Dr. David Whitaker | Genesis 3:1-23
A covenant relationship is a relationship that is not determined by what the other party does. It is determined by what each of you has committed to do. Regardless of what you do or do not do, that commitment will be honored. For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health... It does not matter how bad it gets. That commitment will be honored. That is a covenant relationship.
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These questions are provided for your further study and application of this message. It is helpful to discuss your answers with others such as your Community Group, family, friends or an accountability partner.
- What is your take away from this message?
- Which portion of the serpent's statements (vv. 1, 4, 5) are true and which are false (see 3:5, 22; 5:5)? Why do you think he mixes truth with lies?
- Compare vv. 7-13 with Genesis 2. How has the relationship changed between the man and the woman? How has the relationship they had with God changed?
- Why do they engage in the original "coverup" (2:25; 3:7), "hide-and-seek" (3:8-10) and "blame games" (3:12-13)?
- From this story, how would you define sin and its consequences?
- Where in this story do you find any good news? If Jesus is the ultimate offspring of Eve and Adam, and is Satan's enemy (v. 15), and if Jesus is the promised tree of life (v. 24; Revelation 2:7), what does that mean for us sinners?
- How easy is it for you to accept responsibility and admit it when you are wrong? Why?
- When do you feel most "naked" before God? How does this help you understand Adam's and Eve's reactions? Where in your life is the "serpent" seemingly alive and well?
- How does the gospel story of Jesus address these issues between us and God? Between us and each other?
- Write out a prayer in response to what the Lord has taught you through this study and what steps in response He might want you to take.
