The Fall

Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley, Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley, [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community Church. You should know Creek Community Church. You should know Creek Community Church. You should know that Clear Creek is made up of multiple that Clear Creek is made up of multiple that Clear Creek is made up of multiple campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that you've joined us here to watch this you've joined us here to watch this you've joined us here to watch this [music] sermon today, I want to invite [music] sermon today, I want to invite [music] sermon today, I want to invite you to make plans to check us out in you to make plans to check us out in you to make plans to check us out in person at the campus nearest you to see person at the campus nearest you to see person at the campus nearest you to see what [music] worshipping and living in what [music] worshipping and living in what [music] worshipping and living in community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at clearcreek.org to find information about clearcreek.org to find information about clearcreek.org to find information about our locations, service times, [music] our locations, service times, [music] our locations, service times, [music] and much more. We hope to see you soon. and much more. We hope to see you soon. and much more. We hope to see you soon. All right. So, hey, a lot of us we grew All right. So, hey, a lot of us we grew All right. So, hey, a lot of us we grew up singing nursery rhymes. Anybody grew up singing nursery rhymes. Anybody grew up singing nursery rhymes. Anybody grew up singing nursery rhymes? Yeah, a few. up singing nursery rhymes? Yeah, a few. up singing nursery rhymes? Yeah, a few. Um and maybe you've taught them to your Um and maybe you've taught them to your Um and maybe you've taught them to your own kids and they seem innocent enough. own kids and they seem innocent enough. own kids and they seem innocent enough. Uh but when you really stop and consider Uh but when you really stop and consider Uh but when you really stop and consider and listen to the words of some of them, and listen to the words of some of them, and listen to the words of some of them, you actually realize that they can be you actually realize that they can be you actually realize that they can be kind of disturbing. Let me just give you kind of disturbing. Let me just give you kind of disturbing. Let me just give you a few examples. a few examples. a few examples. Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and a pail of water. Jack fell down and a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown, and Jill came tumbling broke his crown, and Jill came tumbling broke his crown, and Jill came tumbling after.

after. after. Now, if you didn't know, little Jack Now, if you didn't know, little Jack Now, if you didn't know, little Jack wasn't royalty, so it wasn't a king's wasn't royalty, so it wasn't a king's wasn't royalty, so it wasn't a king's crown that he broke. That was a that's crown that he broke. That was a that's crown that he broke. That was a that's an old English word for head. So, that's an old English word for head. So, that's an old English word for head. So, that's a this is a song about a kid with a a this is a song about a kid with a a this is a song about a kid with a skull fracture. Like, that's what your skull fracture. Like, that's what your skull fracture. Like, that's what your kids are singing. kids are singing. kids are singing. Or what about this one? Or what about this one? Or what about this one? Three blind mice, three blind mice. See Three blind mice, three blind mice. See Three blind mice, three blind mice. See how they run, see how they run. They all how they run, see how they run. They all how they run, see how they run. They all ran after the farmer's wife who cut off ran after the farmer's wife who cut off ran after the farmer's wife who cut off their tails with a carving knife. their tails with a carving knife. their tails with a carving knife. Now, if torturing disabled animals Now, if torturing disabled animals Now, if torturing disabled animals wasn't disturbing enough for you, some wasn't disturbing enough for you, some wasn't disturbing enough for you, some actually believe this is a reference to actually believe this is a reference to actually believe this is a reference to Queen Mary I who had three bishops Queen Mary I who had three bishops Queen Mary I who had three bishops executed for opposing her rule. Like, executed for opposing her rule. Like, executed for opposing her rule. Like, pretty morbid. What about this one? pretty morbid. What about this one? pretty morbid. What about this one? Rub-a-dub-dub, three men in a tub. I'm Rub-a-dub-dub, three men in a tub. I'm Rub-a-dub-dub, three men in a tub. I'm not even going to go there, all right? But perhaps one of the most famous But perhaps one of the most famous nursery rhymes of all time nursery rhymes of all time nursery rhymes of all time is about an egg. is about an egg. is about an egg. And you know this one, right? And you know this one, right? And you know this one, right? Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't horses and all the king's men couldn't horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty together again.

put Humpty together again. put Humpty together again. Now, Now, Now, you might ask what in the world an egg you might ask what in the world an egg you might ask what in the world an egg is doing sitting on a wall, is doing sitting on a wall, is doing sitting on a wall, but but but this story is not primarily about an this story is not primarily about an this story is not primarily about an egg. egg. egg. It's about a fall. It's about a fall. It's about a fall. In fact, this was such a great fall that In fact, this was such a great fall that In fact, this was such a great fall that it's not the kind of fall that you just it's not the kind of fall that you just it's not the kind of fall that you just kind of feel the next morning. No, this kind of feel the next morning. No, this kind of feel the next morning. No, this was such a great fall that despite every was such a great fall that despite every was such a great fall that despite every effort, all the king's horses and all effort, all the king's horses and all effort, all the king's horses and all the king's men they couldn't put Humpty the king's men they couldn't put Humpty the king's men they couldn't put Humpty back together again. back together again. back together again. He was irreparably broken. He was irreparably broken. He was irreparably broken. I mean, it's really a sad story. I mean, it's really a sad story. I mean, it's really a sad story. What do What do I tell you that? Well, What do What do I tell you that? Well, What do What do I tell you that? Well, because today I want to tell you a real because today I want to tell you a real because today I want to tell you a real story about a real fall. story about a real fall. story about a real fall. In fact, it's a fall so great that its In fact, it's a fall so great that its In fact, it's a fall so great that its effects have actually been felt effects have actually been felt effects have actually been felt throughout all of human history. throughout all of human history. throughout all of human history. A fall that has that has left humanity A fall that has that has left humanity A fall that has that has left humanity and the world that we live in, like and the world that we live in, like and the world that we live in, like Humpty Dumpty, irrep- irreparably Humpty Dumpty, irrep- irreparably Humpty Dumpty, irrep- irreparably broken. broken. broken. I mean, it is the saddest story in human I mean, it is the saddest story in human I mean, it is the saddest story in human history. history. history. And you have felt the broken pieces of And you have felt the broken pieces of And you have felt the broken pieces of this fall.

this fall. this fall. You've felt it in your fractured You've felt it in your fractured You've felt it in your fractured relationships, relationships, relationships, in your suffering, in your suffering, in your suffering, in deep shame and guilt, in deep shame and guilt, in deep shame and guilt, in experiencing grief and death. in experiencing grief and death. in experiencing grief and death. Any moment where you've looked around Any moment where you've looked around Any moment where you've looked around the world or even in your own heart and the world or even in your own heart and the world or even in your own heart and you've wondered, you've wondered, you've wondered, "Can anyone put this back together "Can anyone put this back together "Can anyone put this back together again?" again?" again?" Well, today we're starting Sorry, we're Well, today we're starting Sorry, we're Well, today we're starting Sorry, we're continuing a series called Beginnings, continuing a series called Beginnings, continuing a series called Beginnings, where we're walking through the first 12 where we're walking through the first 12 where we're walking through the first 12 chapters in the book of Genesis. And chapters in the book of Genesis. And chapters in the book of Genesis. And we've said that these chapters were we've said that these chapters were we've said that these chapters were originally written to ancient Israelites originally written to ancient Israelites originally written to ancient Israelites to challenge the the pagan origin to challenge the the pagan origin to challenge the the pagan origin stories of their day in the ancient Near stories of their day in the ancient Near stories of their day in the ancient Near East. East. East. So that they might come to know the So that they might come to know the So that they might come to know the truth about who God is, who the who the truth about who God is, who the who the truth about who God is, who the who the God of the universe is, who they are, God of the universe is, who they are, God of the universe is, who they are, and about the world that they lived in. and about the world that they lived in. and about the world that they lived in. And we've said that it does the same for And we've said that it does the same for And we've said that it does the same for us today. us today. us today. And so over the last few weeks, we've And so over the last few weeks, we've And so over the last few weeks, we've been in the creation story. been in the creation story. been in the creation story. Right, where we've seen that it it's Right, where we've seen that it it's Right, where we've seen that it it's telling us that God alone is the creator telling us that God alone is the creator telling us that God alone is the creator of the universe.

of the universe. of the universe. That he ordered creation and that he That he ordered creation and that he That he ordered creation and that he filled it and even more than that, that filled it and even more than that, that filled it and even more than that, that he's given it deep meaning and purpose. he's given it deep meaning and purpose. he's given it deep meaning and purpose. And that is a especially true of humans. And that is a especially true of humans. And that is a especially true of humans. Because we also saw that he made them Because we also saw that he made them Because we also saw that he made them both, man and woman, in his image. both, man and woman, in his image. both, man and woman, in his image. And that he placed them in Eden, a And that he placed them in Eden, a And that he placed them in Eden, a garden that was bursting with life in garden that was bursting with life in garden that was bursting with life in abundance to work it and to keep it. abundance to work it and to keep it. abundance to work it and to keep it. Right, to expand its boundaries by Right, to expand its boundaries by Right, to expand its boundaries by spreading the knowledge of God spreading the knowledge of God spreading the knowledge of God throughout all of the earth. throughout all of the earth. throughout all of the earth. And they do that in partnership And they do that in partnership And they do that in partnership together. together. together. If I If I If I the image that we were left with last the image that we were left with last the image that we were left with last week in Genesis chapter 2, verse 25 is week in Genesis chapter 2, verse 25 is week in Genesis chapter 2, verse 25 is this. this. this. And the man and his wife were both naked And the man and his wife were both naked And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. and were not ashamed. and were not ashamed. Genesis 2 really ends with this picture Genesis 2 really ends with this picture Genesis 2 really ends with this picture of human flourishing, which is what this of human flourishing, which is what this of human flourishing, which is what this is all about. This is what God has is all about. This is what God has is all about. This is what God has always intended. always intended. always intended. People living in perfect relationship People living in perfect relationship People living in perfect relationship with God, with each other, and with with God, with each other, and with with God, with each other, and with creation.

But as we come to Genesis 3 this But as we come to Genesis 3 this morning, all of that comes crashing morning, all of that comes crashing morning, all of that comes crashing down. down. down. And so if you have your Bibles, I'm And so if you have your Bibles, I'm And so if you have your Bibles, I'm going to invite you to turn there with going to invite you to turn there with going to invite you to turn there with me. We're going to have it up on the me. We're going to have it up on the me. We're going to have it up on the screens, but I think it'll be helpful. screens, but I think it'll be helpful. screens, but I think it'll be helpful. We're going to walk this whole chapter. We're going to walk this whole chapter. We're going to walk this whole chapter. It'll be helpful to follow along. And as It'll be helpful to follow along. And as It'll be helpful to follow along. And as you're turning there, I just want to you're turning there, I just want to you're turning there, I just want to acknowledge that this is a story that is acknowledge that this is a story that is acknowledge that this is a story that is probably familiar to a lot of us in this probably familiar to a lot of us in this probably familiar to a lot of us in this room. And so room. And so room. And so man, I have just been praying man, I have just been praying man, I have just been praying that through the work of God's spirit, that through the work of God's spirit, that through the work of God's spirit, that this story and what God intends to that this story and what God intends to that this story and what God intends to say to us would fall afresh on our say to us would fall afresh on our say to us would fall afresh on our hearts and our and our ears because hearts and our and our ears because hearts and our and our ears because unless we come to grips with this unless we come to grips with this unless we come to grips with this chapter chapter chapter then it'll be hard to make much sense of then it'll be hard to make much sense of then it'll be hard to make much sense of the world that we live in, of ourselves, the world that we live in, of ourselves, the world that we live in, of ourselves, and of God's story. and of God's story. and of God's story. Because yes, Humpty Dumpty had a great Because yes, Humpty Dumpty had a great Because yes, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. fall. fall. But this chapter helps us to understand But this chapter helps us to understand But this chapter helps us to understand how much greater how much greater how much greater this fall really was. this fall really was. this fall really was. And so I just I want to show you And so I just I want to show you And so I just I want to show you starting in Genesis chapter 3 verse 1. starting in Genesis chapter 3 verse 1. starting in Genesis chapter 3 verse 1. These words we'll start today.

These words we'll start today. These words we'll start today. Now the serpent was more crafty than any Now the serpent was more crafty than any Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord other beast of the field that the Lord other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. God had made. God had made. And he said to the woman, "Did God And he said to the woman, "Did God And he said to the woman, "Did God actually say you shall not eat of any actually say you shall not eat of any actually say you shall not eat of any tree in the garden?" And the woman said tree in the garden?" And the woman said tree in the garden?" And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said of the trees in the garden, but God said of the trees in the garden, but God said you shall not eat of the fruit of the you shall not eat of the fruit of the you shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden. tree that is in the midst of the garden. tree that is in the midst of the garden. Neither shall you touch it lest you Neither shall you touch it lest you Neither shall you touch it lest you die." die." die." Now so far only God and humans have been Now so far only God and humans have been Now so far only God and humans have been part of this story, but in chapter 3 part of this story, but in chapter 3 part of this story, but in chapter 3 we're introduced to a serpent. we're introduced to a serpent. we're introduced to a serpent. More interestingly, it's a talking More interestingly, it's a talking More interestingly, it's a talking serpent. serpent. serpent. And this is one of those details that And this is one of those details that And this is one of those details that like at face value, if you read it it it like at face value, if you read it it it like at face value, if you read it it it makes this feel like a like a fairy makes this feel like a like a fairy makes this feel like a like a fairy tale. tale. tale. Cuz listen, if I walk out to my backyard Cuz listen, if I walk out to my backyard Cuz listen, if I walk out to my backyard and see a garden snake and it talks to and see a garden snake and it talks to and see a garden snake and it talks to me, me, me, my initial response isn't, "Hey, can you my initial response isn't, "Hey, can you my initial response isn't, "Hey, can you clarify what you said?" clarify what you said?" clarify what you said?" No, it would be, "Why are you talking?" No, it would be, "Why are you talking?" No, it would be, "Why are you talking?" But the woman doesn't seem alarmed at But the woman doesn't seem alarmed at But the woman doesn't seem alarmed at all. Like she just continues the all. Like she just continues the all. Like she just continues the conversation. Why is that? conversation. Why is that? conversation. Why is that? Well, we've said throughout the series Well, we've said throughout the series Well, we've said throughout the series that something that Genesis that something that Genesis that something that Genesis does so brilliantly is that it borrows does so brilliantly is that it borrows does so brilliantly is that it borrows from the imagery of the origin stories from the imagery of the origin stories from the imagery of the origin stories of the ancient Near East.

of the ancient Near East. of the ancient Near East. And during that time serpent symbolism And during that time serpent symbolism And during that time serpent symbolism was everywhere. was everywhere. was everywhere. Like the pagan gods of Egypt and Babylon Like the pagan gods of Egypt and Babylon Like the pagan gods of Egypt and Babylon and Canaan, they were portrayed as sea and Canaan, they were portrayed as sea and Canaan, they were portrayed as sea serpents. serpents. serpents. And so, serpents were seen as creatures And so, serpents were seen as creatures And so, serpents were seen as creatures of chaos. of chaos. of chaos. And so, the original readers wouldn't And so, the original readers wouldn't And so, the original readers wouldn't have necessarily taken this to be a have necessarily taken this to be a have necessarily taken this to be a literal talking snake. literal talking snake. literal talking snake. No, they would have seen this as a No, they would have seen this as a No, they would have seen this as a potential deceiver. potential deceiver. potential deceiver. And for us, as New Testament readers, we And for us, as New Testament readers, we And for us, as New Testament readers, we know exactly who this is. know exactly who this is. know exactly who this is. Cuz Revelation chapter 12 verse 9 tells Cuz Revelation chapter 12 verse 9 tells Cuz Revelation chapter 12 verse 9 tells us that the ancient serpent, who is us that the ancient serpent, who is us that the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, which is called the devil and Satan, which is called the devil and Satan, which is just a title, by the way, that means just a title, by the way, that means just a title, by the way, that means adversary, adversary, adversary, he's the deceiver of the whole world. he's the deceiver of the whole world. he's the deceiver of the whole world. So, as we open up chapter 3, there is an So, as we open up chapter 3, there is an So, as we open up chapter 3, there is an adversary in the garden. adversary in the garden. adversary in the garden. There is a deceiver that is hell-bent on There is a deceiver that is hell-bent on There is a deceiver that is hell-bent on opposing God and his purposes. opposing God and his purposes. opposing God and his purposes. And look at just how he does that. He And look at just how he does that. He And look at just how he does that. He has three tactics that he uses to has three tactics that he uses to has three tactics that he uses to deceive humans. So, follow along with me deceive humans. So, follow along with me deceive humans. So, follow along with me in the middle of verse 1, we see that in the middle of verse 1, we see that in the middle of verse 1, we see that first he distorts God's word.

first he distorts God's word. first he distorts God's word. Already said to the woman, "Did God Already said to the woman, "Did God Already said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any actually say, 'You shall not eat of any actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?'" tree in the garden?'" tree in the garden?'" If you remember from back in chapter 2, If you remember from back in chapter 2, If you remember from back in chapter 2, he's twisting God's original command. he's twisting God's original command. he's twisting God's original command. He had given them every tree of the He had given them every tree of the He had given them every tree of the garden to eat from except one. garden to eat from except one. garden to eat from except one. And so, by distorting God's words, he And so, by distorting God's words, he And so, by distorting God's words, he starts to paint God's generosity as starts to paint God's generosity as starts to paint God's generosity as stinginess. stinginess. stinginess. And then he sneers at God's wisdom. And then he sneers at God's wisdom. And then he sneers at God's wisdom. Verse 2, and then the woman said to the Verse 2, and then the woman said to the Verse 2, and then the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, 'You trees in the garden, but God said, 'You trees in the garden, but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree shall not eat of the fruit of the tree shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden. that is in the midst of the garden. that is in the midst of the garden. Neither shall you touch it, lest you Neither shall you touch it, lest you Neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" And so, she corrects him, saying, die.'" And so, she corrects him, saying, die.'" And so, she corrects him, saying, "No, it's just this one tree that leads "No, it's just this one tree that leads "No, it's just this one tree that leads to death." to death." to death." But then, the serpent said to the woman, But then, the serpent said to the woman, But then, the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die." "You will not surely die." "You will not surely die." Like, God said you would die? No, he's Like, God said you would die? No, he's Like, God said you would die? No, he's wrong. That is not going to happen. wrong. That is not going to happen. wrong. That is not going to happen. And then, he lies about God's rule. And then, he lies about God's rule. And then, he lies about God's rule. Verse 5, "For God knows that when you Verse 5, "For God knows that when you Verse 5, "For God knows that when you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and eat of it, your eyes will be opened and eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like a god knowing good and you will be like a god knowing good and you will be like a god knowing good and evil."

evil." evil." Listen, he's holding out on you. Listen, he's holding out on you. Listen, he's holding out on you. Right? The only reason he's keeping you Right? The only reason he's keeping you Right? The only reason he's keeping you from that tree is because he's from that tree is because he's from that tree is because he's threatened by you. This is not a king threatened by you. This is not a king threatened by you. This is not a king that you can trust. that you can trust. that you can trust. And so what the serpent is doing here is And so what the serpent is doing here is And so what the serpent is doing here is that he's taking God's one boundary that that he's taking God's one boundary that that he's taking God's one boundary that he has placed that they trusted him with he has placed that they trusted him with he has placed that they trusted him with and he sells it as the one thing that and he sells it as the one thing that and he sells it as the one thing that stood between them and the life that stood between them and the life that stood between them and the life that they really wanted. they really wanted. they really wanted. And they take the bait. And they take the bait. And they take the bait. Verse 6, Verse 6, Verse 6, "And so when the woman saw that the tree "And so when the woman saw that the tree "And so when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was a was good for food and that it was a was good for food and that it was a delight to the eyes and that the tree delight to the eyes and that the tree delight to the eyes and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she was to be desired to make one wise, she was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. And she also took of its fruit and ate. And she also took of its fruit and ate. And she also gave some to her husband who was with gave some to her husband who was with gave some to her husband who was with her and he ate." her and he ate." her and he ate." This is the first time in the Bible that This is the first time in the Bible that This is the first time in the Bible that someone else outside of God declares someone else outside of God declares someone else outside of God declares that something was good. that something was good. that something was good. If you remember back from chapter 1, you If you remember back from chapter 1, you If you remember back from chapter 1, you see this pattern in creation where God see this pattern in creation where God see this pattern in creation where God creates and then in his wisdom, he alone creates and then in his wisdom, he alone creates and then in his wisdom, he alone deems something good.

deems something good. deems something good. And so why why does this matter? And so why why does this matter? And so why why does this matter? Well, because this was about trust. Well, because this was about trust. Well, because this was about trust. You see the the forbidden tree, it You see the the forbidden tree, it You see the the forbidden tree, it didn't look any different than any other didn't look any different than any other didn't look any different than any other tree in the garden. If you go back, tree in the garden. If you go back, tree in the garden. If you go back, they're all described as pleasant to the they're all described as pleasant to the they're all described as pleasant to the sight and good for food. sight and good for food. sight and good for food. And so it's not like this tree had a And so it's not like this tree had a And so it's not like this tree had a juicier apple on it. It's always an juicier apple on it. It's always an juicier apple on it. It's always an apple for some reason we portray it. apple for some reason we portray it. apple for some reason we portray it. The the question was whether they would The the question was whether they would The the question was whether they would trust God when he said, "This one tree trust God when he said, "This one tree trust God when he said, "This one tree will lead to death." will lead to death." will lead to death." Even if it good it looked good and Even if it good it looked good and Even if it good it looked good and desirable to them, would they trust desirable to them, would they trust desirable to them, would they trust God's word over their own eyes? God's word over their own eyes? God's word over their own eyes? Because look, God knew Because look, God knew Because look, God knew that the moment that they abandoned his that the moment that they abandoned his that the moment that they abandoned his wisdom to define good and evil, the wisdom to define good and evil, the wisdom to define good and evil, the moment that they chased after their moment that they chased after their moment that they chased after their their own desires, it wouldn't lead to their own desires, it wouldn't lead to their own desires, it wouldn't lead to their flourishing. their flourishing. their flourishing. It would lead to their ruin. It would lead to their ruin. It would lead to their ruin. But they don't trust him.

But they don't trust him. But they don't trust him. You see that that is the essence of sin. You see that that is the essence of sin. You see that that is the essence of sin. Treating God's good boundaries Treating God's good boundaries Treating God's good boundaries for our flourishing as barriers to our for our flourishing as barriers to our for our flourishing as barriers to our freedom. freedom. freedom. Like thinking that we're better off Like thinking that we're better off Like thinking that we're better off without God, that we can rule on our own without God, that we can rule on our own without God, that we can rule on our own terms. terms. terms. And the irony of all of this is that And the irony of all of this is that And the irony of all of this is that everything that they that they wanted everything that they that they wanted everything that they that they wanted they had available to them in the they had available to them in the they had available to them in the garden. garden. garden. And they had dominion, they had life in And they had dominion, they had life in And they had dominion, they had life in abundance, they had a great purpose abundance, they had a great purpose abundance, they had a great purpose under the good rule of Yahweh. under the good rule of Yahweh. under the good rule of Yahweh. But they traded it. But they traded it. But they traded it. And as a result, that leads to a great And as a result, that leads to a great And as a result, that leads to a great and tragic fall. and tragic fall. and tragic fall. Look at verse seven. Look at verse seven. Look at verse seven. And then the eyes of both were opened, And then the eyes of both were opened, And then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and and they knew that they were naked, and and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together and made they sewed fig leaves together and made they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. themselves loincloths. themselves loincloths. So the serpent was right that their eyes So the serpent was right that their eyes So the serpent was right that their eyes would be opened, but it wasn't freedom would be opened, but it wasn't freedom would be opened, but it wasn't freedom that they saw. that they saw. that they saw. For the very first time since they were For the very first time since they were For the very first time since they were created, they saw their nakedness.

created, they saw their nakedness. created, they saw their nakedness. Which seems like an odd thing to say for Which seems like an odd thing to say for Which seems like an odd thing to say for someone who's walked around naked the someone who's walked around naked the someone who's walked around naked the their whole life, right? Like you think their whole life, right? Like you think their whole life, right? Like you think they'd feel the breeze at some point? they'd feel the breeze at some point? they'd feel the breeze at some point? Um Um Um but this wasn't about being unclothed. but this wasn't about being unclothed. but this wasn't about being unclothed. It was a picture of what had broken It was a picture of what had broken It was a picture of what had broken between them. between them. between them. Because for the very first time they Because for the very first time they Because for the very first time they were ashamed. were ashamed. were ashamed. Have you ever felt that? Have you ever felt that? Have you ever felt that? Like feeling exposed in your guilt and Like feeling exposed in your guilt and Like feeling exposed in your guilt and your selfishness. your selfishness. your selfishness. That's what they experienced in that That's what they experienced in that That's what they experienced in that moment. moment. moment. That while once they were naked and That while once they were naked and That while once they were naked and unashamed, for the very first time they unashamed, for the very first time they unashamed, for the very first time they were hiding in fear from each other. were hiding in fear from each other. were hiding in fear from each other. Cuz they had also lost trust in the Cuz they had also lost trust in the Cuz they had also lost trust in the other person. I mean, other person. I mean, other person. I mean, how could you possibly trust a person how could you possibly trust a person how could you possibly trust a person who just defied the God, the creator of who just defied the God, the creator of who just defied the God, the creator of the universe, who just defied God for the universe, who just defied God for the universe, who just defied God for their own gain? their own gain? their own gain? I mean, what's to say that they won't do I mean, what's to say that they won't do I mean, what's to say that they won't do the same to you? the same to you? the same to you? And so, just like we do, And so, just like we do, And so, just like we do, they covered themselves. They built up they covered themselves. They built up they covered themselves. They built up walls of self-preservation.

walls of self-preservation. walls of self-preservation. It was a great fall, and it left their It was a great fall, and it left their It was a great fall, and it left their relationship in pieces. relationship in pieces. relationship in pieces. But, it was so much worse than that. But, it was so much worse than that. But, it was so much worse than that. Because it also broke their relationship Because it also broke their relationship Because it also broke their relationship with the creator, with the God of the with the creator, with the God of the with the creator, with the God of the universe. universe. universe. Look at verse 8. Look at verse 8. Look at verse 8. And they heard the sound of the Lord God And they heard the sound of the Lord God And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the walking in the garden in the cool of the walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid day, and the man and his wife hid day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord themselves from the presence of the Lord themselves from the presence of the Lord among the trees of the garden. Think among the trees of the garden. Think among the trees of the garden. Think about how just delusional that is, about how just delusional that is, about how just delusional that is, right? They think you can hide from God right? They think you can hide from God right? They think you can hide from God in the very trees that he made. in the very trees that he made. in the very trees that he made. But, he patiently draws them out. Verse But, he patiently draws them out. Verse But, he patiently draws them out. Verse 9. But, the Lord God called to the man 9. But, the Lord God called to the man 9. But, the Lord God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?" and said to him, "Where are you?" and said to him, "Where are you?" And he said, "I heard the sound of you And he said, "I heard the sound of you And he said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid because in the garden, and I was afraid because in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, and I hid myself." I was naked, and I hid myself." I was naked, and I hid myself." And he said, "Who told you that you were And he said, "Who told you that you were And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of naked? Have you eaten of the tree of naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I have commanded you not to eat?" which I have commanded you not to eat?" which I have commanded you not to eat?" God patiently draws out the seriousness God patiently draws out the seriousness God patiently draws out the seriousness of what he knows just happened. of what he knows just happened. of what he knows just happened. Instead of coming clean and taking Instead of coming clean and taking Instead of coming clean and taking responsibility, look at Adam does. responsibility, look at Adam does. responsibility, look at Adam does. "The woman whom you gave to be with me, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I she gave me fruit of the tree, and I she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate."

ate." ate." And notice, he's not just blaming her, And notice, he's not just blaming her, And notice, he's not just blaming her, he's blaming God. "The woman you gave he's blaming God. "The woman you gave he's blaming God. "The woman you gave me." Listen, I went to sleep single one me." Listen, I went to sleep single one me." Listen, I went to sleep single one day, and I woke up married. Like, you day, and I woke up married. Like, you day, and I woke up married. Like, you that this was your idea. And if you think Adam's a jerk, And if you think Adam's a jerk, she's no better. Look at verse 13. And she's no better. Look at verse 13. And she's no better. Look at verse 13. And the Lord God said to the woman, "What is the Lord God said to the woman, "What is the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" And the woman this that you have done?" And the woman this that you have done?" And the woman said, "The serpent deceived to said, "The serpent deceived to said, "The serpent deceived to and I ate." and I ate." and I ate." I mean, this is a tragic moment. I mean, this is a tragic moment. I mean, this is a tragic moment. They were no longer comfortable in God's They were no longer comfortable in God's They were no longer comfortable in God's presence. They used to walk with him in presence. They used to walk with him in presence. They used to walk with him in the cool of the day. the cool of the day. the cool of the day. They ruled alongside him. They ruled alongside him. They ruled alongside him. And now they're ashamed. Hiding in the And now they're ashamed. Hiding in the And now they're ashamed. Hiding in the bushes, pointing fingers. bushes, pointing fingers. bushes, pointing fingers. And as And as And as they're confronted with their sin, they're confronted with their sin, they're confronted with their sin, they realize that a great fall comes they realize that a great fall comes they realize that a great fall comes with great consequences with great consequences with great consequences for all parties involved. for all parties involved. for all parties involved. First for the serpent. So, look at the First for the serpent. So, look at the First for the serpent. So, look at the next few verses, starting in verse 14.

next few verses, starting in verse 14. next few verses, starting in verse 14. This is consequence for the serpent. And This is consequence for the serpent. And This is consequence for the serpent. And the Lord God said to the serpent, the Lord God said to the serpent, the Lord God said to the serpent, "Because you've done this, "Because you've done this, "Because you've done this, cursed are you above all livestock and cursed are you above all livestock and cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field. On your above all beasts of the field. On your above all beasts of the field. On your belly you shall go, and dust you shall belly you shall go, and dust you shall belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. eat all the days of your life. eat all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and And I will put enmity between you and And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and the woman and between your offspring and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. And he shall bruise your her offspring. And he shall bruise your her offspring. And he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." head, and you shall bruise his heel." head, and you shall bruise his heel." Now, this isn't suggesting that serpents Now, this isn't suggesting that serpents Now, this isn't suggesting that serpents had legs before the fall. Now, in in the had legs before the fall. Now, in in the had legs before the fall. Now, in in the ancient world, serpents were usually ancient world, serpents were usually ancient world, serpents were usually portrayed in this upright, kind of portrayed in this upright, kind of portrayed in this upright, kind of threatening position. Kind of like a a threatening position. Kind of like a a threatening position. Kind of like a a cobra ready to to strike. cobra ready to to strike. cobra ready to to strike. And so, God's curse renders the serpent And so, God's curse renders the serpent And so, God's curse renders the serpent on its belly eating dust. on its belly eating dust. on its belly eating dust. I mean, this was a position of I mean, this was a position of I mean, this was a position of humiliation. humiliation. humiliation. This was a picture of defeat. This was a picture of defeat. This was a picture of defeat. Which is why in the very next verse, God Which is why in the very next verse, God Which is why in the very next verse, God declares that there would be this declares that there would be this declares that there would be this conflict between the offspring of the conflict between the offspring of the conflict between the offspring of the serpent and the offspring of the woman serpent and the offspring of the woman serpent and the offspring of the woman that does not seem to end well for the that does not seem to end well for the that does not seem to end well for the serpent.

serpent. serpent. Which we'll come back to. Which we'll come back to. Which we'll come back to. And then God turns to the woman and to And then God turns to the woman and to And then God turns to the woman and to the man, and starting in verse 16. And the man, and starting in verse 16. And the man, and starting in verse 16. And these are consequences that we still these are consequences that we still these are consequences that we still feel today. feel today. feel today. And so, he says to the woman, And so, he says to the woman, And so, he says to the woman, "I will surely multiply your pain in "I will surely multiply your pain in "I will surely multiply your pain in child in childbearing. In pain you shall child in childbearing. In pain you shall child in childbearing. In pain you shall bring forth children. And your desire bring forth children. And your desire bring forth children. And your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall shall be for your husband, and he shall shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you. rule over you. rule over you. So, this is a curse to the role that she So, this is a curse to the role that she So, this is a curse to the role that she played in God's command to be fruitful played in God's command to be fruitful played in God's command to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. and multiply and fill the earth. and multiply and fill the earth. That the joy of pregnancy and That the joy of pregnancy and That the joy of pregnancy and childbearing would be coupled with toil. childbearing would be coupled with toil. childbearing would be coupled with toil. And we feel this. And we feel this. And we feel this. Or when there's complications during a Or when there's complications during a Or when there's complications during a pregnancy, pregnancy, pregnancy, when someone walks through infertility, when someone walks through infertility, when someone walks through infertility, through the physical and emotional toll through the physical and emotional toll through the physical and emotional toll of raising kids, we feel this. of raising kids, we feel this. of raising kids, we feel this. And he says also marriage would be And he says also marriage would be And he says also marriage would be affected. affected. affected. Where God intended marriage to be this Where God intended marriage to be this Where God intended marriage to be this partnership between husband and wife partnership between husband and wife partnership between husband and wife carrying out God's mission together, carrying out God's mission together, carrying out God's mission together, sin, he says, turns that into a power sin, he says, turns that into a power sin, he says, turns that into a power struggle.

struggle. struggle. And we feel that deeply in our own And we feel that deeply in our own And we feel that deeply in our own marriages, don't we? And then to the man, he says, "Cursed it And then to the man, he says, "Cursed it is the ground because of you. In pain is the ground because of you. In pain is the ground because of you. In pain you shall you shall eat of it all the you shall you shall eat of it all the you shall you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Thorns and thistles days of your life. Thorns and thistles days of your life. Thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you it shall bring forth for you, and you it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the plants of the field. By shall eat the plants of the field. By shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat the sweat of your face you shall eat the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for bread till you return to the ground, for bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken, for you are out of it you were taken, for you are out of it you were taken, for you are dust, and to dust you shall return." dust, and to dust you shall return." dust, and to dust you shall return." God intended Adam's work in the garden God intended Adam's work in the garden God intended Adam's work in the garden to be fruitful, to be joyful and to be fruitful, to be joyful and to be fruitful, to be joyful and delightful. delightful. delightful. But because of sin, he says that now But because of sin, he says that now But because of sin, he says that now work would bring anxiety, frustration, work would bring anxiety, frustration, work would bring anxiety, frustration, and struggle. and struggle. and struggle. And we feel this. And we feel this. And we feel this. Listen, you have Adam Adam to thank for Listen, you have Adam Adam to thank for Listen, you have Adam Adam to thank for Monday morning meetings and spreadsheets Monday morning meetings and spreadsheets Monday morning meetings and spreadsheets and yard work. and yard work. and yard work. But But But don't miss this. don't miss this. don't miss this. God foreshadows probably the most tragic God foreshadows probably the most tragic God foreshadows probably the most tragic consequence consequence consequence of this great fall in verse 19.

of this great fall in verse 19. of this great fall in verse 19. If you look at it, he says that this man If you look at it, he says that this man If you look at it, he says that this man that he fashioned from the dust that he fashioned from the dust that he fashioned from the dust would return to dust again. would return to dust again. would return to dust again. That death would be his end. That death would be his end. That death would be his end. If you remember, humans had eternal life If you remember, humans had eternal life If you remember, humans had eternal life in the garden because they derived life in the garden because they derived life in the garden because they derived life from God while they were there. from God while they were there. from God while they were there. And so, this happens. If you skip down And so, this happens. If you skip down And so, this happens. If you skip down to verse 22, this is how the the to verse 22, this is how the the to verse 22, this is how the the consequences end. consequences end. consequences end. And then the Lord God said, "Behold, the And then the Lord God said, "Behold, the And then the Lord God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing man has become like one of us in knowing man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out good and evil. Now, lest he reach out good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of his hand and take also of the tree of his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat and live forever." life and eat and live forever." life and eat and live forever." Therefore, the Lord God sent him out Therefore, the Lord God sent him out Therefore, the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the from the garden of Eden to work the from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove ground from which he was taken. He drove ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the out the man, and at the east of the out the man, and at the east of the garden, he placed a cherubim and a garden, he placed a cherubim and a garden, he placed a cherubim and a flaming sword that turned in every way flaming sword that turned in every way flaming sword that turned in every way to guard the way to to the tree of life. As a result of sin, God cast humans out As a result of sin, God cast humans out of the garden. of the garden. of the garden. I mean, this was the warning from the I mean, this was the warning from the I mean, this was the warning from the very beginning that death would come.

very beginning that death would come. very beginning that death would come. And now, they were alienated from the And now, they were alienated from the And now, they were alienated from the source of eternal life. source of eternal life. source of eternal life. And so, the question that lingers at the And so, the question that lingers at the And so, the question that lingers at the end of this chapter end of this chapter end of this chapter in the wake of a great fall is, in the wake of a great fall is, in the wake of a great fall is, "Can someone put ever put this back "Can someone put ever put this back "Can someone put ever put this back together again?" together again?" together again?" And and that's where it's worth And and that's where it's worth And and that's where it's worth pausing pausing pausing to notice and consider that there is to notice and consider that there is to notice and consider that there is actually a glimmer of hope buried inside actually a glimmer of hope buried inside actually a glimmer of hope buried inside of all of these tragic events. of all of these tragic events. of all of these tragic events. Because right in the middle of all the Because right in the middle of all the Because right in the middle of all the curses and the consequences, God makes curses and the consequences, God makes curses and the consequences, God makes this astounding declaration. this astounding declaration. this astounding declaration. So, this is in the middle of This is So, this is in the middle of This is So, this is in the middle of This is part of the serpent's curse, verse 15. part of the serpent's curse, verse 15. part of the serpent's curse, verse 15. Remember, he says, "I will put enmity Remember, he says, "I will put enmity Remember, he says, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your between you and the woman, between your between you and the woman, between your offspring and her offspring." And he offspring and her offspring." And he offspring and her offspring." And he says, "For he shall bruise your head, says, "For he shall bruise your head, says, "For he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." and you shall bruise his heel." and you shall bruise his heel." For centuries, theologians have called For centuries, theologians have called For centuries, theologians have called this the protoevangelium, this the protoevangelium, this the protoevangelium, or or the first gospel.

or or the first gospel. or or the first gospel. This is the first time in the Bible that This is the first time in the Bible that This is the first time in the Bible that a pronouncement of good news is made. a pronouncement of good news is made. a pronouncement of good news is made. And God declares that there is this And God declares that there is this And God declares that there is this descendant coming from the woman's seed, descendant coming from the woman's seed, descendant coming from the woman's seed, a savior, who who would engage in this a savior, who who would engage in this a savior, who who would engage in this divine and cosmic battle with the divine and cosmic battle with the divine and cosmic battle with the serpent, and he would be struck in the serpent, and he would be struck in the serpent, and he would be struck in the heel, but he would ultimately crush the heel, but he would ultimately crush the heel, but he would ultimately crush the serpent's head. serpent's head. serpent's head. Because God is not a king who would Because God is not a king who would Because God is not a king who would leave his creation in pieces after a leave his creation in pieces after a leave his creation in pieces after a great fall. great fall. great fall. And so, man, And so, man, And so, man, I want you to notice this. I want you to notice this. I want you to notice this. It's that very promise It's that very promise It's that very promise that moves Adam to do something very that moves Adam to do something very that moves Adam to do something very interesting in verse 20. interesting in verse 20. interesting in verse 20. So, this is right before they get exiled So, this is right before they get exiled So, this is right before they get exiled from the garden. Look at what happens. from the garden. Look at what happens. from the garden. Look at what happens. The man called his wife's name Eve, The man called his wife's name Eve, The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all because she was the mother of all because she was the mother of all living. living. living. And the Lord God made for Adam and for And the Lord God made for Adam and for And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skin and clothed his wife garments of skin and clothed his wife garments of skin and clothed them. them. them. As a response of faith, Adam names the As a response of faith, Adam names the As a response of faith, Adam names the woman Eve, or Eva in Hebrew, it means woman Eve, or Eva in Hebrew, it means woman Eve, or Eva in Hebrew, it means life.

life. life. In the face of death, In the face of death, In the face of death, he responds to the promise that hope he responds to the promise that hope he responds to the promise that hope would come through the woman's seed. would come through the woman's seed. would come through the woman's seed. And and he believed that. And and he believed that. And and he believed that. And then in response to Adam's faith, And then in response to Adam's faith, And then in response to Adam's faith, God then replaces their really poor God then replaces their really poor God then replaces their really poor attempt to cover their nakedness with attempt to cover their nakedness with attempt to cover their nakedness with fig leaves. He clothed them with fig leaves. He clothed them with fig leaves. He clothed them with garments of skin. garments of skin. garments of skin. God takes the life of an animal to cover God takes the life of an animal to cover God takes the life of an animal to cover their nakedness. their nakedness. their nakedness. And the reason that's important is is And the reason that's important is is And the reason that's important is is because this is the very first time in because this is the very first time in because this is the very first time in the Bible that blood was shed to cover the Bible that blood was shed to cover the Bible that blood was shed to cover sin. sin. sin. An innocent life taken so guilty people An innocent life taken so guilty people An innocent life taken so guilty people could be covered. could be covered. could be covered. And y'all, And y'all, And y'all, here's why this moment is just so here's why this moment is just so here's why this moment is just so wonderful. wonderful. wonderful. Because from this point forward, the Because from this point forward, the Because from this point forward, the whole arc of the Bible bends whole arc of the Bible bends whole arc of the Bible bends towards the arrival of the savior. towards the arrival of the savior. towards the arrival of the savior. And we know that all of this all of this And we know that all of this all of this And we know that all of this all of this ultimately has its apex and it leads to ultimately has its apex and it leads to ultimately has its apex and it leads to Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. Who being God himself, who was there at Who being God himself, who was there at Who being God himself, who was there at the very beginning at creation, the very beginning at creation, the very beginning at creation, he takes on flesh and he enters his he takes on flesh and he enters his he takes on flesh and he enters his creation as a second Adam, if you will. creation as a second Adam, if you will. creation as a second Adam, if you will. Because where Adam failed, Jesus Because where Adam failed, Jesus Because where Adam failed, Jesus succeeds. succeeds. succeeds. And we see this through And we see this through And we see this through out throughout all of his life. out throughout all of his life. out throughout all of his life. But we see this undeniable parallel But we see this undeniable parallel But we see this undeniable parallel towards the end of it when Jesus also towards the end of it when Jesus also towards the end of it when Jesus also finds himself in a garden. finds himself in a garden. finds himself in a garden. In the Garden of Gethsemane. In the Garden of Gethsemane. In the Garden of Gethsemane. Where he also faces a command about a Where he also faces a command about a Where he also faces a command about a tree, tree, tree, which is a Roman cross. which is a Roman cross. which is a Roman cross. And whereas Adam once stood in this And whereas Adam once stood in this And whereas Adam once stood in this bright and sunny beautiful garden filled bright and sunny beautiful garden filled bright and sunny beautiful garden filled with life, Jesus stood in a dark garden. with life, Jesus stood in a dark garden. with life, Jesus stood in a dark garden. Knowing that his obedience to the Father Knowing that his obedience to the Father Knowing that his obedience to the Father would lead to his death. would lead to his death. would lead to his death. And yet he perfectly trusts the Father. And yet he perfectly trusts the Father. And yet he perfectly trusts the Father. And willingly goes to the cross where And willingly goes to the cross where And willingly goes to the cross where his innocent life was was slain to cover his innocent life was was slain to cover his innocent life was was slain to cover every sin and every transgression.

every sin and every transgression. every sin and every transgression. His heel was bruised by the serpent and His heel was bruised by the serpent and His heel was bruised by the serpent and he dies. he dies. he dies. And although it seemed like the enemy And although it seemed like the enemy And although it seemed like the enemy had won, had won, had won, that creation was left irreparably that creation was left irreparably that creation was left irreparably broken, broken, broken, Jesus triumphs by resurrecting and walks Jesus triumphs by resurrecting and walks Jesus triumphs by resurrecting and walks out of his tomb. And in that moment, he out of his tomb. And in that moment, he out of his tomb. And in that moment, he disarms Satan and the power of sin and disarms Satan and the power of sin and disarms Satan and the power of sin and death and he makes a public spectacle of death and he makes a public spectacle of death and he makes a public spectacle of all his enemies. all his enemies. all his enemies. And so, friends, the proto-evangelium And so, friends, the proto-evangelium And so, friends, the proto-evangelium has come to pass. has come to pass. has come to pass. Jesus is triumphant. He has crushed the Jesus is triumphant. He has crushed the Jesus is triumphant. He has crushed the serpent's head. And what that means And what that means is that there is is that there is is that there is great hope. great hope. great hope. There is great grace. There is a great There is great grace. There is a great There is great grace. There is a great redemption for such a great fall. redemption for such a great fall. redemption for such a great fall. And that is true for me, and that is And that is true for me, and that is And that is true for me, and that is true for you. before before we can taste the sweetness of God's we can taste the sweetness of God's we can taste the sweetness of God's grace and really come to grips grace and really come to grips grace and really come to grips to what God promised here, to what God promised here, to what God promised here, before this promise can comfort us, we before this promise can comfort us, we before this promise can comfort us, we have to let Genesis 3 confront us.

have to let Genesis 3 confront us. have to let Genesis 3 confront us. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And what I mean by that is that Genesis >> And what I mean by that is that Genesis >> And what I mean by that is that Genesis 3 tells us that sin has touched every 3 tells us that sin has touched every 3 tells us that sin has touched every part of human existence. part of human existence. part of human existence. That sin is like sand after a long day That sin is like sand after a long day That sin is like sand after a long day at the beach. at the beach. at the beach. Right? That it doesn't matter how much Right? That it doesn't matter how much Right? That it doesn't matter how much you try to clean yourself, to wipe you try to clean yourself, to wipe you try to clean yourself, to wipe everything out, it's going to get everything out, it's going to get everything out, it's going to get everywhere. You're going to find it everywhere. You're going to find it everywhere. You're going to find it everywhere. In your car, in your everywhere. In your car, in your everywhere. In your car, in your clothes, at your house, in your dog's clothes, at your house, in your dog's clothes, at your house, in your dog's bed, and your dog didn't even go to the bed, and your dog didn't even go to the bed, and your dog didn't even go to the beach. beach. beach. Sin [snorts] Sin [snorts] Sin [snorts] gets into every part of our lives. gets into every part of our lives. gets into every part of our lives. And so, Genesis confronts the world that And so, Genesis confronts the world that And so, Genesis confronts the world that we live in. we live in. we live in. It says that yes, well, God's creativity It says that yes, well, God's creativity It says that yes, well, God's creativity is still written all over it. is still written all over it. is still written all over it. It's broken. It's broken. It's broken. It's why we experience relational It's why we experience relational It's why we experience relational strife, strife, strife, death, and grief, death, and grief, death, and grief, why we see injustice, why we see injustice, why we see injustice, why we experience hardship in work in why we experience hardship in work in why we experience hardship in work in our family. our family. our family. But most importantly, Genesis 3 But most importantly, Genesis 3 But most importantly, Genesis 3 confronts us.

confronts us. confronts us. It tells us that yes, we're made in It tells us that yes, we're made in It tells us that yes, we're made in God's image. You have value and God's image. You have value and God's image. You have value and integrity. integrity. integrity. But we too fall into the same sin cycle But we too fall into the same sin cycle But we too fall into the same sin cycle as Adam. as Adam. as Adam. And man, we distort God's word in our And man, we distort God's word in our And man, we distort God's word in our own heart. own heart. own heart. That we sneer at God's wisdom over our That we sneer at God's wisdom over our That we sneer at God's wisdom over our life. And we often think, "We're we're life. And we often think, "We're we're life. And we often think, "We're we're the exception to God's wisdom." the exception to God's wisdom." the exception to God's wisdom." That we too often believe the lie that That we too often believe the lie that That we too often believe the lie that God is withholding good things from us. God is withholding good things from us. God is withholding good things from us. And so we live defining good and evil on And so we live defining good and evil on And so we live defining good and evil on our own. So really Genesis 3 So really Genesis 3 calls you to respond to the reality that calls you to respond to the reality that calls you to respond to the reality that there is a great fall there is a great fall there is a great fall that has real implications on your life. that has real implications on your life. that has real implications on your life. And also to respond to the great hope And also to respond to the great hope And also to respond to the great hope that you can find in Jesus. that you can find in Jesus. that you can find in Jesus. And so for some of you this morning, And so for some of you this morning, And so for some of you this morning, man, in light of this text, man, in light of this text, man, in light of this text, you simply need to admit that you're you simply need to admit that you're you simply need to admit that you're fallen.

fallen. fallen. You know, Pastor Tim Keller once said You know, Pastor Tim Keller once said You know, Pastor Tim Keller once said that the the the bad news of the gospel that the the the bad news of the gospel that the the the bad news of the gospel is that you are more sinful and flawed is that you are more sinful and flawed is that you are more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believed. than you ever dared believed. than you ever dared believed. The gospel shows you just how deep your The gospel shows you just how deep your The gospel shows you just how deep your sin runs. sin runs. sin runs. And here's a hard truth about that. And here's a hard truth about that. And here's a hard truth about that. That like our representatives in the That like our representatives in the That like our representatives in the garden, it's hard for us to stomach that garden, it's hard for us to stomach that garden, it's hard for us to stomach that and to come clean. and to come clean. and to come clean. Because our knee-jerk reaction when Because our knee-jerk reaction when Because our knee-jerk reaction when shame bubbles up in our life is that we shame bubbles up in our life is that we shame bubbles up in our life is that we hide. And the truth is is that some of you And the truth is is that some of you have gotten really good at hiding. have gotten really good at hiding. have gotten really good at hiding. You hide You hide You hide in your career, in your career, in your career, maybe a really successful one. maybe a really successful one. maybe a really successful one. You hide in busyness, fill your calendar You hide in busyness, fill your calendar You hide in busyness, fill your calendar with as many things as you can, with as many things as you can, with as many things as you can, behind your money, behind your money, behind your money, all the toys that it gets you, all the toys that it gets you, all the toys that it gets you, in your appearance, how good you look in your appearance, how good you look in your appearance, how good you look and how good you feel, and how good you feel, and how good you feel, maybe in all of your accomplishments maybe in all of your accomplishments maybe in all of your accomplishments you're trying to weigh the scales of how you're trying to weigh the scales of how you're trying to weigh the scales of how many good things or amazing things many good things or amazing things many good things or amazing things you've done or anything else that will you've done or anything else that will you've done or anything else that will cover what's going on inside.

And I'll just tell you, And I'll just tell you, those things are just as effective as those things are just as effective as those things are just as effective as covering up with fig leaves. covering up with fig leaves. covering up with fig leaves. Won't work out very well. Also, fear that others of you Also, fear that others of you you hide behind your religious activity. you hide behind your religious activity. you hide behind your religious activity. You show up every week to serve, which You show up every week to serve, which You show up every week to serve, which is great. You show up to small group as is great. You show up to small group as is great. You show up to small group as many times as you can, many times as you can, many times as you can, but you're hiding in plain sight. but you're hiding in plain sight. but you're hiding in plain sight. Like making it seem like everything is Like making it seem like everything is Like making it seem like everything is okay, but all of that is just a cover okay, but all of that is just a cover okay, but all of that is just a cover for sin that you know is there and for sin that you know is there and for sin that you know is there and you're ignoring and hiding. you're ignoring and hiding. you're ignoring and hiding. And y'all, that is just as foolish as And y'all, that is just as foolish as And y'all, that is just as foolish as hiding in bushes in the garden. God hiding in bushes in the garden. God hiding in bushes in the garden. God knows where you are. Some of you, you've been hiding for so Some of you, you've been hiding for so long long long that your fig leaves have started to that your fig leaves have started to that your fig leaves have started to fall. fall. fall. And maybe God has drawn in his kindness And maybe God has drawn in his kindness And maybe God has drawn in his kindness your sin into the light, and just like your sin into the light, and just like your sin into the light, and just like Adam and Eve, you've resorted to Adam and Eve, you've resorted to Adam and Eve, you've resorted to pointing fingers. pointing fingers. pointing fingers. And so, you blame your consequences. And so, you blame your consequences. And so, you blame your consequences. You blame your You blame your You blame your spouse or your kids. You blame culture.

spouse or your kids. You blame culture. spouse or your kids. You blame culture. You blame your co-workers. Heck, you You blame your co-workers. Heck, you You blame your co-workers. Heck, you might even blame God. Like they made me might even blame God. Like they made me might even blame God. Like they made me do it. do it. do it. They're the reason for the choices that They're the reason for the choices that They're the reason for the choices that I've made. Listen, God [clears throat] Listen, God [clears throat] is gracious enough to confront us. is gracious enough to confront us. is gracious enough to confront us. Not to shame you, but to heal you. Not to shame you, but to heal you. Not to shame you, but to heal you. And he can't do that until you embrace And he can't do that until you embrace And he can't do that until you embrace the truth that Genesis 3 is your story. the truth that Genesis 3 is your story. the truth that Genesis 3 is your story. Because the good news of the gospel is Because the good news of the gospel is Because the good news of the gospel is that yes, you are far that yes, you are far that yes, you are far more flawed and sinful than you ever more flawed and sinful than you ever more flawed and sinful than you ever believed, believed, believed, but in Jesus, you're more loved and but in Jesus, you're more loved and but in Jesus, you're more loved and accepted than you've ever dared hope. You are not too far gone. Your You are not too far gone. Your fallenness does not fallenness does not fallenness does not scare God. scare God. scare God. Would you accept your fallenness and let Would you accept your fallenness and let Would you accept your fallenness and let him heal you? him heal you? him heal you? Because once you've done that, man, Because once you've done that, man, Because once you've done that, man, then we can flourish. then we can flourish. then we can flourish. Then we can live the life that he always Then we can live the life that he always Then we can live the life that he always intended intended intended by trusting the king the king's by trusting the king the king's by trusting the king the king's boundaries instead of the serpent's lie.

boundaries instead of the serpent's lie. boundaries instead of the serpent's lie. You know, God invites you into a life of You know, God invites you into a life of You know, God invites you into a life of joy and abundance, but listen to me, the joy and abundance, but listen to me, the joy and abundance, but listen to me, the serpent's lie will continue to hiss deep serpent's lie will continue to hiss deep serpent's lie will continue to hiss deep in your heart. in your heart. in your heart. And it'll keep telling you that there is And it'll keep telling you that there is And it'll keep telling you that there is something standing between you and the something standing between you and the something standing between you and the life that you really want. life that you really want. life that you really want. And that God doesn't know everything. And that God doesn't know everything. And that God doesn't know everything. He's not always right. He's not always right. He's not always right. And so just do what seems right and good And so just do what seems right and good And so just do what seems right and good in your own eyes. in your own eyes. in your own eyes. It'll tell you It'll tell you It'll tell you about your money. about your money. about your money. What does God have to say about how you What does God have to say about how you What does God have to say about how you make it and how you spend it? make it and how you spend it? make it and how you spend it? Now or or about all the stuff that it Now or or about all the stuff that it Now or or about all the stuff that it can get you. Listen, that toy or can get you. Listen, that toy or can get you. Listen, that toy or promotion, that's the thing that you promotion, that's the thing that you promotion, that's the thing that you really need to flourish. really need to flourish. really need to flourish. It'll tell you about a destructive sin It'll tell you about a destructive sin It'll tell you about a destructive sin pattern in your life. pattern in your life. pattern in your life. Maybe with a substance or addiction, Maybe with a substance or addiction, Maybe with a substance or addiction, it'll tell you, "It's fine. it'll tell you, "It's fine. it'll tell you, "It's fine. It takes the edge off. It takes the edge off. It takes the edge off. Like you you've got it handled." Like you you've got it handled." Like you you've got it handled." About sex and relationships, it'll say, About sex and relationships, it'll say, About sex and relationships, it'll say, "God's design for sex is outdated. "God's design for sex is outdated. "God's design for sex is outdated. It it's not practical for your life. It it's not practical for your life. It it's not practical for your life. It's not practical for life today.

It's not practical for life today. It's not practical for life today. Listen, you are the the exception to Listen, you are the the exception to Listen, you are the the exception to God's design for sex and relationships. About boundaries with lust, it'll say, About boundaries with lust, it'll say, "Just look. It's harmless. "Just look. It's harmless. "Just look. It's harmless. It'll be fine. You're not hurting It'll be fine. You're not hurting It'll be fine. You're not hurting anyone. You're justified." anyone. You're justified." anyone. You're justified." Maybe about bitterness and a broken Maybe about bitterness and a broken Maybe about bitterness and a broken relationship. Listen, you don't relationship. Listen, you don't relationship. Listen, you don't you don't need to you don't need to you don't need to admit that you're wrong. admit that you're wrong. admit that you're wrong. No, you got to look out for yourself. No, you got to look out for yourself. No, you got to look out for yourself. God doesn't understand what it's like to God doesn't understand what it's like to God doesn't understand what it's like to be you, holding a grudge will free you. be you, holding a grudge will free you. be you, holding a grudge will free you. We do that We do that We do that and we believe that lie in in in those and we believe that lie in in in those and we believe that lie in in in those ways and in many more ways and in many more ways and in many more that we don't trust in God's word, we that we don't trust in God's word, we that we don't trust in God's word, we distort it. We don't trust his wisdom distort it. We don't trust his wisdom distort it. We don't trust his wisdom and rule over our life. And really, my and rule over our life. And really, my and rule over our life. And really, my question to you this morning is is there question to you this morning is is there question to you this morning is is there an area of your life an area of your life an area of your life where you just need to go honestly where you just need to go honestly where you just need to go honestly before the Lord and repent? before the Lord and repent? before the Lord and repent? And would you allow the power power of And would you allow the power power of And would you allow the power power of his spirit? his spirit? his spirit? Would you allow the gospel to pry away Would you allow the gospel to pry away Would you allow the gospel to pry away the belief that God is holding out on the belief that God is holding out on the belief that God is holding out on you?

you? you? Because he loves you. Because he loves you. Because he loves you. And he wants a life of abundance and And he wants a life of abundance and And he wants a life of abundance and flourishing for you. Cuz listen, Cuz listen, Humpty Dumpty indeed had a great fall. Humpty Dumpty indeed had a great fall. Humpty Dumpty indeed had a great fall. And his story in his rhyme ends in And his story in his rhyme ends in And his story in his rhyme ends in tragedy. Despite every effort, his tragedy. Despite every effort, his tragedy. Despite every effort, his horses and men couldn't put him back horses and men couldn't put him back horses and men couldn't put him back together again. together again. together again. But what Genesis 3 and the promise in it But what Genesis 3 and the promise in it But what Genesis 3 and the promise in it tells us is that we get a different tells us is that we get a different tells us is that we get a different story and we get a different ending. story and we get a different ending. story and we get a different ending. That we have a king who didn't send his That we have a king who didn't send his That we have a king who didn't send his horses and men, but he came down himself horses and men, but he came down himself horses and men, but he came down himself to put us back together. to put us back together. to put us back together. And that's how you know that you can And that's how you know that you can And that's how you know that you can trust him. trust him. trust him. That despite the great fall, there is That despite the great fall, there is That despite the great fall, there is certain hope [snorts] for you. certain hope [snorts] for you. certain hope [snorts] for you. And so, would you come out of hiding? And so, would you come out of hiding? And so, would you come out of hiding? Would you trust in his infinite wisdom Would you trust in his infinite wisdom Would you trust in his infinite wisdom and goodness for your life? So, that here's how I I want to respond So, that here's how I I want to respond to this text this morning.

to this text this morning. to this text this morning. I'm going to call the the band out. I'm going to call the the band out. I'm going to call the the band out. And before I pray over you, I simply And before I pray over you, I simply And before I pray over you, I simply just want to give you a moment to go just want to give you a moment to go just want to give you a moment to go honestly before the Lord honestly before the Lord honestly before the Lord and allow Genesis 3 to both confront you and allow Genesis 3 to both confront you and allow Genesis 3 to both confront you and encourage you in any way that God and encourage you in any way that God and encourage you in any way that God sees fit. sees fit. sees fit. And maybe there is an area of your life And maybe there is an area of your life And maybe there is an area of your life where you would say, "I have believed where you would say, "I have believed where you would say, "I have believed my own wisdom. I have chased the desire my own wisdom. I have chased the desire my own wisdom. I have chased the desire of my own eyes over God's word." of my own eyes over God's word." of my own eyes over God's word." Maybe simply I I I need to remember Maybe simply I I I need to remember Maybe simply I I I need to remember the hope that I have in Jesus. the hope that I have in Jesus. the hope that I have in Jesus. I said, "Would you bow your heads with I said, "Would you bow your heads with I said, "Would you bow your heads with me?" And I'm just going to give you a few And I'm just going to give you a few moments to go before the Lord. moments to go before the Lord. moments to go before the Lord. And would you just ask him, And would you just ask him, And would you just ask him, "In what way "In what way "In what way does Genesis 3 need to confront me this does Genesis 3 need to confront me this does Genesis 3 need to confront me this morning? morning? morning? In what ways does it need to encourage In what ways does it need to encourage In what ways does it need to encourage me?"

Lord, you we believe that you are the Lord, you we believe that you are the creator of all things. And that you have instilled the purpose And that you have instilled the purpose and meaning and that it is your heart and meaning and that it is your heart and meaning and that it is your heart for us to flourish. And so we are grateful that you are kind And so we are grateful that you are kind enough enough enough God to God to God to give us a hard word. give us a hard word. give us a hard word. To remind us again of the seriousness To remind us again of the seriousness To remind us again of the seriousness and the insidiousness of our sin. and the insidiousness of our sin. and the insidiousness of our sin. And so Lord, like Adam and Eve in the And so Lord, like Adam and Eve in the And so Lord, like Adam and Eve in the garden, would you in this moment just garden, would you in this moment just garden, would you in this moment just draw out the seriousness of what we have draw out the seriousness of what we have draw out the seriousness of what we have done? That in so doing, That in so doing, whether it's the first time whether it's the first time whether it's the first time or the hundredth time, or the hundredth time, or the hundredth time, Lord, that we might be met Lord, that we might be met Lord, that we might be met by the great hope that we find in Jesus. And that by And that by embracing that hope, Lord, that you embracing that hope, Lord, that you embracing that hope, Lord, that you would call us to a life that faithfully declares that you are that faithfully declares that you are wise, that you are good, wise, that you are good, wise, that you are good, and that your word has the final say in and that your word has the final say in and that your word has the final say in our life.

our life. our life. We pray this in your holy name. Amen.