Old Llantrisant Hill
Introduction
- Living in a post modern society - the claim of no absolute truth
- The Bible has lost its value in society
- Many have no respect for the word of God
- Some even claim that rejecting God is a sign of intelligence
- At Tabor we believe and preach the word of God
- Genesis 3 - filled with timeless truths
- We cannot brush over this chapter
- These words still speak to our situation today
- cf Psalm 14:1
- Why are so many people choosing to deny God?
- Because of what happened in Genesis 3 in the Garden of Eden
- As humans - we need to stop and ask serious questions
- Looking at a conversation between God and man (v9-12)
- Imagine that this conversation is between you and God
- Adam is a representative of us as sinners
- Overview:
- What does God reveal to us about ourselves?
- What does God reveal to us about Himself?
- What does God reveal to us about about His plan of salvation?
What does God reveal to us about ourselves?
- God called out to Adam
- It is not that He did not know where he was
- He had a specific purpose in asking this question - 'Adam, do you know where you are?'
- Given an account and confess
- Do you understand what you have done
- Adam admits his shame and nakedness
- Before this chapter - he did not know this
- He is also spiritually naked
- However, he only admits a superficial problem
- Staying at the surface with God is not enough
- God desires for us to consider the root of our situation
- God wants Adam to dive deeper into his current condition asks more questions
- He is causing Adam to see the state of his own heart
- Adam could see from his own words the state of his rebellious heart, but...
- He blames God for his condition (v12)
- We find many to blame for our sin
- Do we go as far as blaming God?
- God is asking these questions to Adam, as He wants Adam to see the state he is in
- God wants us to see the state we are in
- Society rejects this
- Who wants a mirror to see the ugliness inside
- When people are faced with the reality of their sinful situation - they are quick to dismiss God rather than accept the truth
- God reveals our hearts, so that we would turn to Him to be rescued
- Adam blames his wife (v13), yet "I ate"
- It was his own action - he must take ownership of his sin
- This is the first start of repentance - confession
What does God reveal to us about Himself?
- In Adam's rebellious state - God had the right to strike him down
- God is full of grace and mercy
- He is just so did not acquit them of their guilt
- There was a consequence of their crime
- God gave opportunity for reconciliation before death
- He withholds His judgment for a little time
- 2 Pet 3:9
- God's mercy is not dependent upon our confession
- Consequences - v14-19
- Lesser consequences given to mankind
- The serpent if greater cursed
- The earth is greater cursed still
- Explanation
- Yet God was still gracious and merciful to Adam/Eve and the human race
- The woman would bring forth children - the human race would not die
- A promise
- Are we staying in darkness, holding on to our darling sins?
What does God reveal to us about about His plan of salvation?
- When Adam stood still, God declared His plan of salvation
- Do we hear God's voice in the business of life?
- The word of God is not silent - The Bible still speaks
- The 'First Gospel'
- In humanities darkest hour, God reveals the hope of all mankind
- The Seed of the woman would come and bruise the serpents head
- So that we might have salvation
- Salvation can only come through God
- Adam and Eve couldn't do anything
- God would do everything that was needed
- Jesus' death and resurrection is the fulfillment of this great plan
- We cannot pay the ransom price
- Jesus gave His life as a ransom for many
- He was our sacrifice suffering for our sins
- God made tunics to clothe Adam and Eve
- Notice that blood had to be shed
- A picture of what was ultimately needed on the cross
- Christ's blood shed for the remission of sins - once and for all
- What good news
- Yet many reject:
- Many reject God's way of salvation as they reject sin
- Many reject the God of the Bible being the only way of salvation
- Many would rather live their life their own way
Closing Remarks