Pastor Matt reminded us that sin didn't just break God's rules, it broke our hearts. And we've been searching for home ever since.
MY STORY
Give some examples of excuses you hate hearing from people who clearly messed up.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
[Adam] said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." Then the Lord God said to [Eve], "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." (Genesis 3:12-13)
What was so compelling to Eve about Satan's deception?
What was Adam's first response, and Eve's first response, when confronted with their disobedience?
How do their words represent the opposite of genuine repentance?
What were three consequences of Adam and Eve's sin? How were all their descendants (including us) impacted by their willful disobedience?
Extra credit thought exercise: What would have happened if this exchange happened in the Garden of Eden?
Satan: If you eat of this fruit, you will become like God!
Eve: So why don't you take a bite?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passages above, what are the factual "takeaways" that are meaningful to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
What are some common excuses people give for sinning? What are some of your personal favorites?
What are some sins that even mature Christians may be "tricked" into doing?
What types of decisions can you make ahead of time, before actually experiencing a temptation, so that you don't have to wrestle with those choices in the heat of the moment?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit's leading, nudging us toward?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Pastor Matt concluded his message by saying ... "The Gospel response to Genesis 3 is not despair. It is hope .... The divine dance, of which we deliberately stepped out, we are able to rejoin, because Jesus made that possible."
Either answer these questions in your own mind, with a trusted friend, or with the group.
What's a one-time sin you've committed that has had long-term consequences? To what degree have your owned up to that willful act of disobedience?
In what ways, perhaps, have you deflected responsibility for damaging words and behaviors that you might want to reconsider?
What are some consequences of forgiven sin that you've had to manage?
What should you do if you're struggling with self-condemnation, and the inability to forgive yourself?
What do you think the Holy Spirit is inviting you to do next in regard to your sin?
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step is the Holy Spirit is calling you toward?
Message Notes
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