The Fall Series

Genesis 3:1-7

September 29, 2002

Assume that penguins live with a density of 1,000 penguins per square mile and can run at an average speed of 7 miles per hour on land and swim at 20 miles per hour. Also assume that a polar bear has a territory of 10 square miles, can run at 25 miles per hour and swim at 10 miles per hour, how many penguins will an average polar bear eat in any given month, remembering that a polar bear could, as a maximum, only eat one penguin per hour and 7% of the land is next to the sea. (None - polar bears and penguins live at opposite poles)

A ship is docked in the harbour. Over the side hangs a rope ladder with rungs a foot apart. The tide rises at a rate of 9 inches per hour. At the end of six hours, how much of the rope ladder will still remain above water, assuming that 9 feet were above the water when the tide began to rise? (9 feet - the ladder rises with the ship)

So much can be done with words to mislead someone from the true intention or answer.

In the first seven verses of Genesis 3, we have record of one of the most vivd examples of word twisting ever. The result was a tragedy which continues to this very day.

Context

Genesis two - the creation of man, God’s provision for him in the garden, and God’s gift of the perfect complement - a mate.

The temptation

1. The opening question 3:1

This is the ground work question, designed to get Eve speaking. But it also lays the foundation for the challenge that the serpent is going to make to God and His Word. Satan emphasizes God’s prohibition not his provision. He asks the question to make God’s Word appear harsh and restrictive.

Today - any different? God the cosmic killjoy - perception of Christianity is a list of don’ts - yet life more abundantly

2. Eve’s faulty answer 3:2-3

One commentator says that Eve’s answer disparages her privileges, adds to the prohibition, and minimizes the threat.

May eat - God said freely eat

Eve said don’t eat or touch - God said don’t eat

Eve said, "lest you die" - God said "You will surely die"

She over corrects the serpent and magnifies God’s strictness. She only has one commandment, but she has already made it harsher than God did. She has fallen into the serpent’s trap. He wants to make God the bad guy and she is helping that impression.

3. The contradiction of God’s Word 3:4

Satan contradicts the Word of God - significant - chapters 1&2 - God speaks his Word and its is so.

But now Satan says that God’s word is a lie. It is not true. It is also interesting the place he attacks God’s Word - judgment. He takes away the threat of judgment with his lie.

How typical. How many times does our being led into temptation revolve around the truthfulness of God’s Word. Oh it doesn’t really mean that. Why is the Bible the most attacked religious book? If the truth of the Word can be undermined, then we don’t have to listen to what it says.

4. The attack on God’s character 3:5

Casts doubt on God’s motives - God is a big meany who doesn’t want to share what he has with you. He is holding you back from your full potential. He just doesn’t want you to have a good time

God who made all things good is attacked as not being good.

5. The fall 3:6-7

Eve listens to the creation instead of the creator, and follows her impulses rather than her instructions.

Once the Word of God is removed and the character of God is questioned, she gives in to her impulses and eats.

KJV 1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

The consequences - yes they got the knowledge of evil the devil had promised, but it destroyed all the good that had been theirs.

Conclusion

Commentators make Satan to be the hero

Sex is the forbidden fruit.

Even one evangelical says that Adam and Eve had reached their adolescent stage and were just exerting the natural desire for independence that comes with that age.

Doubt the Word of God and the goodness of God.

A thorough knowledge of the Word of God and an unwavering trust in the goodness of God are absolutely essential for spiritual victory.