November 17, 2019

The Fall

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Genesis 3:1-13
Service Type:
  • Genesis 3
  • Perhaps the most important chapter in the entire Bible
    • It is the foundation of the Bible and of life
  • Previously:
    • Considered the deceitfulness of the serpent/Satan - explanation
    • Considered how Satan's ways have not changed - explanation
      • God's ways are beyond finding out
      • The best way to learn about God is from God Himself (through His word)
  • Now:
    • Considering the peril when Adam and Eve did not listen to God's word
      • They became sinners
      • We are sinners - by nature
        • We live lives of sin
      • To understand the depth of their fall is very important
    • Chapter 1 - the eternal might and power of God,
    • Chapter 2 - Adam and Eve face to face with God in delight
    • Chapter 3 - this relationship is shattered
  • v7 - illustrates the depths of their fall
    • Unless we understand how far we have fallen - we will not understand our need for a Saviour
      • We must understand how far Adam and Eve fell
    • No longer innocent
      • Their eyes open to their guilt and shame
      • Their conscience was opened
    • Their eyes were opened - v5
      • Satan speaks deceit - he is the father of trickery
      • Satan and evil became their master and not God
      • They saw and spoke evil
    • They saw their nakedness
      • Physically
      • Spiritually - stripped of communion with God, stripped of their freedom
    • They could not undo their crime
      • cf Gen 2:16-17
      • They were suffering the disobedience of their fall - separation from God
    • They died that day
      • Physically - decay started
      • Spiritually - completely separated from God
        • This is our state
        • Our earthly lives are futile and meaningless without God
    • They sought refuge under a covering of leaves
      • They could no longer take refuge and shelter in God
      • They did no cry out in repentance - but sought to cover their own shame
      • They could not make themselves presentable to God
        • Do we try to cover ourselves in religion, science, intelligence
    • They hid from their creator (v8-10) [because of fear]
      • No longer in reverent awe of God
      • Filled with a terrify fear of God
      • They saw wisdom in hiding from God, though this was foolish
        • No-one can hide from God
      • They dared not stand trial before God
        • The voice of the judge was too much
  • This is their nature - this is our nature
    • Rom 5:12
      • We are descended from Adam - his nature is our nature
      • Adam's guilt is counted as ours - we are sinners
    • Our hearts are marred by sin - Mark 7: Examples
    • Do we think that we are not as sinful as we really are?
      • We would rather cover our sin that have it exposed before God and man
    • Do we reject God as He calls to us?
      • Are we terrified at the prospect of a sovereign God?
    • We cannot meet the standard of God's holiness and perfection
    • Death is the penalty for our sinfulness
      • Eternal death - hell
  • We have hope in the Triune God - v8
    • God did not approach Adam and Eve in thunder and lightning but calmness and mercy
      • Even though the deserved the full force of His fury
      • Even in their nakedness, guilt and shame
    • God gives the opportunity to openly confess their shame and to repent
    • Rom 5:15-16
      • In Him we can have everlasting life
    • God sought Adam in his nakedness and shame
      • This is how we are to go to God - simply of ourselves
      • This is how God will forgive us
    • Jesus took our nakedness and shame on the cross
      • He took the full force of God's wrath and anger in our place
    • Do not hide like Adam but come to God as you are (in Christ Jesus)
      • Do not squander God's free gift of salvation
      • Let us turn to God and confess our condition
  • Closing Quote