Christmas in Genesis: The Curse of Sin
This is not just Adam and Eve's problem. We all still feel the implications of what happened in the [Garden of Eden]
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, talking about Adam, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all men. Why? Because [all sinned]
From the moment we're born, we gravitate not away from sin, but towards the net is who we are apart from [Christ].
- When have you experienced the painful consequences of a sinful choice? What did that teach you about the true cost of sin?
- Romans 5:12 teaches that death spread to all because all sinned. How does understanding our shared sin nature change the way you view your own struggles and failings?
Every single day that we're alive, we're going to experience what the Bible calls [spiritual warfare]
Be sober minded. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to [devour].
In Genesis 3, verse 15, we find the very first promise God makes of a coming [savior] who is going to defeat Satan forever.
While Satan can tempt us, while Satan can annoy us, while Satan can divide us, while Satan can distract us, here's the great news church, Satan will not [defeat] us.
- Where do you see evidence of spiritual warfare in your daily life? How does knowing Jesus has already won the ultimate battle change your perspective on those struggles?
What is a consequence of sin, the amplification of [pain].
Pain was a product of [sin].
- What pain or relational conflict are you carrying right now? How does recognizing these as consequences of the fall (not God's original design) bring you perspective?
- In what relationship do you need God's healing touch today? Ask Him to restore what sin has broken.
Because of sin, there's going to be a futility in work and really in all of [creation].
Work is part of our design. But here's what sin does. It makes work difficult and [futile].
[Cursed] is the ground because of you.
Physical death was not God's [design].
- Where do you experience futility—work that feels meaningless or efforts that don't produce the results you hoped for? How might God be inviting you to find your ultimate satisfaction in Him alone?
- Death is an enemy, not God's design. How does that truth comfort you when you face loss or grief?
The tragedy above every other tragedy is this. We lost our relationship, the intimacy we had with our [Heavenly Father]
Some of you are in relationships. You should not be in. You're doing things you should not be doing. And you think it's not that big of a deal for in. Your sin does have [consequences].
Apart from Christ, it is [hopeless].
It's only on the dark backdrop of the curse of sin that what God has done for us can most beautifully be [seen].
- The worst curse is separation from God—yet Jesus came to restore that intimacy. How does knowing God pursued you (not the other way around) deepen your appreciation of Christmas?
- Is there any sin you're covering that needs to be exposed to Jesus so He can cover it with His grace? What step will you take today to bring it into the light?