TEXT: Genesis 3:1-8
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Chapter 3 begins with a threat to the beauty of God’s creation. The serpent tempts the man and woman to doubt the goodness of God and his commands. Working through this passage helps us answer essential questions for the Christian life; what happens when we are tempted to sin? Who is tempting us? What part do we play? What is our hope and strength in the face of such temptation? While the consequences of giving into sin are destructive, we find in these verses a hope beyond ourselves to fight against the schemes of the evil one.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: Questions aimed at our minds to help us understand God’s word.
Before reflecting on Genesis 3, take a few moments to consider the blessings that Adam and Eve are currently enjoying before Chapter 3?
Read God’s instructions in Genesis 2:16-17 and compare them to 3:1-5. What differences do you see?
How do the words of the serpent reflect a distorted view of God and his word?
HEART: Questions aimed at our affections to help us love God
Tim Keller writes, “What is an idol? It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.” How do you see idolatry at work in Genesis 3:1-6?
Read Matthew 4:1-11. What similarities and differences do you see between Jesus’ temptation and Genesis 3?
How does Matthew 4 point us to our ultimate hope in the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
HANDS: Questions aimed at our hands to help us live for God (Personally, Communally, and Missionally)
The enemy tempts us in similar ways in our everyday life. What are the common idols of the heart that you struggle with?
In verse 8 Adam and Eve attempt to deal with their sin on their own by covering up. In what ways do you attempt to self-justify when you are made aware of your sin?
Consider the temptation of Jesus again. Jesus is first our Savior, then our example. How does Jesus combat the temptations of the enemy? How can you follow this example in your every-day life?