May 20, 2018 | Mike Flannery | Genesis 3: 6-7, 21-24
Community Group Questions
This week we’re going to take a step back to the introduction of sin in our world in Genesis 3 and look at the immediate ramifications into Genesis 4. I am usually quick to notice how quickly sin got its roots into mankind and sometimes only consider that aspect of what is found in the scripture. However, I think it can be easy to miss two other big things that are shown in these passages. First, a foreshadowing of the Gospel and secondly, the beginning of God’s track record of showing mercy to sinful humanity.
6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. (Gen 3:6-7 ESV)
21 And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them. 22 Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever-- " 23 therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life. (Gen 3:21-24 ESV)
Read: Genesis 4:1-16, Hebrews 11:1-6;39-40, 12:1-2;24
Discuss:
1. In the past when you’ve read through Gen 4, have you ever thought about how in the midst of the sin of Cain and his consequent judgement, that God shows him grace and mercy?
2. What does God’s conversation with Cain teach us about the nature of sin and why his sacrifice was unacceptable?
3. Hebrews 11:1-6 informs us that Abel is an example to us. How is Abel an example to us in faith? How is able Abel to please God? hint (11:6)
4. If faith is what sets us up as able to please God, how does one get access to such faith?
5. Our faith is linked to Jesus in both its start, and its continuation. How should that help us think freshly about faith?
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
