God’s Story: The Curse
This a sermon on Genesis chapter three, focusing on the biblical account of the "curse." Pastor Tim interprets the story of the serpent tempting Adam and Eve as a narrative about the introduction of sin and brokenness into the world. He emphasizes the subtlety of temptation, the subsequent breakdown in communication and relationships, and the resulting consequences for humanity. The sermon also explores God's mercy and continued plan for redemption, foreshadowing Jesus's ultimate victory over evil. Finally, Pastor Tim connects the story to contemporary struggles with temptation, relationships, and self-acceptance.
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God's Story: The Curse - A Study Guide
Short Answer Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
What is the central theme of Pastor Tim's sermon series?
What is the significance of the serpent's question, "Did God really say..." in Genesis 3?
Explain the subtle shift in Eve's retelling of God's command regarding the forbidden tree.
How does the serpent portray God's character in his conversation with Eve?
What three things does John Walton suggest contributed to Eve's decision to eat the fruit?
What are the first two immediate consequences Adam and Eve experience after eating the forbidden fruit?
How does God demonstrate mercy towards Adam and Eve after their disobedience?
What four key relationships does Pastor Tim identify as broken by sin's entry into the world?
What Old Testament story does Pastor Tim use to illustrate the concept of "crushing the head of the serpent"?
How does the imagery of "crushing the head" and "striking the heel" foreshadow the victory of good over evil?
Short Answer Quiz: Answer Key
The central theme is that God is writing a story of redemption for our broken world and invites us to be a part of it.
The serpent's question introduces doubt into Eve's mind, aiming to undermine her trust in God's words and ultimately God's character.
Eve adds that God said they shouldn't touch the tree, a detail not included in God's original command. This subtle shift highlights the beginning of confusion and miscommunication that sin brings.
The serpent portrays God as selfish and withholding, suggesting He is keeping something good from them.
John Walton points to the fruit being good for food, pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom as factors influencing Eve's decision.
The immediate consequences are shame, manifested in their realization of nakedness, and fear, leading them to hide from God.
God demonstrates mercy by giving Adam and Eve opportunities to confess, engaging them in a conversation instead of immediate punishment, and providing clothing for them.
The broken relationships are: humans' relationship with God, human relationships with each other, humans' relationship with the Earth, and humans' relationship with themselves.
Pastor Tim uses the story of Jael killing the enemy general Sisera by driving a tent stake through his head.
"Crushing the head" signifies a fatal blow, while "striking the heel" suggests a less severe wound. This imagery foreshadows the ultimate victory of Jesus, who though wounded on the cross, ultimately defeats Satan and the power of sin.
Essay Questions
Analyze the serpent's tactics in tempting Eve. How do these tactics reflect the nature of temptation more broadly?
Discuss the significance of Adam and Eve's responses to God after their disobedience. How do their responses reflect common human reactions to sin and guilt?
Explore the various consequences of sin outlined in Genesis 3. How do these consequences continue to affect humanity today?
Explain the concept of "redemption" as introduced in Pastor Tim's sermon. How does the promise of a future "head crusher" offer hope in the face of a broken world?
Connect the stories of Jael and David with the overarching theme of God's victory over evil. How do these Old Testament narratives foreshadow the ultimate triumph of good over evil in the Christian faith?
Glossary of Key Terms
Redemption: The act of delivering someone from sin and its consequences.
Curse: A solemn utterance intended to invoke harm or misfortune on someone or something.
Serpent: In this context, a symbol of evil and temptation, often associated with Satan.
Enmity: A state of deep-seated hostility and hatred.
Offspring: In this context, referring to the future lineage of Eve, ultimately pointing to Jesus.
Cherubim: Angelic beings often depicted guarding sacred places.
Tree of Life: A symbol of eternal life and God's presence.
Adversary: One who opposes or resists; an enemy. In this context, referring to Satan.
