Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach

We continue our “Series in Genesis“

BEFORE READING GENESIS 3, I RECOMMEND READING JOHN GILL’S INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS

GENESIS 3

Chapter CONTEXT from MHCC: The story of this chapter is perhaps as sad a story (all things considered) as any we have in all the Bible. In the foregoing chapters we have had the pleasant view of the holiness and happiness of our first parents, the grace and favour of God, and the peace and beauty of the whole creation, all good, very good; but here the scene is altered. We have here an account of the sin and misery of our first parents, the wrath and curse of God against them, the peace of the creation disturbed, and its beauty stained and sullied, all bad, very bad. “How has the gold become dim, and the most fine gold changed!” O that our hearts were deeply affected with this record! For we are all nearly concerned in it; let it not be to us as a tale that is told. The general contents of this chapter we have (Rom. 5:12), “By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” More particularly, we have here, I. The innocent tempted (v. 1-5). II. The tempted transgressing (v. 6-8). III. The transgressors arraigned (v. 9, 10). IV. Upon their arraignment, convicted (v. 11-13). V. Upon their conviction, sentenced, (v. 14-19). VI. After sentence, reprieved (v. 20, 21). VII. Notwithstanding their reprieve, execution in part done (v. 22-24). And were it not for the gracious intimations here given of redemption by the promised seed, they, and all their degenerate guilty race, would have been left to endless despair.

Genesis chapter 3 Outline
Ge 3:1-5.	The serpent deceives Eve.
Ge 3:6-7.	Both she and Adam transgress the divine command and fall into sin and misery.
Ge 3:8-13.	God arraigns them.
Ge 3:14.	The serpent is cursed.
Ge 3:15.	The promised seed.
Ge 3:16-20.	The punishment of mankind.
Ge 3:21.	Their first clothing.
Ge 3:22-24.	Their expulsion from paradise.

This chapter is a familiar story not only to “Christians” but or in some cases a “fairytale” to many non-christian cultures albeit with some different key figures. We basically have a couple of people living in paradise who are deceived into sinning against their GREAT GOD, who in turn banishes them from the kingdom.

The keys for today’s True Believers to remember:

1. Adam and Eve both knew the Law/rules (2:16)
2. Adam and Eve both CHOSE to break the Law/rules (v.6)
3. God questions them as to their sinfulness (v.8-13)
   • It must be noted here that God did not go on a “witch hunt” He justly and righteously questioned Adam and Eve about their sudden change in attitude and appearance.
4. As much as the WRATH of God had to be stirred up at that moment (think about how upset we get with our own children completely ignoring our rules) God is without passion and emotion¹ as we have or understand them, He in (v.15) declares the path to Salvation. This verse is known as the Protoevangelium, the first announcement of the Gospel.
5. Yet God’s wrath must be answered so mankind must be punished for their sin (v.16-20).
   • This is a real stumbling block for many non-believers, typically they say something like, “why should I be punished for something those two did”. I have a twofold answer, first Biblical one, we are all descendants of the First Couple, Adam and Eve and their sinful nature has been passed down from generation to generation. Secondly, if we really look at ourselves and compare our own standard of “goodness” against God’s we can never stack up. We know deep down that we too would have failed the test in the Garden of Eden anyone claiming less is a fool or a liar.
6. Adam and Eve are tossed out of The Garden.
   • Many questions and discussions arise concerning the nature of their expulsion, with indulgence I will put forth my take on it. Prior to their Sin, God had only forbidden eating of the Tree of Knowledge (2:17) one can logically assume (yes I know that is dangerous) they were eating of the Tree of Life as there is no mention of a prohibition of it yet. Then after they have sinned, are caught and punished by God He bars the gates (or access) to the Garden and the Tree of Life. Why I think (v.22) answers it best, And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: God didn’t want a man to live in his sinful state of being forever, less he thinks himself equal with God.

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Praying through Genesis 3:15

Heavenly Father, how I praise and thank You for Your loving-kindness and gracious mercy towards mankind by procuring our salvation, despite our rebellious sinfulness. Thank You that by Jesus’ death on Calvary’s Cross, the head of the serpent was crushed and his power over all who trust in You has been rendered inoperative. Thank You that Christ was prepared to be bruised for our iniquity by taking the punishment upon Himself that we deserve. I am forever thankful for Your grace and mercy, and glorify Your holy name forever, AMEN.

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Genesis/3

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¹ https://founders.org/library/1689-confession/chapter-2-god-and-the-holy-trinity/ – Chapter 2 Paragraph 1