Genesis 3:1-13

Announcements

  • Homestretch Volunteer Event - Nov 5 @ 10AM

    • Need 2 volunteers to help with administrative work for an event with our Mercy Ministry partner Homestretch.

  • Women's Gathering - Nov 6 @ 10AM

    • RSVP @ doxologychurch.org/events

  • Doxology 101 - November 12 @ 8:30PM

    • RSVP @ doxologychurch.org/events

  • Night of Worship & Prayer - November 17 @ 7PM

EXPLORE

  1. What stands out to you in the text?

  2. God tells Adam and Eve that if they eat of the fruit of the tree they will die (v.3) but the serpent convinces them that if they eat of it they will become “like God, knowing good and evil” (v.5). What does this rebellious act reveal Adam and Eve’s greatest desire to be? How does it fracture their relationship with God and with one another?

  3. We see in this text that it is the serpent who deceived humanity, and Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Do you find it challenging to believe that there are forces of darkness that are at work to cause strife within humanity and a separation from the knowledge of the love of God? Why or why not?

APPLY

  1. a). All three forces–sin, powers, and trauma–impact every human and relationship. How does this understanding equip you to relate to yourself and others?

    b). How does the fact that you have the Holy Spirit, and that you and other humans are made in God's image deepen your understanding even further?

  2. This sinful and traumatic experience Adam and Eve share results in them hiding in shame and pointing fingers, which is often how humanity chooses to react to sin. How does Jesus give us a better way to respond to our sin? How does he help us love one another in their sin and struggle?

  3. How can the belief and understanding that there are evil spiritual forces at work aid in our efforts to heal from the wounds afflicted from others (whether individuals or institutions) and cause us to respond to their actions? See Ephesians 6:

  4. In John 20, the resurrected Christ still shows the wounds in his body from his crucifixion (v.27). How does Jesus’ death and resurrection redeem our wounds from the sin of our own doing and the sins of others to create a more full and beautiful story in our lives?

PRAY

For the needs of each other

For our CG’s to continue to be witnesses for the gospel to our communities

John Campbell