Weekly Discussion Guide

GROUP DISCUSSION
1. Open with prayer. (2-5 min)
2. Share your story: What’s the funniest excuse you’ve ever heard (or used) to dodge responsibility? (7-10 min)
3. Read Genesis 2-3.
4. Discuss these questions with your group. (20-45 min)

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. (Genesis 2:15)

Prior to the fall, before sin entered into the world, God gave Adam satisfying work to engage and energize him.

God has given specific assignments to men and women; how would you complete the statement below?

The Lord God took [your name] and put you [in a place of influence] to [do what]?

How are you doing with your assignment?

[Satan] said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”

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. (Genesis 3:1, 6)

Adam was clearly present during this conversation between this evil influencer and his wife.

Why do you think Adam didn’t speak up? Why do you think Eve didn’t ask Adam for clarification on what Satan was claiming?

What did Adam think he could gain by abdicating his responsibility? What actually happened?

LIVING IN 4D
The relationship between Adam and Eve broke down because they both passively tolerated an invasion of their marriage covenant by a third party.

If a friend or neighbor shared a similar story impacting their marriage, how would you encourage them toward healthy resolution, but not become a divisive voice?