Sermon on Fal of Man Genesis 3
Brothers and sisters, let us turn our attention to the foundational narrative of our faith, the fall of man. It is a story of profound loss, but also of enduring hope, a story that reveals the depth of our human condition and the boundless grace of God.
1. The Serpent's Cunning and the Temptation of Sin (Genesis 3:1)
"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1 introduces us to the serpent, a symbol of deception and temptation. The serpent's cunning lies in its ability to twist God's words, to sow seeds of doubt and discontent. Sin often begins with a subtle suggestion, a whisper that challenges God's authority.
2. The Devil Questions God's Word (Genesis 3:1)
The serpent’s initial question, “Did God really say…?” is a direct assault on the integrity of God’s word. The enemy’s strategy is to undermine our trust in God’s truth, to make us question His goodness and His intentions. This tactic is still used today, challenging the veracity of scripture.
3. The Seduction of Sin Through the Human Will (Genesis 3:6)
"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it." Genesis 3:6 reveals the process of temptation. The fruit was "good for food," "pleasing to the eye," and "desirable for gaining wisdom." Sin appeals to our desires, our senses, and our pride. It seduces us through the exercise of our own free will.
4. Sin Creates Shame and Distancing from God (Genesis 3:7)
"Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." Genesis 3:7 marks the immediate consequence of sin: shame. They realized their nakedness, a symbol of their vulnerability and their separation from God. Sin exposes our flaws and creates a barrier between us and our Creator.
5. Man Hides, but God Calls Him (Genesis 3:9)
"But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”" Genesis 3:9 reveals God's relentless pursuit of His creation. Even in our rebellion, God seeks us out. He calls to us, not in anger, but in love, longing for reconciliation.
6. Guilt and the Transfer of Responsibility (Genesis 3:12)
"The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”" Genesis 3:12 illustrates the human tendency to shift blame. Adam's response is a classic example of transferring responsibility. Sin breeds guilt, and guilt often leads to denial and blame-shifting.
7. The Consequences of Sin Are Inevitable (Genesis 3:17)
"To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life." Genesis 3:17 highlights the inevitable consequences of sin. Sin has far-reaching effects, impacting not only our relationship with God, but also our relationship with the world around us.
8. The First Messianic Prophecy—The Promise of Redemption (Genesis 3:15)
"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”" Genesis 3:15 is the first glimpse of hope, the protoevangelium. It foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, who would ultimately defeat the serpent and redeem humanity. This verse is the bedrock of our hope.
9. The Sacrifice to Cover Man's Shame (Genesis 3:21)
"The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." Genesis 3:21 symbolizes God's provision for our shame. He made garments of skin, a sacrifice that foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who covers our sin and clothes us in His righteousness.
10. Man is Expelled from Paradise, but God Offers Hope (Genesis 3:23)
"So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken." Genesis 3:23 marks the expulsion from paradise, a consequence of sin. Yet, even in this act of judgment, God's mercy is evident. He did not abandon humanity. He provided a way of redemption, a path back to Himself.
Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, the fall of man is a sobering reminder of our human frailty. But it is also a testament to God's unwavering love and His relentless pursuit of our salvation. Through Jesus Christ, the second Adam, we are offered forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. Let us embrace the hope found in His sacrifice and walk in the light of His grace. Amen.
