The Battleground
February 26, 2025
Dr. Bradford Reaves
Crossway Christian Fellowship
Genesis 3
Introduction: The First Battlefield in the War of the Ages
Every great conflict has a moment where the first strike is made, where the battle officially begins. In American history, we remember The Shot Heard Around the World—the moment when the first shot of the American Revolution was fired in 1775. That single gunshot, seemingly small at the time, ignited a war that would change the course of history.
But long before that fateful morning in Lexington, there was another battle that began with a single act—the first sin in the Garden of Eden. This was The Lie Heard Around the World. When Satan deceived Eve and Adam chose to disobey God, it set off a chain reaction that plunged humanity into a war that has raged ever since. This was the moment that changed everything—where rebellion entered the world, where death became a reality, and where the enemy gained a foothold in the affairs of mankind.
Genesis 3 is not just an old story—it is the moment that defines our struggle today. Every temptation, every deception, every act of rebellion against God finds its roots in this battleground. And if we don’t understand what happened in the Garden, we will not understand the nature of the war we are in today.
Just as The Shot Heard Around the World set a nation on a path of conflict and liberation, so too does The Lie Heard Around the World explain the cosmic battle we now fight. But here’s the good news: while Genesis 3 is the beginning of the battle, it is not the end of the story. Just as God promised in Genesis 3:15, there would come a day when the seed of the woman—Jesus Christ—would crush the head of the serpent.
Now, let’s step onto the battlefield and examine what really happened in the Garden of Eden.
I. The Deception of the Serpent - Attack on Truth (Genesis 3:1-5)
The first recorded words of Satan in Scripture are an attack on God’s Word. Notice the subtlety of his approach—he does not outright deny God’s command but introduces doubt.
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent,
“We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:1–5)
Satan’s Strategy
Distort the Word of God – "Did God actually say…?"
Challenge God’s goodness – Implying that God is withholding something beneficial.
Appeal to pride and self-determination – "You will be like God."
The modern parallels:
"Did God really say marriage is between a man and a woman?"
"Did God really say life begins in the womb?"
"Did God really say Jesus is the only way to salvation?"
The enemy thrives on creating doubt and distorting truth, leading people away from God’s authority.
II. The Fall: Disobedience and its Immediate Consequences (Genesis 3:6-7)
6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. (Genesis 3:6–7)
The Threefold Temptation
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. (1 John 2:16)
"She saw that the tree was good for food" ? Desires of the Flesh (Physical temptation)
"It was a delight to the eyes" ? Desires of the Eyes (Material temptation)
"It was to be desired to make one wise" ? Pride of Life (Spiritual temptation)
In Genesis 3:6, we observe a threefold temptation that led to humanity’s fall:
Desires of the Flesh: Eve saw that the tree was “good for food,” appealing to physical appetite.
Desires of the Eyes: The tree was “a delight to the eyes,” attracting her visually.
Pride of Life: It was “desired to make one wise,” tempting her with wisdom and status.
Satan appeals to basic hungers—food, power, and pleasure—and seeks to have these met autonomously, distorting their true purpose. This pattern of temptation is consistent throughout Scripture. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus faces similar temptations:
Physical Appetite: Satan urges Jesus to turn stones into bread.
Pride and Testing God: He challenges Jesus to throw Himself down from the temple.
Lust for Power: He offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world.
Unlike Adam and Eve, Jesus resists each temptation, highlighting His role as the “second Adam” who overcomes where the first failed.
The threefold temptation is not just an ancient struggle—it plays out every day in our modern world, often through technology, social media, power, and wealth. One of the most glaring modern examples is the downfall of high-profile figures—politicians, celebrities, pastors, and influencers—who give in to the same temptations seen in Genesis 3, 2 Samuel 11, and Matthew 4.
1. Lust of the Flesh – The Appetite for Instant Gratification
In today’s world, sexual sin is more accessible than ever.
The explosion of pornography, OnlyFans, and hookup culture feeds an insatiable craving for immediate pleasure.
Social media fuels dopamine addiction—people chase likes, validation, and superficial relationships over deep, meaningful connections.
Many celebrities and influencers have wrecked their marriages and careers due to scandals involving affairs, sexting, and inappropriate relationships. The recent wave of pastors falling into moral failures highlights how unchecked desires lead to devastating consequences.
2. Lust of the Eyes – The Endless Pursuit of More
The obsession with materialism and wealth is a modern reflection of this temptation.
Social media fosters a comparison culture, where people constantly want more money, better bodies, fancier vacations, and the latest trends.
Example: How many influencers or celebrities have been caught in fraudulent business dealings, fake personas, or scandals because they wanted more power and prestige?
The rise and fall of business moguls—like those behind cryptocurrency scams, Ponzi schemes, and unethical business empires—are real-world examples of how the lust of the eyes blinds people to integrity.
3. Pride of Life – The Illusion of Invincibility
This temptation manifests in the obsession with control, dominance, and self-exaltation.
World leaders, CEOs, and even church leaders fall into the trap of believing they are untouchable.
Example: Politicians who abuse their authority, pastors who fall into spiritual abuse, and business elites who think they can manipulate society for their own gain all fall into this deception.
The tech elite pushing transhumanism and AI dominance believe they can “transcend humanity”—an eerie echo of Satan’s original deception that we can become like God (Genesis 3:5).
The push for “playing God”—whether through genetic engineering, AI, or control over global economies—shows how people are still falling for the same lie that started in the Garden.
The threefold temptation is alive and well today. Whether it’s through sex scandals, power-hungry politicians, greedy CEOs, or even self-absorbed influencers, the enemy is using the same tactics as always—he’s just repackaging them for modern consumption.
"Then the eyes of both were opened…" (v7)
The indulgence of one sin opens the door to further sins. The indulgence of one sin diverts the soul from the use of those means by which all other sins should be resisted. (John Owen (Purita and Statesman)
What was promised as wisdom led to shame, guilt, and separation from God. Sin never delivers what it promises. “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.”
What seemed like freedom became bondage.
III. The Confrontation and Curse (Genesis 3:8-19)
8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14 The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. 15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” 16 To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.” 17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; 18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” ((Genesis 3:8–19)
Hiding from God
Sin always creates distance between us and God. When Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree, their first instinct was to hide (Genesis 3:8). The intimacy they once had with their Creator was shattered, replaced by shame and fear. But notice God’s response: “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). This is not the question of an uninformed deity—it is the call of a loving Father searching for His lost children. Sin drives us away, but God still pursues. He does not abandon His creation to their rebellion; He seeks them out. This question echoes through the ages, calling to every sinner who has ever tried to cover their guilt, numb their conscience, or run from conviction. It is a call not of condemnation, but of grace—a reminder that even when we stray, God desires restoration. The only question is whether we will continue to hide or step out in repentance.
The Blame Game (Verses 9-13)
Blame-shifting is one of the oldest tricks in the book—literally. When God confronted Adam after the fall, instead of owning his sin, he pointed to Eve: “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate” (Genesis 3:12). Eve followed suit, blaming the serpent: “The serpent deceived me, and I ate” (Genesis 3:13).
Neither took responsibility; both tried to deflect. This pattern continues today—people blame their upbringing, their circumstances, their emotions, or even God for their sinful choices. But shifting blame never removes guilt. True repentance requires us to stop pointing fingers and acknowledge our own role in our sin. As Proverbs 28:13 warns, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” God does not respond to excuses—He responds to humility.
The Curse (Verses 14-19): The Devastation of Sin
The Serpent: Cursed to crawl, a prophetic picture of Satan’s ultimate humiliation.
The Woman: Pain in childbirth, a reminder of the consequences of sin.
The Man: Toil, struggle, and death—a fallen creation groaning under the weight of sin.
The Victory Through Christ
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel (Genesis 3:15)
18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:18–19)
Through Adam, sin entered the world but through Christ, redemption and righteousness are restored. Christ has won the battle—our role is to stand firm in truth. Just as sin entered through one tree, salvation came through another—the Cross.
Adam hid/Christ reveals.
Adam blamed/Christ took responsibility.
Adam’s sin condemned/Christ’s sacrifice redeems.
Every addiction, even trauma, every broken relationship, every sin is more than a transgression, it is something that covers up the truth of our our lost nature and the need for a Savior. Jesus is calling out to the lost sheep.
“Where are you, my child?”—this is the voice of God. It is not a passive voice, but it is an urgent call from death to life. It’s the same question He asked Adam and Eve as they hid, lost in their sin. It is not the voice of an angry judge but the cry of a loving Father. And today, He still calls out to every wandering soul who has run and hidden in the darkness.
Sin drives us away from God. It separates us, distorts our identity, and leaves us grasping for fig leaves to cover our guilt. But the beauty of the gospel is this: God didn’t just provide an answer to our sin—He became the answer to our sin. When Adam and Eve fell, the curse of sin was unleashed, and with it came death, pain, and brokenness. But even in that moment, God made a promise—a Redeemer would come who would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). The curse would not have the final word.
That Redeemer is Jesus Christ. On the cross, He bore the full weight of the curse. The thorns that crowned His head were the very symbol of the earth’s curse (Genesis 3:18). The separation from the Father that Adam experienced was endured by Christ when He cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).
The death that sin demanded, He took upon Himself, so that we could receive life, freedom, and reconciliation with God. But the story doesn’t end with the cross—the empty tomb declares that the curse is broken! Death has lost its power, and sin no longer holds us captive. The question remains: Where are you? Will you continue hide from Him?
Come out of hiding. The cross has made a way. The blood of Jesus has paid it all. The curse is broken, and the invitation is open: Come home, my child.
