WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.799 --> 00:00:10.500 ! Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:10.500 --> 00:00:12.900 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:59.179 We're going to see that today. We're going to see why we need to be rescued and restored. 00:00:59.179 --> 00:01:03.560 It's because rebellion wrecks relationship. 00:01:05.420 --> 00:01:12.819 When I was homeschooled, my mom's rule was that once you got all your work done for the day, 00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:18.700 I could play baseball on the pitchback net that would throw the ball back at me when I threw it to it. 00:01:18.739 --> 00:01:19.799 That's what I love to do. 00:01:20.319 --> 00:01:26.680 And I remember one day I was six, seven, going through my list of work for the day 00:01:26.680 --> 00:01:31.660 and seeing the baseball glove sitting there beside me. 00:01:32.220 --> 00:01:35.720 It was promising so much fun. 00:01:37.560 --> 00:01:39.220 And eventually I gave in. 00:01:40.340 --> 00:01:44.920 It seemed so much better than the last thing on the list, which was reading a short story. 00:01:45.140 --> 00:01:46.800 How important could that really be? 00:01:46.799 --> 00:01:51.599 So I just checked it off, put the book away, grabbed the glove and went outside. 00:01:51.840 --> 00:01:52.899 I had a great time. 00:01:55.340 --> 00:01:59.000 Later my mom asked if I'd finished all my work for the day. 00:02:00.799 --> 00:02:01.280 Yes! 00:02:02.340 --> 00:02:03.099 I lied. 00:02:05.379 --> 00:02:06.640 Didn't take her long. 00:02:06.959 --> 00:02:07.939 Parents are like this. 00:02:07.939 --> 00:02:15.240 And asking about that short story that she knew I lied about reading that short story. 00:02:16.259 --> 00:02:17.780 But I stuck to my story. 00:02:17.939 --> 00:02:19.319 She couldn't prove I hadn't read it. 00:02:21.039 --> 00:02:26.259 In an effort to help me see my sin, to learn honesty, to build trust with them, 00:02:26.520 --> 00:02:29.439 my parents made me stay in my room. 00:02:30.579 --> 00:02:31.819 My dad got home from work. 00:02:32.039 --> 00:02:33.819 I doubled down on the lie to him. 00:02:33.860 --> 00:02:34.680 I read it, Dad. 00:02:35.180 --> 00:02:36.300 I read that story. 00:02:36.300 --> 00:02:37.700 He said, just stay right there. 00:02:38.060 --> 00:02:41.140 In rebellion, I wanted my way. 00:02:41.240 --> 00:02:42.219 I wanted what I want. 00:02:42.260 --> 00:02:43.920 I wanted it to work that way. 00:02:45.180 --> 00:02:46.480 Friends came over for dinner. 00:02:47.920 --> 00:02:49.219 I stayed in my bed. 00:02:50.200 --> 00:02:52.100 I could hear them having fun. 00:02:52.340 --> 00:02:55.100 I missed being with my parents. 00:02:55.240 --> 00:02:57.920 Our relationship was damaged all night. 00:02:59.040 --> 00:03:05.120 And finally, after several hours, I just couldn't take being distant from them anymore. 00:03:06.300 --> 00:03:08.380 And I confessed my lie. 00:03:10.960 --> 00:03:17.540 I tell you that because I hope you remember as we look at this familiar temptation and sin story, 00:03:17.920 --> 00:03:21.840 that these old stories are our story. 00:03:22.240 --> 00:03:31.180 Today, that means a painful story of rebellion-wrecking relationships with a hopeful note of restoration hidden in. 00:03:31.180 --> 00:03:39.500 Before we read Genesis 3, kids, I want to encourage you to draw a picture of this story. 00:03:39.640 --> 00:03:43.420 Actually, I'd like you to draw two pictures if you like drawing pictures. 00:03:43.920 --> 00:03:49.540 The first one would be, you know, of like a snake and a tree and a fruit. 00:03:49.539 --> 00:03:54.159 And you're going to be familiar with those kinds of pictures when we read this story. 00:03:54.639 --> 00:04:00.079 But I want you also to think of a second one that helps you see yourself in the story. 00:04:00.439 --> 00:04:05.539 See if you can think of something you want often that God hasn't given you. 00:04:05.620 --> 00:04:10.379 Like me looking at that baseball glove thinking, that's what I really want. 00:04:10.379 --> 00:04:15.120 What does your heart want sometimes that God hasn't given you? 00:04:15.419 --> 00:04:19.719 If you draw that picture, I'd love to see them afterwards if you'll share them with me. 00:04:19.839 --> 00:04:25.379 But before you start drawing, first and foremost, we pay attention to God's word. 00:04:26.319 --> 00:04:31.759 So let's see what happens in this story to the relationship that we were created for. 00:04:32.420 --> 00:04:36.180 God's inspired word, Genesis chapter 3. 00:04:36.180 --> 00:04:42.959 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. 00:04:43.259 --> 00:04:48.840 He said to the woman, did God actually say you shall not eat of any tree in the garden? 00:04:49.840 --> 00:04:53.639 And the woman said to the serpent, we may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden. 00:04:53.740 --> 00:04:57.540 But God said you shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden. 00:04:57.680 --> 00:05:00.160 Neither shall you touch it, lest you die. 00:05:00.160 --> 00:05:06.240 But the serpent said to the woman, you will not surely die. 00:05:06.660 --> 00:05:13.020 For God knows that when you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. 00:05:14.580 --> 00:05:22.160 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was a delight to the eyes, 00:05:22.280 --> 00:05:26.540 that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. 00:05:26.540 --> 00:05:31.180 And she also gave some to her husband who was with her and he ate. 00:05:31.680 --> 00:05:37.700 Then the eyes of both were opened and they knew that they were naked and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. 00:05:38.000 --> 00:05:42.000 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day. 00:05:42.260 --> 00:05:47.960 And the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 00:05:48.800 --> 00:05:53.120 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, where are you? 00:05:53.120 --> 00:06:00.360 And he said, I heard the sound of you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked and I hid myself. 00:06:01.980 --> 00:06:05.100 And God said, who told you that you were naked? 00:06:05.840 --> 00:06:09.100 Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat? 00:06:09.959 --> 00:06:16.000 The man said, the woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me the fruit of the tree and I ate. 00:06:16.939 --> 00:06:20.240 Then the Lord God said to the woman, what is this that you have done? 00:06:20.240 --> 00:06:24.360 The woman said, the serpent deceived me and I ate. 00:06:25.560 --> 00:06:32.699 The Lord God said to the serpent, because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field. 00:06:32.960 --> 00:06:36.759 On your belly you shall go and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. 00:06:37.480 --> 00:06:41.560 I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. 00:06:41.920 --> 00:06:45.600 He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel. 00:06:45.600 --> 00:06:50.320 To the woman he said, I will surely multiply your pain and childbearing. 00:06:50.720 --> 00:06:52.480 In pain you shall bring forth children. 00:06:52.780 --> 00:06:55.920 Your desire shall be for your husband and he shall rule over you. 00:06:57.040 --> 00:07:04.800 And to Adam he said, because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, you shall not eat of it. 00:07:05.360 --> 00:07:07.120 Cursed is the ground because of you. 00:07:07.480 --> 00:07:09.760 In pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life. 00:07:10.100 --> 00:07:14.500 Thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you and you shall eat the plants of the field. 00:07:14.500 --> 00:07:18.100 By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground. 00:07:18.500 --> 00:07:19.699 For out of it you were taken. 00:07:20.180 --> 00:07:22.480 For you are dust and to dust you shall return. 00:07:23.920 --> 00:07:27.379 The man called his wife's name Eve because she was the mother of all living. 00:07:28.360 --> 00:07:32.480 And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them. 00:07:34.060 --> 00:07:38.379 Then the Lord God said, behold the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. 00:07:38.620 --> 00:07:42.519 Now lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat and live forever. 00:07:42.519 --> 00:07:48.639 Therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 00:07:49.579 --> 00:07:58.680 He drove out the man and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life. 00:07:59.819 --> 00:08:01.000 This is the word of the Lord. 00:08:01.519 --> 00:08:02.659 Let's ask for his help. 00:08:02.660 --> 00:08:06.960 Oh Father how we do need your help. 00:08:10.260 --> 00:08:12.740 The one who speaks is a sinner. 00:08:13.700 --> 00:08:16.240 The ones who hear are sinners. 00:08:17.600 --> 00:08:23.180 And we need you to speak that we might know ourselves but more importantly know you. 00:08:23.180 --> 00:08:27.579 And so would you teach us this morning in Jesus' name. 00:08:28.139 --> 00:08:28.420 Amen. 00:08:32.620 --> 00:08:36.139 As we see conflict introduced into our story. 00:08:37.139 --> 00:08:40.799 I want you to notice that we have the same struggles with sin. 00:08:41.180 --> 00:08:44.879 Plaguing our relationships with God that Adam and Eve had. 00:08:44.879 --> 00:08:51.019 This first fall is historical with ongoing impact on mankind to this day. 00:08:51.019 --> 00:08:55.799 It's also a pattern for how we keep struggling with sin. 00:08:55.879 --> 00:09:00.240 Rebelling against our creator and wrecking our relationship. 00:09:01.320 --> 00:09:03.980 So as we see this I want to just warn you. 00:09:04.500 --> 00:09:08.299 You may recognize a particular struggle of your own. 00:09:08.299 --> 00:09:13.639 When I mention specific sins this morning. 00:09:14.019 --> 00:09:15.259 Please know this. 00:09:15.819 --> 00:09:22.599 I have personally struggled with every one of these that I will mention specifically. 00:09:22.919 --> 00:09:25.399 At some time and in some way. 00:09:26.219 --> 00:09:27.919 I'm not attacking you. 00:09:28.679 --> 00:09:29.719 I'm there with you. 00:09:29.899 --> 00:09:31.319 Our struggles are different. 00:09:32.319 --> 00:09:36.240 But temptation and sin often show up in very similar ways. 00:09:36.240 --> 00:09:41.139 Watch how sin as it often does begins with distorting. 00:09:41.279 --> 00:09:43.980 With twisting God's words. 00:09:45.419 --> 00:09:46.299 The serpent says. 00:09:46.960 --> 00:09:50.340 Did God actually say? 00:09:51.360 --> 00:09:53.220 You shall not eat from any of the trees? 00:09:53.759 --> 00:09:55.340 The woman does correct him. 00:09:55.899 --> 00:09:57.600 No just the one tree actually. 00:09:58.299 --> 00:10:00.980 But she adds something God never said. 00:10:01.700 --> 00:10:02.500 Check chapter 2. 00:10:03.080 --> 00:10:05.279 You must not touch it or you die. 00:10:06.240 --> 00:10:11.779 One of the reasons that we should immerse ourselves in God's word. 00:10:11.779 --> 00:10:13.279 Is so we recognize it. 00:10:13.740 --> 00:10:14.560 Distortions of it. 00:10:14.740 --> 00:10:17.000 That fly all around us. 00:10:17.200 --> 00:10:17.860 From culture. 00:10:18.060 --> 00:10:19.000 From churches. 00:10:19.659 --> 00:10:20.379 On the internet. 00:10:22.279 --> 00:10:23.799 Commentators have noticed here. 00:10:23.940 --> 00:10:25.279 That the woman follows the serpent. 00:10:25.399 --> 00:10:27.279 Not only in distorting God's words. 00:10:27.379 --> 00:10:29.960 But also in leaving out his covenant name. 00:10:29.960 --> 00:10:33.580 From this personal way he's identified himself in relationship. 00:10:33.879 --> 00:10:35.000 Always in the story. 00:10:35.100 --> 00:10:37.080 He is Yahweh Elohim. 00:10:37.200 --> 00:10:38.940 The Lord God. 00:10:39.480 --> 00:10:41.420 But Satan and Eve just say God. 00:10:41.800 --> 00:10:43.860 Perhaps that's a hint to us. 00:10:43.940 --> 00:10:47.900 That they've forgotten the priority of that personal relationship. 00:10:48.639 --> 00:10:50.000 What they were made for. 00:10:50.220 --> 00:10:51.879 Do you treat God's word lightly? 00:10:53.019 --> 00:10:54.860 Do you treat God's name lightly? 00:10:54.860 --> 00:10:59.120 It could indicate that you're beginning to treat God. 00:10:59.300 --> 00:11:00.860 And your relationship with him. 00:11:00.919 --> 00:11:02.220 The reason you exist. 00:11:02.840 --> 00:11:03.600 Too lightly. 00:11:06.019 --> 00:11:08.759 Well then notice the serpent's next move. 00:11:09.259 --> 00:11:12.659 You will not surely die. 00:11:13.460 --> 00:11:16.399 The first doctrine being denied. 00:11:16.399 --> 00:11:18.740 Denied is God's judgment. 00:11:19.860 --> 00:11:22.299 That he will justly punish sin. 00:11:22.299 --> 00:11:23.879 As he has promised. 00:11:24.679 --> 00:11:26.439 And we say oh it'll be fine. 00:11:27.299 --> 00:11:29.059 No one will get hurt. 00:11:30.379 --> 00:11:32.000 In fact it will be fun. 00:11:32.539 --> 00:11:34.100 There's life over here. 00:11:34.179 --> 00:11:36.679 Just like that baseball glove calling to me. 00:11:37.639 --> 00:11:41.000 You've had a friend or at least an advertisement say this to you. 00:11:41.179 --> 00:11:42.340 God won't care. 00:11:43.199 --> 00:11:45.279 Seriously the Bible is old. 00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:49.699 And we understand better now what he really would mean. 00:11:50.220 --> 00:11:51.980 God knows that. 00:11:53.120 --> 00:11:53.919 You do you. 00:11:54.000 --> 00:11:54.939 It'll be great. 00:11:57.199 --> 00:11:58.459 No friends. 00:11:58.579 --> 00:12:02.279 The wages of sin has always been death. 00:12:03.559 --> 00:12:06.319 Separation from that good relationship. 00:12:08.159 --> 00:12:09.279 Listen to the serpent continue. 00:12:10.079 --> 00:12:10.559 Verse 5. 00:12:10.980 --> 00:12:12.159 You won't die. 00:12:12.159 --> 00:12:15.899 In fact you will live and be like God. 00:12:16.659 --> 00:12:18.120 What's the temptation now? 00:12:18.600 --> 00:12:20.419 It's to question God's heart. 00:12:20.759 --> 00:12:22.379 To doubt God's goodness. 00:12:22.819 --> 00:12:24.139 Can you believe that? 00:12:24.519 --> 00:12:28.980 The God who gloriously spoke the universe into existence. 00:12:29.919 --> 00:12:34.819 The God who graciously created Adam and Eve in his image. 00:12:35.379 --> 00:12:36.279 Blessing them. 00:12:36.279 --> 00:12:42.939 The God who generously provided for them all of these different kinds of trees to eat from. 00:12:43.279 --> 00:12:47.039 Who gave them significant work to do alongside him. 00:12:47.139 --> 00:12:51.039 Who gave them his very self in relationship with them. 00:12:51.299 --> 00:12:53.459 Could he not be trusted? 00:12:55.539 --> 00:13:00.139 Was it possible that he was just hiding the good life from them? 00:13:00.199 --> 00:13:01.199 Is that what he's like? 00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:05.660 Your eyes will be opened. 00:13:06.740 --> 00:13:09.200 They already were to a glorious garden. 00:13:09.360 --> 00:13:09.520 Right? 00:13:10.759 --> 00:13:12.160 You'll be like God. 00:13:12.340 --> 00:13:14.700 They already were in his image. 00:13:15.500 --> 00:13:16.820 You'll know good and evil. 00:13:17.900 --> 00:13:18.860 They already did. 00:13:18.960 --> 00:13:22.540 They walked with goodness himself day by day. 00:13:22.539 --> 00:13:27.899 It seems unthinkable to have doubted God's goodness. 00:13:28.059 --> 00:13:29.620 Not trusted his heart, doesn't it? 00:13:29.980 --> 00:13:31.679 We just can't believe Adam and Eve. 00:13:34.620 --> 00:13:44.799 And yet God created sexuality only to see us decide that we know better when and how to use it. 00:13:44.799 --> 00:13:55.500 God gave us a Sabbath day for our blessing only to see us decide we know better how to rhythm, work, and rest in our lives. 00:13:56.859 --> 00:14:06.019 God gave us resources to be generous with like him only to see us decide that we actually need to trust ourselves and provide for ourselves. 00:14:06.659 --> 00:14:10.359 See, our once intimate relationship is growing distant. 00:14:11.579 --> 00:14:14.620 Even hostile to God at times. 00:14:14.799 --> 00:14:18.699 See, we start wanting to call the shots, don't we? 00:14:20.059 --> 00:14:21.740 Isn't that what sin is? 00:14:22.319 --> 00:14:24.599 Rebellion against the king? 00:14:24.879 --> 00:14:26.639 Wanting his throne? 00:14:27.099 --> 00:14:29.139 Challenging his authority? 00:14:29.779 --> 00:14:33.579 Y'all, we bristle at living under anyone else's authority. 00:14:33.580 --> 00:14:37.080 Longing to be God. 00:14:37.080 --> 00:14:38.800 We distort God's word. 00:14:39.040 --> 00:14:40.060 Deny God's judgment. 00:14:40.300 --> 00:14:41.600 Doubt God's goodness. 00:14:42.620 --> 00:14:45.680 And we run out to play with sin. 00:14:46.879 --> 00:14:50.280 That's how our hearts are always tempted. 00:14:50.279 --> 00:14:54.799 Verse 6 is the actual fall into temptation. 00:14:54.799 --> 00:14:59.199 The Bible repeatedly shows us three ways that we're tempted. 00:14:59.339 --> 00:15:00.259 They're all right here. 00:15:00.740 --> 00:15:02.620 The lust of the flesh. 00:15:03.339 --> 00:15:05.579 The tree was good for food. 00:15:05.679 --> 00:15:06.740 That will taste good. 00:15:06.799 --> 00:15:07.819 That will feel good. 00:15:07.859 --> 00:15:08.699 I want more. 00:15:10.179 --> 00:15:11.439 The lust of the eyes. 00:15:12.259 --> 00:15:13.699 Delight to the eyes. 00:15:13.779 --> 00:15:14.759 That looks pleasant. 00:15:15.179 --> 00:15:15.679 Pleasurable. 00:15:15.679 --> 00:15:16.899 I have to have it. 00:15:17.719 --> 00:15:19.379 The pride of life. 00:15:19.799 --> 00:15:22.919 The tree was to be desired to make one wise. 00:15:23.099 --> 00:15:24.579 That will make me important. 00:15:25.279 --> 00:15:25.839 Influential. 00:15:26.199 --> 00:15:27.079 Better than him. 00:15:27.239 --> 00:15:28.500 I must control it. 00:15:30.500 --> 00:15:31.519 Remember this, y'all. 00:15:31.659 --> 00:15:33.479 Sin begins where? 00:15:34.279 --> 00:15:35.399 In the heart. 00:15:36.199 --> 00:15:37.419 You can count on that. 00:15:37.579 --> 00:15:38.139 Coveting. 00:15:39.179 --> 00:15:39.699 Fearing. 00:15:40.139 --> 00:15:41.159 Becoming bitter. 00:15:41.159 --> 00:15:44.000 We tell ourselves it's not hurting anyone. 00:15:44.679 --> 00:15:46.679 It's just an image on a screen. 00:15:46.879 --> 00:15:47.779 It's no big deal. 00:15:49.620 --> 00:15:51.579 It's just what I'm thinking about her. 00:15:51.620 --> 00:15:53.579 I'm not actually saying it out loud. 00:15:55.679 --> 00:15:57.019 It's just an obsession. 00:15:57.279 --> 00:15:58.959 I'd never act on it. 00:15:59.819 --> 00:16:01.419 Oh, we couldn't be more wrong. 00:16:02.379 --> 00:16:03.360 Ask Adam and Eve. 00:16:03.959 --> 00:16:05.000 Guard your heart. 00:16:05.519 --> 00:16:07.679 From it flow the springs of life. 00:16:07.819 --> 00:16:08.779 Guard your heart. 00:16:11.159 --> 00:16:13.019 But the woman takes the fruit. 00:16:13.719 --> 00:16:14.679 And eats. 00:16:15.319 --> 00:16:16.679 Gives some to her husband. 00:16:17.439 --> 00:16:19.039 Standing idly by. 00:16:20.159 --> 00:16:21.240 And he eats. 00:16:22.219 --> 00:16:23.139 And they've rebelled. 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:24.139 Disobeyed. 00:16:24.339 --> 00:16:26.000 Their good and gracious. 00:16:26.539 --> 00:16:28.839 Glorious and generous God. 00:16:30.759 --> 00:16:33.480 Kids, I hope you've got at least the first picture, okay? 00:16:33.579 --> 00:16:35.480 You got the fruit and the snake. 00:16:35.559 --> 00:16:37.819 I want you to be thinking about the one that you're in. 00:16:38.240 --> 00:16:39.360 Start working on that one. 00:16:39.360 --> 00:16:45.240 The next part of this story shows us how sin impacts us. 00:16:45.639 --> 00:16:46.919 Immediately what happens? 00:16:47.879 --> 00:16:50.240 We start hiding from God, don't we? 00:16:51.580 --> 00:16:57.800 This hiding recognizes that something has indeed been broken in our relationship with God. 00:16:57.799 --> 00:17:01.419 David says in his confession of murder and adultery. 00:17:01.419 --> 00:17:05.019 God, against you and you only have I sinned. 00:17:06.079 --> 00:17:13.980 So when God comes walking in the garden, they recognize the sound of his coming and they cover themselves with fig leaves. 00:17:14.399 --> 00:17:16.279 And they hide in the trees. 00:17:16.419 --> 00:17:19.079 From the one who made everything and sees all. 00:17:19.159 --> 00:17:19.879 Yeah, that'll work. 00:17:19.880 --> 00:17:25.400 I was afraid, Adam says. 00:17:26.260 --> 00:17:26.860 Really? 00:17:27.260 --> 00:17:28.100 Of God? 00:17:30.480 --> 00:17:34.280 See, something has changed in the relationship, hasn't it? 00:17:35.520 --> 00:17:37.200 What a grievous change. 00:17:37.200 --> 00:17:42.200 Mankind's reason for existence now shattered. 00:17:43.200 --> 00:17:44.940 And we hide to this day, don't we? 00:17:45.620 --> 00:17:47.580 Oh, it's just second nature to us. 00:17:47.880 --> 00:17:51.580 We hide from God, not being honest with him about our struggles. 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:54.620 Pretending that we're just getting away with things. 00:17:54.619 --> 00:17:59.819 And sin makes me feel as if I should hide, right? 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:00.939 I mean, think about that. 00:18:01.079 --> 00:18:07.379 If I'm already wondering if God loves me and now I've done this, could he possibly? 00:18:08.819 --> 00:18:10.859 I really better watch out for him. 00:18:11.159 --> 00:18:12.699 Do you see broken relationship? 00:18:12.859 --> 00:18:13.759 I just want distance. 00:18:14.019 --> 00:18:15.779 I just want that God to stay away from me. 00:18:18.659 --> 00:18:22.199 But sin breaks our relationships with others too, doesn't it? 00:18:22.200 --> 00:18:25.580 The blame game starts. 00:18:26.720 --> 00:18:27.920 What'd you do, Adam? 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:31.740 The woman you gave me. 00:18:33.299 --> 00:18:37.259 Two people to blame, guys, because we're apparently very good at the blaming. 00:18:40.059 --> 00:18:41.319 What'd you do, Eve? 00:18:42.140 --> 00:18:43.779 The serpent. 00:18:44.460 --> 00:18:45.779 The devil made me do it. 00:18:45.779 --> 00:18:54.079 How often we blame other people, other things, and then God. 00:18:55.859 --> 00:18:59.859 This wife you gave me is impossible. 00:19:02.059 --> 00:19:08.599 This difficulty you put me in, surrounded by people who make more than I do, it makes me covet. 00:19:08.599 --> 00:19:14.899 This illness you gave me makes me discontent. 00:19:19.059 --> 00:19:22.699 Well, then we see sin causing cosmic consequences. 00:19:22.859 --> 00:19:31.119 I'm not going to read them in detail for time, but the God whose posture toward his creation is blessing now does what? 00:19:32.639 --> 00:19:33.279 Curses. 00:19:34.339 --> 00:19:36.439 The consequences are cosmic. 00:19:36.440 --> 00:19:41.559 We'll come back to the serpent, but right at the core of the blessed purpose for the man and the woman, 00:19:41.700 --> 00:19:46.160 reflecting God's image, what they've been called to do, there's going to be pain in childbearing, 00:19:46.420 --> 00:19:49.160 where the woman is going to fill the earth. 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:54.160 Fruitless toil in ruling the earth for the man. 00:19:55.220 --> 00:20:00.559 Nothing works right anymore, because see, rebellion wrecks relationship. 00:20:00.559 --> 00:20:04.179 And that's the summary at the end of the story. 00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:10.279 God can't let mankind live on his own, calling his own shots, confirmed in that state forever. 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:14.539 So he sends him away, out of the garden, away from the tree of life. 00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:18.220 Rebellion wrecks relationship. 00:20:18.779 --> 00:20:20.519 That's what it was and still is, y'all. 00:20:20.579 --> 00:20:22.099 It's rebellion against the king. 00:20:22.759 --> 00:20:26.059 The purpose for which he made man is broken. 00:20:26.059 --> 00:20:32.599 Sin is devastating to everything good and beautiful. 00:20:34.619 --> 00:20:40.619 Listen briefly to how Sally Lloyd-Jones describes this in her Jesus Storybook Bible. 00:20:41.980 --> 00:20:46.559 This is one of the best stories in the whole book, I think, if you've never read it before. 00:20:46.559 --> 00:20:50.460 God knew if they ate the fruit, they would think they didn't need him. 00:20:51.500 --> 00:20:53.799 They would try to make themselves happy without him. 00:20:54.119 --> 00:20:59.099 But God knew there was no such thing as happiness without him, and life without him wouldn't be life at all. 00:20:59.720 --> 00:21:02.980 As soon as the snake saw his chance, he slithered silently up to Eve. 00:21:03.319 --> 00:21:04.919 Does God really love you? 00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:06.059 The serpent whispered. 00:21:06.279 --> 00:21:09.779 If he does, why won't he let you eat the nice, juicy, delicious fruit? 00:21:10.259 --> 00:21:10.980 Poor you. 00:21:11.299 --> 00:21:13.899 Perhaps God doesn't want you to be happy. 00:21:13.900 --> 00:21:19.440 The snake's words hissed into her ears and sunk down deep into her heart like poison. 00:21:19.880 --> 00:21:21.080 Does God love me? 00:21:22.040 --> 00:21:22.700 Eve wondered. 00:21:22.900 --> 00:21:24.720 Suddenly, she didn't know anymore. 00:21:25.280 --> 00:21:27.040 And a terrible lie came into the world. 00:21:27.120 --> 00:21:27.960 It would never leave. 00:21:28.220 --> 00:21:31.900 It would live on in every human heart, whispering to every one of God's children, 00:21:32.360 --> 00:21:35.000 God doesn't love me. 00:21:36.880 --> 00:21:39.880 Usually, Adam and Eve loved to hear God's voice and would run to him. 00:21:39.940 --> 00:21:42.800 But this time, they ran away from him and hid in the shadows. 00:21:42.799 --> 00:21:45.740 Terrible pain came into God's heart. 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:48.419 His children hadn't just broken the one rule. 00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:50.440 They had broken God's heart. 00:21:50.839 --> 00:21:53.159 They had broken their wonderful relationship with him. 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:55.240 And now, he knew everything else would break. 00:21:55.539 --> 00:21:58.899 God's creation would start to unravel and come undone and go wrong. 00:21:59.240 --> 00:22:05.099 From now on, everything would die, even though it was all supposed to last forever. 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:09.480 See, sin had come into God's perfect world, and it would never leave. 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:13.019 God's children would be always running away from him and hiding in the dark. 00:22:13.360 --> 00:22:16.519 Their hearts would break now and never work properly again. 00:22:17.640 --> 00:22:22.299 God couldn't let his children live forever, not in such pain, not without him. 00:22:22.380 --> 00:22:24.099 There was only one way to protect them. 00:22:24.099 --> 00:22:30.219 You'll have to leave the garden now, God told his children, his eyes filling with tears. 00:22:30.419 --> 00:22:32.240 This is no longer your true home. 00:22:32.319 --> 00:22:34.879 It's not the place for you anymore. 00:22:35.500 --> 00:22:41.279 He sent them away on a long, long journey out of the garden, out of their home. 00:22:41.279 --> 00:22:50.779 Well, in another story, it would all be over, and that would have been the end. 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:56.740 She's hinting at hope before we glance at it. 00:22:57.720 --> 00:23:02.180 I want to urge you to consider soberly the seriousness of sin. 00:23:03.139 --> 00:23:05.359 Adam's sin, your sin. 00:23:05.359 --> 00:23:10.419 We're a people who love to avoid the hard reality of sin. 00:23:10.639 --> 00:23:13.019 We like to think the problem is outside us. 00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:17.799 It's all those other drivers and the silly speed limits, and the solution is inside of us. 00:23:17.839 --> 00:23:18.879 I can handle it. 00:23:19.039 --> 00:23:19.619 I'm okay. 00:23:21.359 --> 00:23:24.719 We need to be honest about our sin problem, 00:23:24.719 --> 00:23:29.279 that we've not only ignored God, rebelled against his rule, 00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:33.779 but by doing so, we've wrecked the relationship for which we were made. 00:23:35.399 --> 00:23:38.099 Some of our sin may look worse than others. 00:23:39.619 --> 00:23:42.899 All of our sin separates us from God. 00:23:43.319 --> 00:23:46.359 Oh, that's why it hurts. 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:51.139 Friend, don't stay there apart from him, 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:54.180 missing out on what he made you for, 00:23:54.940 --> 00:23:56.899 telling yourself it's okay. 00:23:56.900 --> 00:24:00.320 No, no, be honest with yourself. 00:24:00.700 --> 00:24:04.759 Talk with a friend or a pastor about what's eating you inside 00:24:04.759 --> 00:24:07.920 or how it's controlling your words and your actions. 00:24:08.259 --> 00:24:09.480 Go straight to God with it. 00:24:09.540 --> 00:24:11.340 You can talk to him right now. 00:24:13.600 --> 00:24:14.940 I urge you to do that, 00:24:14.980 --> 00:24:16.780 because once we're honest about the problem, 00:24:18.140 --> 00:24:22.540 that sin is breaking our relationships with God and with one another all the time, 00:24:22.960 --> 00:24:26.200 then we can actually go to the one who can fix it. 00:24:26.200 --> 00:24:32.279 Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. 00:24:32.500 --> 00:24:33.220 Not us. 00:24:33.900 --> 00:24:34.759 That's not our hope. 00:24:35.039 --> 00:24:38.759 Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. 00:24:39.000 --> 00:24:42.180 This will be brief because the rest of our stories this fall will show us 00:24:42.180 --> 00:24:43.799 the God who rescues and restores. 00:24:44.559 --> 00:24:47.480 But I want you to see briefly that's not just something he becomes. 00:24:47.920 --> 00:24:50.039 It's the way God's been from the very beginning, 00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:51.440 always full of grace. 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:53.519 Conflict is big here, 00:24:53.620 --> 00:24:57.140 but foreshadowing of hope and resolution is here too. 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:58.620 At least three quick ways. 00:24:59.120 --> 00:25:00.519 First, God seeks. 00:25:01.880 --> 00:25:03.259 Adam and Eve are ashamed, 00:25:03.620 --> 00:25:04.500 hiding from God, 00:25:04.600 --> 00:25:06.600 and God doesn't even count to ten 00:25:06.600 --> 00:25:08.620 before he seeks them out immediately. 00:25:09.059 --> 00:25:10.299 Where are you? 00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:13.700 The first question recorded in the Bible. 00:25:14.419 --> 00:25:18.639 One that shows God knows the relationship has been wrecked 00:25:18.639 --> 00:25:22.259 and he won't stand for it to be left that way. 00:25:23.000 --> 00:25:27.000 The shepherd who would search for the lost sheep over mountain and valley. 00:25:27.259 --> 00:25:31.119 The father who would run to the lost son to welcome him home. 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:33.059 He seeks not just to punish, 00:25:33.440 --> 00:25:34.940 but to rescue and restore. 00:25:34.940 --> 00:25:38.580 He helps us see our sin and our need for him. 00:25:40.700 --> 00:25:42.140 Second, God promises. 00:25:43.500 --> 00:25:46.480 In the midst of his curse upon the serpent, 00:25:47.080 --> 00:25:51.039 what's called the first gospel promise shows up already. 00:25:53.080 --> 00:25:55.420 I will put enmity between you and the woman, 00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:57.799 between your offspring and her offspring. 00:25:58.059 --> 00:26:01.740 He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel. 00:26:01.740 --> 00:26:04.940 There is justice coming to this tempter, 00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:06.859 this deceiver. 00:26:07.660 --> 00:26:09.539 From the seed of the woman, 00:26:09.799 --> 00:26:12.480 very little we know what that means at this point in the story, 00:26:12.579 --> 00:26:15.319 but the New Testament writers clearly identify Jesus 00:26:15.319 --> 00:26:18.519 as the one who crushes the head of the serpent 00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:20.620 in fulfillment of God's promise 00:26:20.620 --> 00:26:21.980 to find what's lost, 00:26:22.059 --> 00:26:24.039 to restore what's been broken. 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:27.240 And finally, we see God's sacrifices 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:30.000 to rescue us. 00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:32.680 Adam and Eve have made what must have been 00:26:32.680 --> 00:26:35.000 very poor coverings for themselves, right? 00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:40.500 But at the cost of the life of animals that he made, 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:44.000 God provides garments of skins to clothe them. 00:26:44.359 --> 00:26:45.500 He sees their shame. 00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:47.059 He knows their need. 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:48.960 And God knows how to handle it. 00:26:50.119 --> 00:26:52.579 Of course, these animal skins don't atone 00:26:52.579 --> 00:26:54.220 for the sins of Adam and Eve. 00:26:54.220 --> 00:26:58.539 Neither will millions of animals sacrificed 00:26:58.539 --> 00:27:01.839 on the temple altar take away sins. 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:04.480 But when Christ comes, 00:27:05.000 --> 00:27:06.940 the once for all sacrifice, 00:27:07.079 --> 00:27:09.039 he dies once for all 00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:12.759 to take away sins and bring us back to God. 00:27:12.860 --> 00:27:14.960 See, even when he's dealing with our sin, 00:27:15.059 --> 00:27:18.519 God's working to restore our relationship. 00:27:18.920 --> 00:27:20.880 He drives them away from the tree of life 00:27:20.880 --> 00:27:23.920 because the tree of life is in heaven with him 00:27:23.920 --> 00:27:27.040 and he is the way back for us one day. 00:27:28.840 --> 00:27:31.060 When I lay in my bed several hours 00:27:31.060 --> 00:27:33.320 that day as a child, 00:27:34.460 --> 00:27:37.500 my parents were not trying to banish me 00:27:37.500 --> 00:27:39.640 from relationship with them forever, 00:27:40.260 --> 00:27:41.540 even when it felt like it. 00:27:42.580 --> 00:27:45.840 In fact, they kept coming into my room. 00:27:45.839 --> 00:27:48.519 They kept checking on me. 00:27:48.859 --> 00:27:52.000 They kept reassuring me of their love. 00:27:53.119 --> 00:27:54.539 Don't you see that's what God our Father 00:27:54.539 --> 00:27:55.799 is doing here? 00:27:57.419 --> 00:27:59.559 Justly sent away from him, right? 00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:03.039 But he keeps coming back for us, 00:28:03.399 --> 00:28:05.179 seeking us in the person of Jesus, 00:28:05.579 --> 00:28:07.379 promising to forgive our sins, 00:28:07.579 --> 00:28:08.859 to remove them from us, 00:28:09.000 --> 00:28:10.419 to remember them no more, 00:28:10.819 --> 00:28:13.399 sacrificing himself to restore us 00:28:13.399 --> 00:28:15.539 to relationship with him forever. 00:28:15.839 --> 00:28:19.859 Y'all, there is no other solution available 00:28:19.859 --> 00:28:21.859 to our sin problem. 00:28:23.259 --> 00:28:27.379 Thankfully, there's no other solution needed. 00:28:29.279 --> 00:28:31.059 That could have been the end. 00:28:33.139 --> 00:28:34.519 But not in this story. 00:28:36.139 --> 00:28:37.679 God loved his children too much 00:28:37.679 --> 00:28:39.139 to let the story end there. 00:28:39.359 --> 00:28:41.139 Even though he knew he would suffer, 00:28:41.299 --> 00:28:43.619 God had a plan, a magnificent dream. 00:28:43.619 --> 00:28:45.939 One day he would get his children back. 00:28:46.239 --> 00:28:47.679 One day he would make the world 00:28:47.679 --> 00:28:49.039 their perfect home again. 00:28:49.299 --> 00:28:50.899 And one day he would wipe away 00:28:50.899 --> 00:28:52.939 every tear from their eyes. 00:28:53.819 --> 00:28:54.859 You see, no matter what, 00:28:55.039 --> 00:28:56.179 in spite of everything, 00:28:56.539 --> 00:28:57.959 God would love his children 00:28:57.959 --> 00:28:59.339 with a never stopping, 00:28:59.679 --> 00:29:00.619 never giving up, 00:29:00.959 --> 00:29:01.579 unbreaking, 00:29:01.799 --> 00:29:03.899 always and forever love. 00:29:05.079 --> 00:29:06.419 And though they would forget him 00:29:06.420 --> 00:29:08.380 and run from him, 00:29:09.160 --> 00:29:10.160 deep in their hearts, 00:29:10.259 --> 00:29:12.300 God's children would miss him always 00:29:12.300 --> 00:29:13.680 and long for him, 00:29:13.980 --> 00:29:16.320 lost children yearning for their home. 00:29:17.400 --> 00:29:18.560 Before they left the garden, 00:29:18.700 --> 00:29:20.600 God whispered a promise to Adam and Eve. 00:29:20.759 --> 00:29:22.480 It will not always be so. 00:29:22.980 --> 00:29:24.759 I will come to rescue you. 00:29:24.980 --> 00:29:25.759 And when I do, 00:29:25.840 --> 00:29:27.920 I'm going to do battle against the snake. 00:29:28.160 --> 00:29:29.860 I'll get rid of the sin and the dark 00:29:29.860 --> 00:29:31.500 and the sadness you let in here. 00:29:31.500 --> 00:29:34.140 I'm coming back for you. 00:29:35.380 --> 00:29:36.279 And he would. 00:29:37.700 --> 00:29:38.500 One day, 00:29:39.339 --> 00:29:41.839 God himself would come. 00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:45.259 And he has come. 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:47.500 And this table 00:29:47.500 --> 00:29:49.559 is yet one more glimpse 00:29:49.559 --> 00:29:51.259 of his grace 00:29:51.259 --> 00:29:52.640 as it points us back 00:29:52.640 --> 00:29:53.779 to the cross of Jesus, 00:29:54.059 --> 00:29:55.500 as it points us forward 00:29:55.500 --> 00:29:57.819 to the wedding supper of the Lamb 00:29:57.819 --> 00:29:59.359 with him forever 00:29:59.359 --> 00:30:00.640 when he pours out 00:30:00.640 --> 00:30:01.900 in the coming ages 00:30:01.900 --> 00:30:04.480 the riches of his grace 00:30:04.480 --> 00:30:06.460 in kindness toward us 00:30:06.460 --> 00:30:08.300 in Christ Jesus. 00:30:09.380 --> 00:30:10.280 It was that night 00:30:10.280 --> 00:30:11.280 that he was betrayed 00:30:11.280 --> 00:30:13.220 that Jesus sat with his disciples 00:30:13.220 --> 00:30:15.020 and he took bread 00:30:15.020 --> 00:30:16.820 and he broke it 00:30:16.820 --> 00:30:18.340 and gave it to them 00:30:18.340 --> 00:30:20.220 as I am ministering in his name. 00:30:20.440 --> 00:30:21.460 Give this bread to you. 00:30:21.880 --> 00:30:22.280 He said, 00:30:22.600 --> 00:30:22.960 take and eat. 00:30:23.240 --> 00:30:24.360 This is my body 00:30:24.360 --> 00:30:25.380 given for you. 00:30:25.920 --> 00:30:28.120 Do this in remembrance of me. 00:30:29.400 --> 00:30:30.240 And in the same manner 00:30:30.240 --> 00:30:31.140 after supper, 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:32.359 he took the cup 00:30:32.359 --> 00:30:33.559 and said, 00:30:33.759 --> 00:30:34.940 this cup is the new covenant 00:30:34.940 --> 00:30:35.700 in my blood 00:30:35.700 --> 00:30:36.660 shed for many 00:30:36.660 --> 00:30:38.440 for the forgiveness of sins. 00:30:38.859 --> 00:30:39.539 Drink from it, 00:30:39.579 --> 00:30:40.140 all of you. 00:30:40.299 --> 00:30:41.980 For as often as you eat this bread 00:30:41.980 --> 00:30:43.160 and drink this cup, 00:30:43.220 --> 00:30:45.019 you proclaim the Lord's death 00:30:45.019 --> 00:30:47.220 until he comes. 00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:49.279 Friends, 00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:50.819 this is not Southwood's table 00:30:50.819 --> 00:30:52.900 or the Presbyterian Church's table. 00:30:53.380 --> 00:30:55.240 This is the Lord's table. 00:30:55.240 --> 00:30:56.940 So if you trust Jesus 00:30:56.940 --> 00:30:59.240 to deal once and for all 00:30:59.240 --> 00:31:00.680 with your sins 00:31:00.680 --> 00:31:02.039 and even today 00:31:02.039 --> 00:31:02.799 you're a sinner 00:31:02.799 --> 00:31:04.059 who is repenting 00:31:04.059 --> 00:31:05.579 and finding forgiveness 00:31:05.579 --> 00:31:07.099 in your Father, 00:31:07.539 --> 00:31:08.900 come and eat with us. 00:31:10.359 --> 00:31:13.059 If that is not what you believe, 00:31:13.380 --> 00:31:14.660 perhaps you don't see 00:31:14.660 --> 00:31:16.279 your sin problem at all, 00:31:16.400 --> 00:31:17.579 your need for a Savior. 00:31:17.940 --> 00:31:19.259 You just don't see that. 00:31:19.599 --> 00:31:20.799 Or maybe you do, 00:31:20.900 --> 00:31:22.039 but you don't see Jesus 00:31:22.039 --> 00:31:23.619 as the solution 00:31:23.619 --> 00:31:24.920 to that problem, 00:31:25.059 --> 00:31:27.200 then don't come eat this bread 00:31:27.200 --> 00:31:28.480 and drink this wine, 00:31:28.879 --> 00:31:30.019 but know that we're glad 00:31:30.019 --> 00:31:30.559 you're here. 00:31:31.599 --> 00:31:32.420 And we'd invite you 00:31:32.420 --> 00:31:34.379 to consider the offer of Jesus 00:31:34.379 --> 00:31:36.180 that though there be problem 00:31:36.180 --> 00:31:37.019 inside of us, 00:31:37.059 --> 00:31:37.859 there's a solution 00:31:37.859 --> 00:31:39.339 from outside. 00:31:40.599 --> 00:31:42.039 You're offered that today 00:31:42.039 --> 00:31:42.579 in Jesus, 00:31:42.759 --> 00:31:43.539 the one who loves you 00:31:43.539 --> 00:31:45.000 and gives himself for you. 00:31:46.000 --> 00:31:46.519 Let me pray 00:31:46.519 --> 00:31:47.099 and then we'll come 00:31:47.099 --> 00:31:48.059 celebrate together. 00:31:49.319 --> 00:31:50.420 Jesus, thank you. 00:31:50.420 --> 00:31:52.800 What an incredible gift 00:31:52.800 --> 00:31:53.440 of your grace 00:31:53.440 --> 00:31:55.240 to such undeserving sinners 00:31:55.240 --> 00:31:57.640 that you would find a way 00:31:57.640 --> 00:32:00.360 back into relationship with us, 00:32:01.100 --> 00:32:02.620 the relationship we broke. 00:32:03.519 --> 00:32:05.900 Might we know and taste 00:32:05.900 --> 00:32:07.019 your love for us 00:32:07.019 --> 00:32:08.660 as you eat with us 00:32:08.660 --> 00:32:10.420 through common elements. 00:32:12.600 --> 00:32:14.039 Do something holy 00:32:14.039 --> 00:32:15.279 in each of us, 00:32:15.380 --> 00:32:16.700 we ask in Jesus' name. 00:32:17.420 --> 00:32:17.720 Amen. 00:32:17.720 --> 00:32:20.079 For more information, 00:32:20.400 --> 00:32:21.319 visit us online 00:32:21.319 --> 00:32:22.400 at southwood.org. 00:32:22.400 --> 00:32:22.500 Thank you. 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:22.500 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:22.500 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:22.500 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:22.500 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:22.500