WEBVTT 00:00:00.200 --> 00:00:04.740 I'd like you to imagine for a second that you walk into a cinema. 00:00:05.580 --> 00:00:11.720 So you get your popcorn and you get your drink and it's completely empty so you take the best seat in the house. 00:00:11.919 --> 00:00:14.320 You know, the one in the back, which is debatable, but anyway. 00:00:15.179 --> 00:00:22.260 And then everyone starts to pile in and you see your friends, you see some of your family members, and you buckle up for a movie. 00:00:23.539 --> 00:00:27.800 But then as the movie begins, you realize that this isn't your normal movie. 00:00:27.800 --> 00:00:31.460 This is a screening of your life. 00:00:32.859 --> 00:00:38.600 Everything you have ever done in public, but also in private. 00:00:39.600 --> 00:00:45.120 Every word you've ever said to someone's face or behind their back. 00:00:46.980 --> 00:00:56.799 And if that wasn't enough, every single thing you've ever thought, displayed on the big screen for every single person you know. 00:00:57.799 --> 00:00:58.459 To see. 00:01:00.399 --> 00:01:09.019 So as you see that movie, as you recall your past, as you see the people that have been affected and touched by it, for the good and the bad. 00:01:10.679 --> 00:01:11.879 You'd feel ashamed. 00:01:14.019 --> 00:01:17.140 You'd start to shrink back in your chair. 00:01:17.140 --> 00:01:19.719 You'd feel the weight of it. 00:01:19.719 --> 00:01:21.400 And you'd feel physically sick. 00:01:23.019 --> 00:01:25.719 You'd want to get up and tear that screen down, wouldn't you? 00:01:26.939 --> 00:01:30.019 You'd want to start to justify the stuff that you can. 00:01:30.120 --> 00:01:32.460 You'd want, you'd wish this movie never existed. 00:01:32.459 --> 00:01:36.619 And you'd want to draw people's attention to the good things you've done. 00:01:39.019 --> 00:01:43.179 You feel shame flooding through your body and you just want the movie to stop. 00:01:45.559 --> 00:01:47.159 Wishing that there was an end. 00:01:47.399 --> 00:01:48.479 We would be ashamed. 00:01:48.480 --> 00:01:51.880 Because we know that we're not perfect. 00:01:52.480 --> 00:01:56.340 We know that we hurt people and we do things wrong every single day. 00:01:57.800 --> 00:02:01.579 We'd be ashamed because people would see what is really going on in our lives. 00:02:01.579 --> 00:02:05.859 And so we can tell that there's a disconnect. 00:02:06.519 --> 00:02:08.939 Something has changed from where we left off last week. 00:02:09.060 --> 00:02:09.460 Can't we? 00:02:10.219 --> 00:02:13.020 In Genesis 2, verse 25, read with me. 00:02:13.120 --> 00:02:18.819 It says, Adam and his wife were both naked and they felt no shame. 00:02:21.219 --> 00:02:23.439 There's a big difference between then and now. 00:02:23.539 --> 00:02:24.900 So what has changed? 00:02:26.340 --> 00:02:29.500 Imagine seeing the movie of your life being shown to the whole world. 00:02:29.500 --> 00:02:33.159 And yet this time, you're more than happy for everyone to look. 00:02:33.979 --> 00:02:35.780 Because you've done no wrong. 00:02:36.500 --> 00:02:37.840 You feel no discomfort. 00:02:38.400 --> 00:02:39.780 And you feel no shame. 00:02:40.580 --> 00:02:44.300 That is what Genesis 2 was like for Adam and Eve. 00:02:45.460 --> 00:02:47.620 But we don't live in that world anymore, do we? 00:02:50.819 --> 00:02:53.180 Something went drastically wrong somewhere. 00:02:53.340 --> 00:02:55.400 And that is the bit of the Bible we come to this morning. 00:02:56.460 --> 00:02:58.759 The thing that went wrong is sin. 00:02:59.500 --> 00:03:01.939 And in Genesis 3, we see the origin of sin. 00:03:02.620 --> 00:03:04.340 The consequences of sin. 00:03:04.460 --> 00:03:07.020 But we also see God's solution to sin. 00:03:08.400 --> 00:03:11.680 So this passage is here to show us the seriousness of sin. 00:03:11.780 --> 00:03:13.319 That weight that we should feel. 00:03:14.180 --> 00:03:16.460 But, and it's a big but. 00:03:17.080 --> 00:03:22.439 It also shows us the immense and abundant grace of a good God. 00:03:22.439 --> 00:03:27.599 It is not here to make us wallow in self-pity and hatred. 00:03:29.400 --> 00:03:31.460 But it is here so that we can marvel. 00:03:32.259 --> 00:03:37.259 That despite our sinfulness and shame, God loves us. 00:03:37.259 --> 00:03:39.979 God cares for us. 00:03:39.979 --> 00:03:43.919 And he goes out of his way to make us right with him. 00:03:45.659 --> 00:03:49.479 In this passage, we'll see God's solution to our sin and shame. 00:03:50.379 --> 00:03:53.699 And that solution is that he takes that sin and shame upon himself. 00:03:53.699 --> 00:03:57.500 And gives us his righteousness so that we can be free. 00:03:57.500 --> 00:04:02.300 So please follow along in your Bible as we go through this chapter. 00:04:02.879 --> 00:04:06.560 Because this is not Brunsfield Evangelical Church's opinion of sin. 00:04:07.199 --> 00:04:10.120 This is not Alistair Chalmers' opinion of sin. 00:04:10.340 --> 00:04:15.900 But this is what God, the creator and sustainer of the world, says about sin. 00:04:15.900 --> 00:04:19.759 We're going to think about some tough stuff. 00:04:20.500 --> 00:04:27.579 But we're also going to marvel at the news that despite it all, God still offers us redemption. 00:04:28.699 --> 00:04:31.920 So let's dive into Genesis chapter 3 together. 00:04:32.540 --> 00:04:35.300 The first thing that we see is the origin of sin. 00:04:35.639 --> 00:04:38.540 In verses 1 to 6, the origin of sin. 00:04:39.519 --> 00:04:41.819 So chapter 2 ends on a really good note. 00:04:42.699 --> 00:04:45.280 Adam and Eve were naked and they felt no shame. 00:04:45.899 --> 00:04:50.759 Everything was good as God said numerous times in Genesis chapter 1. 00:04:51.560 --> 00:04:53.799 But here the first sin takes place. 00:04:54.899 --> 00:04:56.060 So what is sin? 00:04:56.679 --> 00:05:00.439 We sometimes think that sin is only words and actions. 00:05:01.979 --> 00:05:07.139 It's a word we may be reserved for horrendous crimes that happen in this world. 00:05:08.899 --> 00:05:12.039 But the Bible's definition of sin is far greater than that. 00:05:12.040 --> 00:05:16.879 The Bible says that sin is the rejection of God saying, 00:05:17.200 --> 00:05:18.379 No God, I don't want you. 00:05:19.100 --> 00:05:20.800 I don't want your way. 00:05:20.939 --> 00:05:22.760 I don't want you to be Lord of my life. 00:05:22.900 --> 00:05:24.400 I don't want to listen to you. 00:05:24.920 --> 00:05:26.220 I want to do life my way. 00:05:26.220 --> 00:05:31.660 The Bible's definition of sin is all encompassing. 00:05:32.480 --> 00:05:33.980 Every word. 00:05:35.520 --> 00:05:36.840 Every cruel word. 00:05:38.200 --> 00:05:39.220 Every lie. 00:05:39.940 --> 00:05:42.740 Every wrong and selfish thought. 00:05:42.980 --> 00:05:44.840 Every unwholesome desire. 00:05:44.960 --> 00:05:49.480 And if we're honest, we look at that and none of us can say that we're perfect. 00:05:50.319 --> 00:05:53.439 None of us can say that we are blameless. 00:05:55.540 --> 00:05:57.900 So how exactly did sin come about? 00:05:59.160 --> 00:06:01.980 Well, we get a hint of it there in verse 1 where it says, 00:06:01.980 --> 00:06:06.319 The serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals. 00:06:07.879 --> 00:06:10.319 The snake is Satan or the devil. 00:06:11.200 --> 00:06:15.620 And do you see what his first words are ever recorded in the Bible in verse 1? 00:06:16.199 --> 00:06:17.800 Did God really say? 00:06:18.740 --> 00:06:20.360 Did God really say? 00:06:21.379 --> 00:06:24.660 From the very beginning, Satan, this created being, 00:06:25.300 --> 00:06:27.920 is trying to get Eve to doubt God's goodness. 00:06:28.660 --> 00:06:31.579 He's trying to make Eve lose her trust in God. 00:06:32.240 --> 00:06:36.959 So Eve is standing in this wonderfully bountiful, beautiful garden. 00:06:38.220 --> 00:06:39.180 And the snake asked, 00:06:39.259 --> 00:06:42.560 Did God really say that you can't eat from any of these trees? 00:06:43.139 --> 00:06:45.180 That you can't enjoy any of this? 00:06:45.620 --> 00:06:49.300 Is God really that restrictive and mean? 00:06:50.519 --> 00:06:52.980 Is he really such a killjoy? 00:06:55.139 --> 00:06:58.019 The snake is focusing on God's prohibition, 00:06:58.420 --> 00:07:00.720 as opposed to God's abundant provision. 00:07:02.160 --> 00:07:05.600 The garden is about fruitfulness, fellowship and freedom. 00:07:06.500 --> 00:07:08.079 Only one boundary exists. 00:07:08.079 --> 00:07:15.879 And that is there so that Adam and Eve can have the opportunity to express their trust or distrust in God. 00:07:15.879 --> 00:07:22.579 The snake is trying to make God out to be some kind of mean rule master. 00:07:23.259 --> 00:07:26.920 But Eden is actually the most rule-free place that has ever existed. 00:07:26.920 --> 00:07:32.400 So Eve puts the serpent right in verses 2 to 3. 00:07:32.480 --> 00:07:36.160 We can eat from all of these trees, just the one in the middle of the garden. 00:07:36.800 --> 00:07:38.699 And if we eat of it, we will die. 00:07:40.780 --> 00:07:43.460 And then in verse 4, the snake goes on another attack. 00:07:43.540 --> 00:07:45.200 You will not certainly die. 00:07:46.660 --> 00:07:49.040 For God knows that when you eat of it, 00:07:49.500 --> 00:07:52.740 your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, 00:07:53.240 --> 00:07:55.020 knowing good and evil. 00:07:55.620 --> 00:07:56.120 Amen. 00:07:57.920 --> 00:08:00.900 The snake is enticing Eve by saying that if she eats this, 00:08:00.960 --> 00:08:01.980 she'll become like God. 00:08:02.980 --> 00:08:05.520 Eve wants to become like God. 00:08:06.300 --> 00:08:09.560 But by doing so, she is actually rejecting God himself. 00:08:11.860 --> 00:08:14.259 And then in verse 6, it all unravels. 00:08:15.060 --> 00:08:18.580 The beginning of mess, the entry of evil into the world 00:08:18.580 --> 00:08:20.879 and into every single human heart. 00:08:21.700 --> 00:08:26.160 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, 00:08:26.160 --> 00:08:31.080 and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. 00:08:31.079 --> 00:08:34.899 She also gave some to her husband who was with her and he ate it. 00:08:37.139 --> 00:08:41.939 Eve took and ate the fruit directly disobeying God, rejecting his way. 00:08:41.940 --> 00:08:46.260 Then she gives it to her husband who seems to have been standing idly by, 00:08:46.260 --> 00:08:47.920 watching this whole thing unravel. 00:08:49.900 --> 00:08:56.980 From this moment on, every single human heart born into this world has been corrupted by sin. 00:08:56.980 --> 00:09:01.620 Not one of us is untouched by this. 00:09:01.620 --> 00:09:07.840 I wonder if you remember those adverts that used to be on TV when you were growing up, 00:09:08.039 --> 00:09:11.000 or when I was growing up, encouraging people to wash their hands. 00:09:11.620 --> 00:09:14.240 It showed someone sneezing into their hand in a bus. 00:09:14.919 --> 00:09:17.120 And then suddenly the screen went to UV light. 00:09:17.460 --> 00:09:19.600 And you could see the bacteria all over their hand. 00:09:19.659 --> 00:09:20.779 It was pretty disgusting. 00:09:20.779 --> 00:09:24.620 And then the camera followed that person around the whole day. 00:09:25.279 --> 00:09:30.399 Every touch of a handle, every handshake, every handing over of money, 00:09:31.139 --> 00:09:32.539 the bacteria was spreading. 00:09:33.559 --> 00:09:34.779 You couldn't see it. 00:09:35.500 --> 00:09:38.699 You didn't know it was happening and there was no controlling it. 00:09:39.779 --> 00:09:42.759 It spread without anybody knowing. 00:09:44.299 --> 00:09:45.879 And that is like this first sin. 00:09:46.399 --> 00:09:48.039 You couldn't see it expanding. 00:09:48.639 --> 00:09:50.199 You still can't see it expanding. 00:09:50.800 --> 00:09:56.400 And yet every person from this point on is born in that status of sinfulness and shame. 00:09:58.400 --> 00:10:03.460 Adam, as the head of humanity, disobeys God and invites sin into the human heart. 00:10:05.100 --> 00:10:06.759 Friends, this is the origin of sin. 00:10:07.840 --> 00:10:10.840 This is the moment humanity rejected God. 00:10:10.940 --> 00:10:12.640 And it is the cause of all of our struggles. 00:10:13.340 --> 00:10:16.759 All of the pain and horrors and atrocities in life. 00:10:17.379 --> 00:10:19.520 This is the reason people lie. 00:10:20.200 --> 00:10:21.240 Cheat and steal. 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:25.360 The reason people kill, hurt others and start wars. 00:10:26.100 --> 00:10:28.740 This is the reason people strive for power. 00:10:29.400 --> 00:10:30.460 And are selfish. 00:10:30.460 --> 00:10:35.700 Because in Genesis 3, humanity said, no God, we don't want you. 00:10:36.360 --> 00:10:37.519 We want to be like you. 00:10:37.519 --> 00:10:40.579 That's what happened. 00:10:40.579 --> 00:10:49.279 This is the moment humanity changed and went from feeling no shame like Genesis 2 to feeling shame like today. 00:10:49.279 --> 00:10:50.279 The origin of sin. 00:10:50.279 --> 00:10:51.480 The origin of sin. 00:10:52.919 --> 00:10:57.600 And the second thing that we see in this passage is the consequences of sin. 00:10:57.600 --> 00:11:00.519 In 7 to 19, the consequences of sin. 00:11:00.519 --> 00:11:03.899 And there are three that are brought out in this passage. 00:11:04.379 --> 00:11:07.100 The first is the consequence of shame. 00:11:08.319 --> 00:11:09.699 You see that in verse 7. 00:11:10.360 --> 00:11:15.360 Adam and Eve realize their nakedness and they sew together fig leaves to cover themselves up. 00:11:15.360 --> 00:11:19.060 In an attempt to hide their shame. 00:11:20.259 --> 00:11:23.019 Just like when we break something in the house, for example. 00:11:23.720 --> 00:11:28.120 Our first reaction is, how can I fix this so that nobody finds out? 00:11:28.120 --> 00:11:33.159 We don't want people to know we've messed up and so we cover up. 00:11:36.360 --> 00:11:37.539 And that's what they do. 00:11:38.379 --> 00:11:41.799 They hear the sound of God walking in the garden in verse 8 and they hide. 00:11:42.899 --> 00:11:46.259 In the cinema screening of our lives, we shrink away in shame. 00:11:47.279 --> 00:11:50.879 But Adam and Eve hide behind the trees, away from the presence of God. 00:11:50.879 --> 00:11:59.639 So before eating the fruit and disobeying God, they enjoyed an unimaginably close and intimate relationship with God. 00:11:59.700 --> 00:12:01.480 The one we were all created for. 00:12:02.519 --> 00:12:05.279 And yet now they are purposefully dodging his presence. 00:12:07.740 --> 00:12:10.679 And in verse 9, God calls Adam and Eve and asks where they are. 00:12:11.399 --> 00:12:13.340 And Adam responds in verse 10 saying, 00:12:13.340 --> 00:12:17.080 We hid. We're afraid because we were naked. 00:12:17.080 --> 00:12:23.120 God then gives Adam the opportunity to confess his sin and come clean. 00:12:24.700 --> 00:12:26.200 He could have confessed and said, 00:12:26.300 --> 00:12:28.340 Yeah, we ate from the tree. You told us not to. 00:12:28.440 --> 00:12:29.440 But what does he do instead? 00:12:30.440 --> 00:12:32.440 We see the second consequence of sin. 00:12:32.960 --> 00:12:33.759 We see blame. 00:12:35.460 --> 00:12:37.440 Adam blames Eve in verse 12. 00:12:37.520 --> 00:12:40.400 And then in verse 13, Eve blames the snake. 00:12:41.500 --> 00:12:43.900 Right from the very beginning of humanity, 00:12:43.899 --> 00:12:51.340 we see that people have been trying to cast the blame on other people for their own wrongdoings. 00:12:51.980 --> 00:12:54.620 We don't want to own up to our own faults. 00:12:55.199 --> 00:12:56.399 We want a scapegoat. 00:12:57.799 --> 00:12:59.120 I did this the other day. 00:12:59.659 --> 00:13:02.480 I went to my car and saw that I had a parking fine. 00:13:02.919 --> 00:13:04.059 I was pretty annoyed. 00:13:04.059 --> 00:13:09.139 I knew that it was my fault, though, because I didn't check the sign properly. 00:13:10.199 --> 00:13:15.179 And I knew that I wasn't, or I realized that I wasn't parked in a permit holders bay. 00:13:16.039 --> 00:13:22.519 But the temptation was to blame the football fans in the nearby game who'd parked in my area, 00:13:22.739 --> 00:13:26.139 meaning that I couldn't park in my normal spot or normal street. 00:13:27.199 --> 00:13:28.659 Now, of course, the fault was mine. 00:13:28.659 --> 00:13:36.839 I was just looking for someone else to blame to make it easier to process and easier to part with my 30 pounds. 00:13:38.819 --> 00:13:40.319 That's what Adam and Eve do here. 00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:45.740 They don't want to take responsibility for their sin, so they play the blame game. 00:13:47.699 --> 00:13:53.179 And then the last consequence of sin mentioned in these verses is the consequence of judgment. 00:13:53.179 --> 00:14:02.759 The Lord judges the snake in verses 14 to 15, Eve in verse 16, and Adam in verses 17 to 19. 00:14:04.419 --> 00:14:08.359 Now, when people hear of judgment and curses, the temptation is to ask, 00:14:08.479 --> 00:14:14.179 well, what kind of God would curse and judge people for disobeying one little command? 00:14:14.179 --> 00:14:22.099 For that assumes that God's anger and wrath is like ours, but it is not. 00:14:24.039 --> 00:14:27.239 We get angry when things don't go our way. 00:14:27.879 --> 00:14:29.500 Children have tantrums. 00:14:29.739 --> 00:14:31.899 Teenagers storm off in a huff. 00:14:32.219 --> 00:14:33.939 Adults shout and cry. 00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:36.419 But God is not like that at all. 00:14:37.120 --> 00:14:40.539 His anger is not uncontrolled and impulsive. 00:14:40.539 --> 00:14:44.000 But sin requires judgment. 00:14:44.439 --> 00:14:44.620 Why? 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:45.939 Because of what we've been singing. 00:14:46.099 --> 00:14:47.459 God is a holy God. 00:14:48.699 --> 00:14:51.939 He does not enjoy inflicting judgment on a world, 00:14:52.079 --> 00:14:56.659 but the reality is that punishment must be given when sin is committed. 00:14:58.599 --> 00:15:00.879 God cannot overlook sin. 00:15:00.980 --> 00:15:02.059 It must be dealt with. 00:15:02.120 --> 00:15:05.639 And I think if we think about it a little bit, we're thankful for that. 00:15:05.639 --> 00:15:10.019 Because we would cry out injustice if sin wasn't dealt with. 00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:14.879 We hate stories where people have done wrong and gotten away with it. 00:15:15.559 --> 00:15:19.460 Look through history as people have committed horrible crimes 00:15:19.460 --> 00:15:23.720 and charges have been dropped because of diplomatic immunity 00:15:23.720 --> 00:15:26.539 or because of their position and influence in the world. 00:15:26.840 --> 00:15:28.799 And we know that it is wrong. 00:15:28.799 --> 00:15:36.679 And so God, in his judgment, says that the snake is cursed to a life of enmity, 00:15:36.839 --> 00:15:39.759 of crawling in the dust and being hated by humanity. 00:15:41.279 --> 00:15:45.939 And then Eve is cursed with severe pains of childbearing and labor. 00:15:46.879 --> 00:15:51.179 And she will desire her husband and her husband will rule over her. 00:15:51.179 --> 00:15:55.679 So the harmony between a husband and wife, 00:15:56.199 --> 00:16:01.699 the perfect relationship of complementarity and oneness that we saw in Genesis 2, 00:16:02.620 --> 00:16:03.179 is broken. 00:16:05.279 --> 00:16:08.000 Now this relationship is marked by envy 00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:11.359 and a power play of who is head of the household. 00:16:13.000 --> 00:16:14.339 The first marriage, 00:16:14.719 --> 00:16:18.599 which should have been a perfect illustration of Jesus and his church, 00:16:19.199 --> 00:16:20.620 is corrupted and broken. 00:16:21.179 --> 00:16:25.079 And Adam's curse affects the whole world. 00:16:25.159 --> 00:16:26.399 Look with me at verse 17. 00:16:27.559 --> 00:16:28.439 God says to Adam, 00:16:28.559 --> 00:16:32.759 Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree of which I commanded you, 00:16:32.859 --> 00:16:34.659 you must not eat from it. 00:16:35.579 --> 00:16:37.399 Cursed is the ground because of you. 00:16:39.120 --> 00:16:44.379 So Adam chooses to listen to his wife and disobey God by eating the fruit. 00:16:45.099 --> 00:16:46.379 From that moment on, 00:16:46.459 --> 00:16:48.779 everything good that we saw in Genesis 1 and 2, 00:16:49.479 --> 00:16:51.079 all the beauty of creation, 00:16:51.179 --> 00:16:54.279 the beauty and goodness of the human body, 00:16:54.279 --> 00:16:57.079 the wonderful gift of marriage and sex, 00:16:57.179 --> 00:17:00.519 the enjoyment and pleasure of working as God intended, 00:17:00.659 --> 00:17:05.119 and that very relationship of closeness and intimacy with God, 00:17:06.079 --> 00:17:06.740 is tainted. 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:09.180 It is not the same. 00:17:11.640 --> 00:17:13.120 In Genesis 2, 00:17:13.120 --> 00:17:14.339 verse 17, 00:17:14.440 --> 00:17:15.240 God said to Adam, 00:17:15.339 --> 00:17:18.200 You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, 00:17:18.420 --> 00:17:19.900 for when you eat from it, 00:17:19.960 --> 00:17:21.460 you will certainly die. 00:17:23.640 --> 00:17:24.620 In chapter 3, 00:17:24.680 --> 00:17:25.120 verse 4, 00:17:25.119 --> 00:17:30.459 you will become like God. 00:17:30.459 --> 00:17:31.779 You will become like God. 00:17:33.699 --> 00:17:34.959 But death did come, 00:17:35.639 --> 00:17:36.539 as Genesis 3, 00:17:36.599 --> 00:17:38.279 verse 19 makes abundantly clear. 00:17:39.219 --> 00:17:40.439 By the sweat of your brow, 00:17:40.559 --> 00:17:43.139 you will eat your food until you return to the ground, 00:17:43.140 --> 00:17:45.380 since from it you were taken. 00:17:46.240 --> 00:17:47.140 For dust you are, 00:17:47.840 --> 00:17:49.180 and to dust you will return. 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:52.620 This is the root cause 00:17:52.620 --> 00:17:55.720 that brings us so much pain and heartache today. 00:17:56.380 --> 00:17:57.660 And we feel it 00:17:57.660 --> 00:18:00.100 every single time a loved one dies. 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:02.160 We know that it is wrong. 00:18:03.140 --> 00:18:05.360 We are not created for death, 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:06.980 and yet because of sin, 00:18:07.060 --> 00:18:09.279 it has become a part of our everyday life. 00:18:11.240 --> 00:18:13.540 But this is much more than just physical death. 00:18:14.519 --> 00:18:16.000 This is spiritual death too. 00:18:17.240 --> 00:18:21.540 Because humanity was created into a perfect relationship with God, 00:18:21.540 --> 00:18:22.220 but now, 00:18:22.660 --> 00:18:25.580 since the fall and entrance of sin into the world, 00:18:25.640 --> 00:18:26.560 we have been cut off 00:18:26.560 --> 00:18:28.420 from Him, 00:18:29.040 --> 00:18:30.060 and are naturally born, 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:30.980 spiritually dead, 00:18:31.080 --> 00:18:32.100 rejecting God, 00:18:32.160 --> 00:18:33.460 from the very beginning. 00:18:34.300 --> 00:18:36.500 And there is nothing in and of ourselves 00:18:36.500 --> 00:18:38.120 that can change that. 00:18:38.240 --> 00:18:40.759 No fig leaves can cover up our sin and shame, 00:18:41.320 --> 00:18:44.019 and make it possible for that closeness to be restored. 00:18:45.420 --> 00:18:48.120 As Romans 5, verse 12 said, 00:18:48.180 --> 00:18:49.940 that was read to us earlier in the service, 00:18:50.640 --> 00:18:50.980 therefore, 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:53.519 just as sin entered the world through one man, 00:18:54.360 --> 00:18:55.740 and death through sin, 00:18:56.100 --> 00:18:56.820 in this way, 00:18:56.920 --> 00:18:59.040 death came to all people. 00:18:59.039 --> 00:19:02.700 the entire human race, 00:19:02.920 --> 00:19:04.099 characterized by death, 00:19:04.180 --> 00:19:06.639 both physical and spiritual. 00:19:09.579 --> 00:19:10.859 Now we know deep down, 00:19:10.940 --> 00:19:11.279 don't we, 00:19:11.319 --> 00:19:14.480 that humanity is still living with these consequences of sin. 00:19:14.480 --> 00:19:16.980 we see it in marriages, 00:19:16.980 --> 00:19:21.079 how it is being changed and distorted. 00:19:23.400 --> 00:19:26.779 We see our husbands and wives can be at each other's throats, 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:32.200 instead of lovingly caring for each other and working together as one. 00:19:32.200 --> 00:19:34.819 We see family breakups, 00:19:35.340 --> 00:19:36.799 and the hurt that they cause. 00:19:38.340 --> 00:19:40.039 And we feel it in our work too. 00:19:41.000 --> 00:19:41.779 It's difficult. 00:19:42.100 --> 00:19:44.200 We struggle with tiredness and distraction. 00:19:45.059 --> 00:19:45.779 Bad colleagues, 00:19:45.920 --> 00:19:46.480 bad bosses, 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:48.980 can make even the most enjoyable job, 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:50.220 an absolute nightmare. 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:53.779 And we see it played out in our world, 00:19:53.819 --> 00:19:56.180 as we read headlines of war, 00:19:57.259 --> 00:19:57.599 famine, 00:19:58.400 --> 00:19:58.860 disease, 00:19:59.000 --> 00:19:59.519 destruction, 00:19:59.839 --> 00:20:00.380 and death. 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:06.279 People caring less and less about human body and human life. 00:20:06.279 --> 00:20:10.180 And we see people who care about no one but themselves. 00:20:12.139 --> 00:20:15.339 We live in a broken world as the consequence of sin. 00:20:15.920 --> 00:20:19.440 And this is the reality in each and every single one of our lives. 00:20:21.119 --> 00:20:23.039 Now you're probably sitting there thinking, 00:20:23.160 --> 00:20:23.579 Alistair, 00:20:23.680 --> 00:20:24.460 we know this. 00:20:25.240 --> 00:20:29.019 We don't need you to remind us of how fallen and broken we are. 00:20:31.079 --> 00:20:34.639 But I think once we see the seriousness of this, 00:20:34.640 --> 00:20:37.440 and we're reminded of the seriousness of this, 00:20:38.040 --> 00:20:41.900 we can see the abundant grace and phenomenal mercy of God. 00:20:42.600 --> 00:20:44.240 Because this passage, 00:20:44.640 --> 00:20:48.840 which shows us the seriousness and just punishment of sin, 00:20:49.780 --> 00:20:52.120 it also shows us God's solution to sin. 00:20:53.340 --> 00:20:54.840 God's solution to sin. 00:20:55.640 --> 00:20:58.420 Now this is absolutely breathtaking. 00:20:59.180 --> 00:21:02.120 Because here we realize just how wonderful, 00:21:02.119 --> 00:21:03.219 good, 00:21:03.679 --> 00:21:04.159 gracious, 00:21:04.399 --> 00:21:05.859 and loving God is, 00:21:05.939 --> 00:21:06.819 that even now, 00:21:06.919 --> 00:21:07.639 in judgment, 00:21:08.839 --> 00:21:10.199 he's abounding in grace, 00:21:10.719 --> 00:21:12.759 and offers the solution to our sin. 00:21:14.539 --> 00:21:17.059 Part of God's solution is in verse 15, 00:21:17.859 --> 00:21:19.199 where he's speaking to the snake, 00:21:19.339 --> 00:21:19.779 God says, 00:21:19.879 --> 00:21:22.219 I will put enmity between you and the woman, 00:21:22.679 --> 00:21:24.579 and between your offspring and hers. 00:21:24.679 --> 00:21:26.199 He will crush your head, 00:21:26.899 --> 00:21:28.699 and you will strike his heel. 00:21:28.700 --> 00:21:31.720 In this verse, 00:21:31.799 --> 00:21:34.360 God is promising the end to Satan's tricks, 00:21:34.980 --> 00:21:37.100 the end to the effects of sin, 00:21:37.160 --> 00:21:40.340 and the promise of one who would come and defeat sin, 00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:42.120 defeat death, 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:43.460 and evil. 00:21:44.460 --> 00:21:48.460 God promises that one of Eve's offspring will rise up, 00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:50.000 and defeat Satan. 00:21:50.000 --> 00:21:53.980 The snake will hurt this offspring, 00:21:54.220 --> 00:21:56.900 but this offspring will kill the snake. 00:21:58.400 --> 00:21:59.119 Do you see? 00:21:59.859 --> 00:22:03.200 The God is abounding in unbelievable grace, 00:22:03.599 --> 00:22:06.720 and showing completely undeserved mercy, 00:22:07.019 --> 00:22:10.859 by promising restoration and rescue to Adam and Eve, 00:22:11.339 --> 00:22:13.660 shortly after they've just rejected him. 00:22:13.660 --> 00:22:17.840 We serve a great God, 00:22:18.160 --> 00:22:21.380 who sees the problem of sin, 00:22:21.880 --> 00:22:24.800 and has already got the solution in place, 00:22:24.800 --> 00:22:26.040 by promising an offspring. 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:30.019 And as you look through the book of Genesis, 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:32.900 there's an ongoing search for this offspring, 00:22:33.580 --> 00:22:35.080 for the man who would come, 00:22:35.200 --> 00:22:36.940 and put an end to sin and death. 00:22:37.380 --> 00:22:39.840 And it continues through the whole of the Old Testament. 00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:43.079 Could this be the one? 00:22:43.699 --> 00:22:45.619 Could this be the serpent crusher? 00:22:46.699 --> 00:22:47.599 But every time, 00:22:48.119 --> 00:22:49.559 they fall short and they fail, 00:22:49.679 --> 00:22:51.139 because they are themselves, 00:22:51.279 --> 00:22:52.579 by very nature, 00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:53.179 sinful, 00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:54.559 broken people. 00:22:56.939 --> 00:23:00.879 But God doesn't just leave Adam and Eve with this promise, 00:23:01.059 --> 00:23:02.799 and the whole of humanity with this promise. 00:23:03.740 --> 00:23:05.740 In his abundant love and grace, 00:23:05.819 --> 00:23:07.619 he gives them a beautiful sign, 00:23:07.619 --> 00:23:10.439 of this promised provision of restoration. 00:23:11.339 --> 00:23:12.559 He gives them a sign, 00:23:12.619 --> 00:23:15.559 which points to the ultimate solution to sin. 00:23:16.159 --> 00:23:17.679 He gives them a sacrifice, 00:23:18.279 --> 00:23:20.659 and he clothes them in verse 21. 00:23:21.779 --> 00:23:25.539 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, 00:23:25.579 --> 00:23:26.379 and clothed them. 00:23:27.859 --> 00:23:30.119 Now this is the first sacrifice in the Bible. 00:23:30.719 --> 00:23:32.939 As God sheds the blood of an animal, 00:23:33.059 --> 00:23:34.199 to clothe Adam and Eve, 00:23:34.279 --> 00:23:35.319 to protect them, 00:23:35.659 --> 00:23:37.219 as they are out of his presence. 00:23:37.619 --> 00:23:42.439 They tried to cover up their shame with fig leaves, 00:23:42.519 --> 00:23:43.579 but that would not suffice. 00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:49.719 Their shame and disobedience had to be covered by the death of another. 00:23:51.239 --> 00:23:52.919 And God provides for them, 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:54.839 cares for them by clothing them, 00:23:54.899 --> 00:23:57.000 and covering their shame, 00:23:57.659 --> 00:23:58.659 despite their sin. 00:24:00.119 --> 00:24:02.519 God is gracious in judgment. 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:06.059 Now why is this an important point? 00:24:07.420 --> 00:24:07.859 Well, 00:24:07.900 --> 00:24:09.639 because when we realize our sin, 00:24:09.720 --> 00:24:14.559 our temptation is to cover up our sin and shame with the fig leaves of good works. 00:24:16.559 --> 00:24:20.139 But we are just putting good deeds on top of a rotten heart. 00:24:20.140 --> 00:24:24.160 We try to make ourselves right again, 00:24:24.220 --> 00:24:25.140 but that's impossible. 00:24:26.520 --> 00:24:28.520 We need what we see here. 00:24:29.259 --> 00:24:33.380 We need the death of another to cover our sin and our shame. 00:24:34.520 --> 00:24:37.500 Anything we try to do to hide our shame is inadequate. 00:24:37.720 --> 00:24:38.680 It will not work. 00:24:38.680 --> 00:24:45.440 Only God can provide the adequate sacrifice to remove our shame altogether, 00:24:45.779 --> 00:24:47.340 to deal with it forever. 00:24:47.339 --> 00:24:53.119 The perfect sacrifice is Jesus. 00:24:55.299 --> 00:24:58.159 He is the promised serpent crusher, 00:24:59.319 --> 00:25:02.279 born of God to a young virgin, 00:25:02.779 --> 00:25:05.039 born into a world that would reject him. 00:25:05.159 --> 00:25:05.319 Sure, 00:25:05.399 --> 00:25:06.699 people would listen to his teaching. 00:25:07.639 --> 00:25:07.919 Yes, 00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:10.339 they would like his miracles and healings, 00:25:11.199 --> 00:25:16.159 but he is teaching and healing people who would stand before Pilate and shout, 00:25:16.319 --> 00:25:17.139 crucify him. 00:25:17.339 --> 00:25:25.139 Jesus is the promised offspring because his heel was bruised. 00:25:26.480 --> 00:25:29.480 As he hung on that cross and breathed his last, 00:25:29.579 --> 00:25:33.659 he bore the weight of your sin and my sin. 00:25:35.099 --> 00:25:39.759 And as he bore the full punishment of God's wrath against the sin of his people, 00:25:39.959 --> 00:25:42.159 he breathed his last and died. 00:25:44.139 --> 00:25:46.459 But Jesus' final words on the cross were, 00:25:46.460 --> 00:25:47.840 it is finished. 00:25:50.799 --> 00:25:51.640 And they were speaking, 00:25:51.779 --> 00:25:55.299 Jesus was speaking about the wrath of God against the sin of his people. 00:25:55.799 --> 00:25:56.920 It is finished. 00:25:57.319 --> 00:25:58.000 It is gone. 00:25:58.000 --> 00:25:59.500 It is dealt with. 00:25:59.500 --> 00:26:03.579 And then Jesus rose again victorious, 00:26:03.700 --> 00:26:05.000 defeating sin, 00:26:05.460 --> 00:26:06.640 defeating shame, 00:26:07.079 --> 00:26:08.599 conquering death, 00:26:10.140 --> 00:26:13.099 rendering Satan's lies void, 00:26:14.140 --> 00:26:14.559 death, 00:26:15.039 --> 00:26:16.480 empty of its sting, 00:26:17.200 --> 00:26:21.960 and making that once broken relationship with God whole again. 00:26:21.960 --> 00:26:29.420 We see the promised end of sin again in that Romans passage in verse 17, 00:26:29.420 --> 00:26:30.220 where it says, 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:32.279 by the trespass of one man, 00:26:32.279 --> 00:26:34.640 death reigned through that one man, 00:26:34.720 --> 00:26:35.440 meaning Adam. 00:26:36.799 --> 00:26:42.100 So how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace 00:26:42.100 --> 00:26:47.160 and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, 00:26:47.279 --> 00:26:48.240 Jesus Christ? 00:26:48.240 --> 00:26:54.099 Jesus is the sacrificial lamb that took our place. 00:26:55.380 --> 00:26:59.720 He took on himself our sin and shame so that we could be clothed, 00:26:59.799 --> 00:27:01.880 but not in temporary fig leaves, 00:27:02.700 --> 00:27:05.420 not in something that will fade and fail, 00:27:06.200 --> 00:27:09.359 but he clothed us in his perfect, 00:27:10.079 --> 00:27:12.059 perfect righteousness. 00:27:12.059 --> 00:27:17.240 So as we draw to a close, 00:27:17.339 --> 00:27:19.059 imagine you're sitting back in that cinema, 00:27:20.059 --> 00:27:23.700 your life being played out before your eyes, 00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:26.359 and you feel that shame creeping up again. 00:27:27.919 --> 00:27:29.059 But as a Christian, 00:27:29.200 --> 00:27:31.299 you are sitting there and Jesus sits with you. 00:27:32.019 --> 00:27:33.019 And do you know what he says? 00:27:33.779 --> 00:27:34.599 Paid for. 00:27:36.339 --> 00:27:39.740 My blood was shed so that he could be set free. 00:27:42.059 --> 00:27:45.779 My body broken and torn 00:27:45.779 --> 00:27:52.679 so that this guilty sinner could be made right with God. 00:27:54.740 --> 00:27:59.440 I died so that he could have my righteousness. 00:28:00.940 --> 00:28:02.720 What amazing grace. 00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:07.379 What limitless, undeserving love. 00:28:08.779 --> 00:28:11.440 And yet it is the gift that Jesus holds out to you this morning. 00:28:12.819 --> 00:28:14.259 And that is why as Christians, 00:28:14.460 --> 00:28:15.700 when we sin, 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:18.759 we run to God and we can be honest as we repent and say, 00:28:18.899 --> 00:28:20.000 we have messed up again. 00:28:21.039 --> 00:28:22.839 And know for certain that we are forgiven. 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:25.339 Because his sacrifice is final. 00:28:26.659 --> 00:28:28.859 Because we are clothed in Christ. 00:28:29.259 --> 00:28:31.000 No greater grace, 00:28:31.339 --> 00:28:32.399 no greater mercy, 00:28:32.559 --> 00:28:36.379 no greater love has ever been seen on the face of this earth 00:28:36.380 --> 00:28:39.760 than the love of Christ as he hangs on the cross 00:28:39.760 --> 00:28:42.280 and dies for sinners like you and me. 00:28:44.340 --> 00:28:47.740 That is why I am standing here this morning pleading with you. 00:28:47.740 --> 00:28:51.160 If you are still away from God. 00:28:52.200 --> 00:28:55.940 If you are still living in rejection of God 00:28:55.940 --> 00:28:59.120 and living in the consequences of sin from Genesis 3, 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:03.140 take hold of God's solution to sin. 00:29:04.900 --> 00:29:08.519 Come home and be made right with God 00:29:08.519 --> 00:29:10.400 because he made it possible. 00:29:11.500 --> 00:29:13.200 He made the way. 00:29:13.200 --> 00:29:14.819 He is the lamb. 00:29:14.960 --> 00:29:16.779 Jesus is the lamb that was slain 00:29:16.779 --> 00:29:18.180 so that you can be set free. 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:23.279 And he is the triumphant one who rose again, 00:29:24.059 --> 00:29:25.660 defeating death, 00:29:26.420 --> 00:29:27.920 defeating sin, 00:29:28.440 --> 00:29:30.720 and taking away all of our shame. 00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:34.100 Would you come to Jesus this morning 00:29:34.100 --> 00:29:36.539 and be clothed in his righteousness? 00:29:38.160 --> 00:29:39.160 Let's pray together. 00:29:44.480 --> 00:29:45.299 Heavenly Father, 00:29:45.440 --> 00:29:48.839 no amount of words in this world would suffice 00:29:48.839 --> 00:29:52.019 for us to give you the praise and thanks 00:29:52.019 --> 00:29:53.960 that you deserve. 00:29:54.960 --> 00:29:56.660 Though whilst we were still sinners, 00:29:56.660 --> 00:30:00.740 you sent your holy and perfect son 00:30:00.740 --> 00:30:02.880 to die for us 00:30:02.880 --> 00:30:05.140 so that we could be forgiven of sin, 00:30:06.000 --> 00:30:08.440 so that we could be free of our shame 00:30:08.440 --> 00:30:10.320 and clothed in his righteousness. 00:30:12.400 --> 00:30:14.720 No greater love has ever been seen. 00:30:14.980 --> 00:30:16.180 Jesus, we thank you 00:30:16.180 --> 00:30:19.620 that you were willing to be the sacrificial lamb 00:30:19.620 --> 00:30:21.420 to cleanse us. 00:30:22.460 --> 00:30:24.759 And we thank you that you rose victorious, 00:30:24.759 --> 00:30:28.339 defeating our enemies of sin and death. 00:30:30.539 --> 00:30:32.579 We give you thanks and praise 00:30:32.579 --> 00:30:34.859 for you are great 00:30:34.859 --> 00:30:37.940 and you are our perfect redeemer, 00:30:38.440 --> 00:30:40.140 Jesus Christ, our Lord. 00:30:41.319 --> 00:30:41.660 Amen.