THE PROBLEM IN OUR NATURE

Last week you studied the creation of the world and of men and women in particular. After speaking the universe into existence, as well as everything in heaven and on earth, God personally created the first man and woman, breathing His own breath of life into their nostrils. Adam and Eve woke up in paradise with all they needed to enjoy life together. They were blessed and told to be fruitful and multiply, filling the earth with the image of God and reflecting His good dominion throughout His creation. Think about it:

• Their relationships with God—perfect.

• Their relationships with each other—perfect.

• Their relationship with the natural world—perfect.

What could be better? What could go wrong? Obviously, something went terribly wrong.

Read Genesis 3:1. What can you learn from this verse about the nature of temptation and sin?

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Read Genesis 3:2-5. What can you learn about the nature of temptation and sin from the serpent’s response to God’s command?

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Read Genesis 2:9; 3:6-7. What did every tree share in common? What does that commonality reveal about the nature of God’s provision and your obedience?

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What was the only unique trait of the forbidden fruit and its result? What does that trait reveal about the nature of temptation and sin?

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Finish the story by reading Genesis 3:8-24. Record the characteristics that stand out most to you about the altered nature of human life.

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Although Adam and Eve’s disobedience brought brokenness into every aspect of human life, the LORD God came to them, called them, and clothed them. Did you notice that sending them out of the garden was an act of grace? God protected them from the tree of life, whose fruit would have resulted in an eternity of brokenness. In their shame He had a plan for salvation.

After sin entered the world through human disobedience, work became difficult, and life became painful. Relationships were characterized by brokenness and blame. Individuals felt shame and fear. These conditions became the new normal. However, the following realities didn’t change: God’s love for us, His desire for a relationship with us, and our identities as bearers of His image.

Would you describe yourself as currently hiding from God or seeking Him?

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Why should you seek God and never hide, no matter what you’ve done?

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God’s commands reveal God’s character. Doubting His commands is the equivalent of doubting His character. When He prohibits something, it’s because He has provided better things. The serpent’s question “Did God really say …?” (v. 1) was a temptation to doubt God’s goodness and to break the relationship with Him. God’s question “Where are you?” (v. 9) was an invitation to trust His goodness and to restore the relationship with Him. Do you hear Him? No matter how far you’ve run from Him or how long you’ve walked with Him, He’s calling you closer. Trust Him. He’s good. Always.

Conclude your study today by seeking God in prayer—confessing sin, surrendering shame, and trusting the goodness of God’s character as you listen for His voice in His commands.