This week will explore the series of “curses” placed upon humanity and creation as a result of the Fall into sin. The nature of sin, separation from God, judgment, and death are vital here. This message should also explore the Christological implications of the curse and the future looking nature of this portion of Genesis. (Genesis 3:14-24)
Sermon Outline
“So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.” (Genesis 3:23)
Consequences for the Serpent (3:14-15)
- Impact on movement and humiliation
- Disruption of relationship with humanity
Consequences for the Woman (3:16)
- Impact on childbearing
- Disruption of relationship with man
Consequences for the Man (3:17-19)
- Impact on work and eating
- Disruption of relationship with the creation
God’s Grace Amidst Judgment (3:20-24)
- Grace in a hopeful name and God’s clothing (3:20-21)
- Grace in God’s limitations of humanity’s reach (3:22-23)
- Grace in glimpses of holiness and future restoration (3:24)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Have you ever run into your human limitations in a very real way? What happened? How did you deal with it?
- This weekend we conclude our preaching series, “In the Beginning,” drawn from Genesis 1-3. This week we look at Genesis 3:14-24, the second part of what is known as “The Fall,” or the fall from your grace. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then, whether you’re on your own or with a group, read that text aloud.
- Background: Genesis 3:14-24 picks up where the first part of the chapter left off, with God outlining the results of the human decision to disobey God (3:1-13). Parallel to the shifting of blame found in verses 11-13, God begins with the serpent, then the woman, and finally the man. Each of these words from God describe the negative impact of disobedience on a life function and a relationship.
- How would you summarize the effects of disobedience upon the serpent as described by God in verses 14-15?
- Verse 15 is seen by some people as pointing to the coming Messiah. Why do you think that verse may suggest God’s future intervention?
- Verse 16 outlines the impact on the woman. What aspects of her life function and relationships are impacted by disobedience to God?
- The original relationship between man and woman was one of partnership and equality. How does sin disrupt this relationship according to the second half of verse 16?
- How would you summarize the effects of disobedience upon Adam as described by God in verses 17-19? You may want to pay attention to the number of references to words related to eating in these verses.
- Verses 20-24 describe the resulting expulsion of the man and women from the Garden in the land of Eden. How do these verses display both God’s right judgment and generous grace?
- What is one thing God is revealing to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Genesis 3:19
- Genesis 3 holds an important place in the New Testament. Read either or both Romans 5:12-21 and 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 45-49. As you read, take some notes on how the Apostle Paul reflects on what we read in Genesis 3. After you finish reading, let your notes and thoughts lead you into prayer, perhaps being still before God, praising God’s greatness, confessing sin, or thanking God for Jesus our Savior.
- Watch the Bible Project video, “The Tree of Life”
- Read one of the following: