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Call to worship: Isaiah 40:1-9

Text: Genesis 3:14-24

Summary:

The Fall has occurred. God has, against human expectation, drawn near. The Creator is the Redeemer of sinners. But sin has consequences, and the just Judge passes sentence. Satan's rebellion will prove futile. From the woman, a world of people will be born sinners but, through the revelation of Christ, many will born again. If there's division within the human race, it's this one above all: slaves of sin and heirs of salvation. This will be achieved in an ironical way. Christ will be injured but, by His injury, the adversary will be destroyed. As the sentencing continues, the woman's lot includes pain in child-bearing and the re-affirmed headship of a now imperfect husband that, as in the Fall, she'll be inclined to want for herself. Adam's lot has its own labor pains. His green thumb will come through bloody callouses and, in the end, his earthly life will end in death. Things sound bleak. But Adam responds with faith. In the sentencing of the serpent, he's heard a promise of life from the dead. He names his wife 'Eve,' for she's to be the mother of the living. God puts off their coverings for the gift of His own. By a sacrifice, He's saved these two sinners; and by Christ, He has a better life in mind than any they could then live in the garden. In mercy, God casts them out, that they might not live forever with the presence of sin. This veil of tears is tough, but, as Death's been rendered a friend to the redeemed, we sojourn in the hope of Glory. It's a life to be lived, not by sight, but by faith until we see Him face to face.

Sermon Outline:

1. Christ revealed, or God preaching the Gospel. (3:14-19)
2. Christ believed, or sinners receiving the Gospel. (3:20)
3. Christ applied, or God saving sinners. (3:21-24)

Prepare

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Genesis 3:14-24.
2. What is God doing in 3:14-19? What order does he do it? Why is His sentencing in this order (see the order of His address in 3:8-13)? What judgment does he pass on the serpent? On the woman? On Adam?
3. What discovery does God give of the Gospel of Christ? See 3:15. To whom is God directly speaking? What does God say concerning the serpent and the woman? Why is it significant that they will now be at enmity? What does that enmity mean for the human race (what is the greatest divide among us)? The offspring of the woman will have their triumph in and be centered (apparently) on one Offspring. Who is that? How does the revelation of this singular Offspring prove to be the focal point of the Bible's story (see for instance Galatians 3:10-20ish)?
4. How does Adam respond to what God has said? How is his naming of his wife an act of faith in Christ?
5. What does God do (in 3:21-24) to show the Gospel AND that the Gospel promises something greater even than sinlessness in Eden? What is our only hope in life and death?