Scripture: Genesis 3:1–24

Background:

When someone is seriously ill, he usually seeks medical help. Only the ignorant and foolish prefer quacks to qualified physicians. The best at our disposal is really none too good to regain the boon of health.

Those acquainted with the predicament of modern society will admit that subtle and serious diseases are undermining the health of our families. This institution in all its varied forms and manifestations is sick with the sickness unto death. Sketch some of the basic maladies.

Yet in seeking to diagnose its ills, many people apparently prefer a physician who will heal ever so lightly. These are solely interested in clearing up some symptoms. Not many take time to recognize and admit the underlying cause. This is too unpleasant as well as unnecessary! Hence the diseases continue to eat away at the vitals of family life. For unless the root cause is removed, the family continues to be exposed to dissolution and death.

The Bible minces no words about what is really the trouble. It calls attention to the fact that the basic cause is SIN. By willfully alienating himself from God, man has deprived himself of the covenant-word and covenant-fellowship and covenant-blessing of the Lord which is the only atmosphere wherein the family can flourish. Since this cause is denied, ignored or ridiculed today in many circles, we do well to spend an evening discussing this unpleasant but inescapable fact.

                 

Outline:

1 – The coming of sin in the family, (vs. 1–8)

a. Sin came in the form of subtle temptation. Notice how the serpent approached Eve rather than Adam. Why? In her mind he sows the seeds of doubt. Can you show from Scripture that in the serpent the devil came to man? What was the significance of the tree from which man was forbidden to eat? Show how the devil begins with introducing doubt and then proceeds with his lie. Was eating the only way to know the difference between good and evil?

b. The temptation strongly influenced Eve. Her whole personality was involved -appetite, eyes and inner desires. Analyze how temptation works similarly in our lives.

c. Here the structure and unity of the family was attacked. Eve was created to be Adam’s help. Now she assumes false leadership. She acts without consulting her husband. Thus the tie is broken. She also tempts him. Discuss the strong influence wives have over husbands. Is this good or bad?

d. Immediately the joyful relationship is disturbed. What does it mean that their eyes were opened? Explain the sense of shame. How did this result from sin? Of what benefit is it today? How can we cultivate a proper sense of shame in our families? Is only awareness of physical nakedness meant here? Note how our first parents tried to cover themselves. Most painful of all was the disturbed relation to God. Explain what was involved in this.

2 – The consequences of sin for the family, (vs. 9–24)

a. Man cannot escape God. He comes to them. Here is both grace and judgment. What is described in this section is an “official trial.” God speaks first to Adam. Why? Didn’t God know what happened? Notice how both man and woman make excuses. Show how this is the sinner’s instinctive reaction. Why? What does it explain about parents and children today?

b. God first deals with the serpent and in him with satan. Here is boundless grace. From the outset escape and victory are promised, but along a long and painful road. Explain verse 15.

c. Thereupon both Eve and Adam received a measure of punishment. Note how this involves their husband-wife relationship. The woman suffers in what should be her greatest delight—relation to husband and child-bearing. What is meaning of “greatly multiply thy pain and thy conception?” Is there grounds here for artificial contraception? Explain “thy desire shall be to thy husband.” Likewise man suffers in his highest glory—his work, which is now made difficult. Is work actually a punishment? Were there thorns and thistles before the fall?

d. The consequences pursue man. Death in its humiliation is mentioned. Is burial to be preferred above cremation? Man also lost his home. He is expelled. Who are the cherubim? What is their task according to Scripture? Show how sin’s consequences are increasingly felt by mankind—the story of Cain, of Lamech the bigamist, of Noah, etc.

3 – The conquest of sin for the family, (esp. vs. 15, 20, 22)

a. This chapter speaks more of God’s grace than of his judgment. Trace the several strands. God’s coming already was an act of compassion. He did not let Adam and Eve in darkness and death. How does God come to our families today?

b. Through child-bearing the Savior (seed) will come. In what sense will he restore the family as well as individual life? Also, all aspects of man’s life as covenant-creature are maintained. The family is preserved; also child-bearing and work. Show God’s goodness in this. But why must man suffer the consequences, then? How are the aspects of our humanity preserved today? God also provides “coats of skin.” Do these have a specific meaning? What should be the Christian’s attitude towards clothes? Note also the grace in sending the cherubim. Now man cannot “live for ever” on earth in his lost and lonely condition. As you discuss this material, show how it points up many of our pressing family problems today.