Genesis 2-3 - MAN
How do people think about humanity’s nature and purpose today? If you were to summarize the most common world views among your friends/ neighbors/ coworkers, what would be the top 3 truth claims they might list? Do the claims resonate with scripture, or contrast?
In the sermon today, Robb outlined the human story with three words: Design, Disaster, Deliverance. Briefly summarize what each of these words means.
God’s special DESIGN for humanity seen in Genesis 1:26–30 is amplified in chapter 2. What does it mean to be made in the image of God (1:26-27)? How is God’s special blessing on humanity evident (2:4–9)?
Look carefully at the DISASTER of the sin in Genesis 3:7–13. How does sin break down relationships, both vertically between God and humanity, and horizontally between Adam and Eve?
While Adam and Eve were to care for the sanctuary of Eden by subduing the beasts and obeying God’s word (Gen. 1:28; 2:15–17), they end up being subdued by a beast by compromising God’s word and are exiled from the sanctuary of Eden (3:24). Compare carefully how God’s instructions are subtly changed from God’s original instructions in 2:16–17 to their recollection in 3:1–5. What changes do you see? In what ways do these subtle changes to God’s word reflect a distorted picture of God’s character in Genesis 3:1–5? How do these subtle changes relate to our own temptations?
How is God’s grace and DELIVERANCE evident in Genesis 3:20–21? What hints do we have about the coming sacrificial system and of Jesus, the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)? Spend time praying for one another and worshiping Christ, our great Deliverance.
*Questions adapted from Genesis: A 12-Week Study (Knowing the Bible Book 1) by Mitchell M. Kim, Crossway.