays right into our pride, our selfishness, and leads to our destruction

-- When we assume that we know better than God it becomes VERY dangerous

- Now watch what Satan does with this information (read v4-5)

-- Meaning: “If God is so good, why would He give you this restriction?”

- Then, what he does is say that we too shall be gods if we eat it; pride = sin