Genesis 3: How Can We Deal with Temptation?
IF GOD IS good and powerful, why does he allow so much evil and pain? Although the Bible doesn't answer this question directly, it shows how sin and its consequences entered the world. The last chapter left Adam and Eve in Eden at peace with God, themselves and the natural world over which they had been given stewardship. They had the freedom to fulfill this responsibility and eat any fruit in the garden, with one exception. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil would be the test of their obedience to the Creator. In this study we see how they met this test and what lessons we can learn from their experience.
Warming Up to God
Remember that no sin is any different or worse than the first sin in the Garden of Eden. Tell Jesus about your sin—and let him forgive you.
Read Genesis 3. »
Discovering the Word
- How does Eve's answer misrepresent God's command (vv. 2-3)?
- The serpent now becomes more direct (vv. 4-5). What statements does he make about the purpose and results of the command?
- How have the serpent's words distorted Eve's thinking (v. 6)?
- How did Adam and Eve's sin immediately affect their attitude toward themselves, each other and God (vv. 7-13)?
- What judgments does the Lord God pronounce on the serpent (vv. 14-15), the woman (v. 16) and the man (vv. 17-19)? (Describe them in your own words.)
- What actions does God finally take to end this era in Eden (vv. 21-24)?
Applying the Word
- Adam and Eve made several mistakes: they listened to a creature instead of the Creator, followed their own impressions against God's instructions, doubted his concern for their best interests and made self-fulfillment their goal. In what situations have any of these led you to disobey a command of God?
- What one lesson have you learned from this study that can help you recognize and resist a temptation you are facing?
Responding in Prayer
Romans 5:12 and 15 tell us that in the same way that sin entered the world through one person, it is redeemed by one person, our Lord Jesus Christ. Than him for his love that erased our first sin in the garden and gave his wonderful grace.
For Further Study
Temptation by Tom L. Eisenman