Origin Stories: Genesis 2 & 3
This series will explore familiar stories and people in the opening books of the Bible, asking these primary questions: What do these stories tell us about God? What do they tell us about humanity? What can we learn about our relationship with God?
In the April 23rd sermon, Pete took us through Genesis 2 and 3, exploring our identity as people made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27).
Through the following questions, you’ll be discussing what our birthright as image-bearers means in relation to God, creation, others, and also how are these relationships impacted by sin and pride, as seen in Genesis 3?
1. Think about and discuss your relationship with God.
How do you believe God feels about you? To what extent do you accept (or resist) God’s unconditional love for you? How do your beliefs about, and your relationship with God play out in your daily life?
2. Reflect on your relationship with creation. Read Genesis 2 with a focus on the following verses: 5-8, 15-16, and 19-20.
Do you see your identity as one made in God’s image being connected with stewardship of God’s creation? Why or why not? What does this look like in daily life?
If possible this week, talk a walk outside and focus on the beauty of God’s creation.
3. Reflect on your relationship with others. You are made in God’s image—and so is everyone you know, meet, or see. This includes the person who disagrees with your political opinions, those who are incarcerated or dealing with addictions, and even the person who cut you off in traffic.
Take some time to reflect on this, asking God to help you view—and treat (with the help of the Holy Spirit)—anyone with whom you come into contact as the image-bearer of God that they are.
4. Read Genesis 3 and reflect on the impact of sin on our relationships with God, others, creation, and ourselves. Our familiarity with this story often allows us to miss important details. We can’t cover them all here, but you may want to pay attention to and discuss some of the following:
How the serpent causes Eve (and Adam) to doubt God, God’s words, and God’s good intentions for them in verses 1-3.
In verses 1-6, remember that Eve was not created when God gave Adam instructions about the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Was something miscommunicated between the first people that evil took advantage of? Why didn’t Adam speak up in verse 6?
Read verses 7-9. Notice that God’s question to Adam is not full of condemnation. Why do you think God asked Adam “Where are you?” Did God not know where Adam was—or was it Adam who was lost?
Pay attention to verse 7. Did covering themselves erase the shame Adam and Eve felt? Why not?
Finally, read verses 21-24. Note how God, in verse 21, clothes Adam and Eve. Despite their choices he meets them where they are, in their shame. Does this detail give you any insight into the verses that follow, or into God’s heart for God’s people?
Closing
Encourage each other with this thought that we all need to be constantly reminded of:
Though we live in a fallen world, marred by sin, we were created for relationship by the Triune God—Father, Son, Holy Spirit—and redeemed by the Son. Prayerfully reflect on this truth as you seek to live as one made in God’s image.
