Genesis 3, 1 John 2

Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007 – Brandon Hatmaker

(Genesis 3)

Genesis 3 introduces the fall of man. What a colossal turn in history it represents. Not only for what happened that day in the garden, but also an image of how we deal with sin today. So many times it starts with us questioning what scripture really says about something or even more common, the lack of us having any exposure to God’s instructions or word at all. I’ve always been drawn to a couple things out of Genesis 3 that we should be aware of. The first is how Satan (and many times ourselves, thanks James) questions what God “really” says. I believe we have always fallen prey to our own ignorance of God’s Word. Many times in trying to justify an action. In verse 1 it says, “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'?"

The answer, yes he did. But we still question it. Second, the attack is on the “real consequence” of our action. So many times we have a lapse of reality in choosing to do something wrong. We don’t see the significance of it or the gravity of it’s impact whether directly or collateral damage. In verse 4 it says, "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

He even began to question God’s motives. Can you believe that? Reminds me of today. So many questions of faith of those skeptical come from a misunderstanding of God and His Holy intentions. I think we as his ambassadors sometimes add to that “distorted” image, even unintentionally. Just take a moment to think about how true it is that people question God’s intention. He tells us over and over and over, it’s love. It was proven in Genesis 3. His instruction was rejected and man was now under the head of sin through Adam. If we weren’t deceived, and the world could see His pure love, who wouldn’t want that?

Then look what happens. How often is this our typical response to our own sin, blame someone else?

After God called them out for their disobedience, verse 12 gives us Adams excuse, "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." And her excuse was captured one verse later in 13, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

God, help us to see the schemes of Satan in our life. Protect us from our selfish desires as well. Help us to not be enticed and dragged away. Help us to stay true to your Word. Father, give us a burning passion for your Living Word that we might know when we are distorting your truth or twisting the true consequence. Then God, when we sin, may we confess it. Help us to stop covering up and blaming others. Help us God to own our mistakes and live in your grace.

(1 John 2)

Verse 3-6 says, We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”

These are very powerful words. These are very indicting words as well. Jesus said that it is enough for a student to be like his teacher. John says we must walk as Jesus walked. He says that we must obey his command. What was his command? He said it in John 13, “A new command I give to you, love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

I’m struck by the fact that this new command was not a “thou shalt not…” as typical commands were and as we’ve grown accustom to in our religious practices. Instead, and on the contrary, it was about what we should do with the truth and life of Jesus.

“And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.” 1 John 2: 28-29