Memory Verse: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” —Romans 5:12
Scripture Reading: Genesis 3:9-21
Introduction:
In the first recorded instructions given to Adam he was informed that he would have dominion over the earth, with beast, fowl, and fish being obedient to him; in addition, that the seed-bearing herbs of the field and fruit from seed-bearing trees would be food for all. This was part of the covenant with Adam, and if he had remained true to God the other part of it would not have been necessary.
With Eve as his companion, Adam was told to fill the earth with his posterity. The Garden of Eden, a veritable paradise, was his home and his work was to care for it. However, their transgression changed the status quo with the Creator. When God appeared in the “cool of the day” to commune with them, they hid themselves in shame (Genesis 3:8). When God asked if they had eaten of the “forbidden fruit” they began to excuse themselves by accusing another. But death, the penalty for disobedience, did not come immediately. God told them of the sorrow that would come to them and that they would have to live by their labor amid thorns and thistles until they returned to the dust from which they were taken. Their act of disobedience has affected mankind since then.
But in love and mercy, God had provided the “Plan of Redemption.” This was announced to Adam and Eve through the sentence of doom on the serpent. Enmity came between the seed of the woman, Christ and His followers, and the seed of Satan and his followers. This enmity and resulting controversy have continued through the ages. Through the seed of the woman the serpent would eventually be fatally wounded—exterminated. That promise included both: the first coming of Christ, to die for man, and the second coming of Christ, when He will bind Satan and later destroy him. Adam lost his first dominion of the earth through disobedience but God extended His covenant of grace to include both the redemption of man and the lost dominion.
In the covenant with Adam we find revealed, the origin of sin and Satan, the curse on the earth because of sin, the cause of sorrow and death, and that man is now mortal. The remedy for sin is also revealed in the “Plan of Redemption” by the sacrificial offerings which point to Christ, the death of Christ, the millennial reign, and the destruction of Satan.
Study Questions:
- On what condition was Adam to retain life and dominion in Eden? Genesis 2:15-17.
- How was this covenant between God and Adam broken? Genesis 3:1-6. Explain the involvement of disobedience with application to our present generation.
- What was the immediate effect of sin upon Adam and Eve? Genesis 3:7-13. What curse came upon the literal serpent, Adam and Eve and the earth? Genesis 3:14-19.
- Explain how the gospel of salvation and redemption is included in Genesis 3:15. How was the redemption of Adam and Eve dependent upon Christ? Genesis 3:21.
- When was the first part of Genesis 3:15 realized? Galatians 4:3-6; Luke 1:26-35. When will the last part be completely fulfilled? Revelation 20:7-10.
- Will the “first dominion” be given back to God’s redeemed people? Micah 4:8; Isaiah 65:17-25; Isaiah 55:13.
- What was God’s purpose in the creation of mankind? Genesis 1:28; Isaiah 45:18; Revelation 4:11.
- How did God create Adam? Genesis 2:7; Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:21-23. What freedom was given to him and how did he exercise that liberty? Genesis 2:8, 15-17, 19-20.
- How do we know Satan was the serpent? Revelation 12:9; Revelation 20:2. Why did he appear to Eve as a serpent? Genesis 3:1. What is he called according to 1 Peter 5:8?
- How do we know the remedy for sin as it is promised in Genesis 3:15? Romans 16:20. Is it still effective? Hebrews 10:16-22; 1 John 2:1-2.