CHARACTER STUDY OF ADAM
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 2:7
"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
Supporting Texts: Genesis 1:26-31, Genesis 2:15-25, Genesis 3:1-24, Romans 5:12, 1 Corinthians 15:22
INTRODUCTION:
Adam, the first man created by God, plays a foundational role in the biblical narrative. His creation, fall, and redemption set the stage for humanity's relationship with God. The story of Adam is one of innocence, disobedience, and the consequences that followed. Through Adam's life, we see God's intention for mankind, the devastating effects of sin, and the promise of redemption that would eventually come through Jesus Christ.
1. ADAM – THE FIRST MAN CREATED BY GOD
Adam's creation and the divine purpose for his existence were unique and filled with responsibility.
a) The Creation of Adam (Genesis 1:26-27)
Adam was made in the image and likeness of God, giving him inherent value and purpose.
b) God’s Breath of Life (Genesis 2:7)
God breathed into Adam’s nostrils, making him a living being, distinct from other creatures.
c) The Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8-9)
God placed Adam in the beautiful Garden of Eden to cultivate and tend to it.
d) The Purpose of Adam’s Creation (Genesis 2:15-17)
Adam was given dominion over the earth and a command not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
e) Biblical Example: God’s Purpose for Humanity (Psalm 8:4-6)
Just as Adam was created with purpose and dominion, Psalm 8 highlights God’s plan for mankind to have authority over creation.
2. ADAM – THE MAN IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN
Adam’s life in Eden represented a time of perfect fellowship with God, but it was also the beginning of human responsibility.
a) Fellowship with God (Genesis 3:8)
Adam and Eve enjoyed intimate fellowship with God before sin entered the world.
b) The Work of Adam in the Garden (Genesis 2:15)
Adam’s role was to work and keep the garden, symbolizing mankind’s purpose to steward God’s creation.
c) Adam’s Companionship with Eve (Genesis 2:18-25)
God created Eve to be a helper and companion to Adam, establishing the first marriage relationship.
d) The Responsibility of Obedience (Genesis 2:16-17)
Adam was given a clear command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-39)
Like Adam, Jesus faced a significant test of obedience in a garden, demonstrating the importance of obedience to God’s will.
3. ADAM – THE FALL OF MAN
Adam's disobedience in the Garden marked the fall of humanity and the introduction of sin into the world.
a) The Temptation by the Serpent (Genesis 3:1-6)
The serpent deceived Eve, and Adam followed suit by eating the forbidden fruit.
b) The Consequences of Disobedience (Genesis 3:7-19)
Adam and Eve's eyes were opened, and they became aware of their nakedness, feeling shame and fear.
c) The Blame Game (Genesis 3:12-13)
When confronted, Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent, indicating the breakdown of relationships and accountability.
d) God’s Judgment on Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:16-19)
As a result of their sin, Adam and Eve were expelled from Eden, and sin’s consequences were passed onto all of humanity.
e) Biblical Example: The Fall of Humanity in Romans 5:12
Paul explains how sin entered the world through one man (Adam), and death spread to all men because of it.
4. ADAM – THE FATHER OF ALL HUMANKIND
Despite his fall, Adam is the father of all humanity and an essential figure in God’s redemptive plan.
a) Adam’s Descendants (Genesis 4:1-26)
Adam fathered Cain, Abel, and other children, and his descendants spread across the earth.
b) Adam’s Role as a Representative of Humanity (Romans 5:12)
Adam’s sin brought death to all mankind, and his actions affected the entire human race.
c) Adam and the Promise of Redemption (Genesis 3:15)
God’s promise of a Savior, who would crush the serpent’s head, points to the coming of Jesus Christ through Adam’s lineage.
d) Adam’s Legacy in God’s Redemptive Plan (Luke 3:38)
Jesus Christ, the “last Adam,” came to redeem humanity from sin, reversing the consequences of Adam’s fall.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus as the Second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45-49)
Just as Adam brought death into the world, Jesus (the second Adam) brought life and redemption to those who believe in Him.
5. LESSONS FROM ADAM’S LIFE
Adam’s life teaches us valuable lessons about human responsibility, the consequences of disobedience, and the hope of redemption.
a) The Importance of Obedience to God (Genesis 2:16-17)
Adam’s disobedience shows the devastating impact of ignoring God’s commands.
b) God’s Provision and Purpose for Our Lives (Genesis 1:26-28)
God created us with purpose, and He provides all that we need to fulfill His will on earth.
c) The Reality of Sin and Its Consequences (Genesis 3:16-19)
Adam’s fall shows the inevitable consequences of sin, affecting both individuals and the entire world.
d) The Promise of Redemption Through Christ (Genesis 3:15)
God’s promise of a Savior offers hope and redemption for humanity, restoring what was lost through Adam’s sin.
e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
Like Adam, the prodigal son made a poor choice, but repentance brought restoration and reconciliation with the Father.
6. ADAM’S STRENGTHS
Despite his failure, Adam exhibited strengths that contribute to his role in God's plan.
a) His Creation in the Image of God (Genesis 1:26)
b) His Role as the Steward of Creation (Genesis 2:15)
c) His Relationship with Eve (Genesis 2:18-25)
d) His Ability to Name the Animals (Genesis 2:19-20)
e) His Recognition of the Need for Companionship (Genesis 2:18)
7. ADAM’S WEAKNESSES
Adam’s weaknesses contributed to the fall of mankind and the suffering that followed.
a) Disobedience to God’s Command (Genesis 2:16-17)
b) Failure to Take Responsibility (Genesis 3:12-13)
c) Succumbing to Temptation (Genesis 3:6)
d) Blaming Others for His Own Sin (Genesis 3:12)
e) Fear and Hiding from God (Genesis 3:8-10)
CONCLUSION:
Adam’s story is a reflection of the human condition: created in God’s image with a divine purpose but capable of making wrong choices. Despite the fall, Adam is a pivotal figure in God’s redemptive plan. Through Adam’s failure, we see the reality of sin, but through Jesus Christ, the second Adam, we see the promise of restoration and eternal life. Adam's life reminds us of the importance of obedience, responsibility, and the hope we have in God's redemption.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to walk in obedience to Your commands.
2. I repent of any disobedience and ask for Your forgiveness.
3. Teach me to take responsibility for my actions and not blame others.
4. May I never hide from You, but come to You with a repentant heart.
5. Help me to recognize the importance of relationships in my life.
6. Lord, help me steward the gifts and responsibilities You have given me.
7. May I fulfill my divine purpose and live according to Your will.
8. Thank You, Lord, for the redemption we have in Jesus Christ.
9. Let me always remember the consequences of sin and choose to follow Your path.
10. Father, I ask for strength to overcome temptation and remain faithful to You.
