We’re continuing The Story of God. After Creation comes the Fall. Tonight we looked at Genesis 3 as Kari Patterson taught us this second ‘chapter’ of the Big Story. Here’s a little summary:

FALL | The good God set this good Story in motion, with a good & perfect creation. At the center were man & woman, created in God’s image, as very good, and meant to love, know and enjoy God and cultivate His good creation. Even with all this goodness, they were prone to doubt God’s goodness, and were tempted to forsake knowing and enjoying God as the primary source of their life and happiness. Now comes the Fall, from grace, from godly desires, from dominion over creation, from life, and the beginning of death. Everyone, everywhere, now feels the effects of the Fall, and are co-conspirators with Adam & Eve following Satan in rebelling against our Good Father.

Genesis 3 Discussion Questions:

1. What are ways that Satan tries to make people discontent? How does he sow seeds of doubt about God’s goodness?  How does our culture chase after selfish desires?  In what ways do you see that people around you are deceived?  Do you see any of these slippery slopes in your own life?
2. Consider the claim that every act of sin or disobedience has consequences.  What consequences of sin do you see around you?  In what areas are you tempted to think that your actions won’t have consequences?
3. [separate for men and women, based on the Curse]

GUYS:  In what ways do guys exploit, or take advantage, of girls’ weaknesses? How can you accept God’s call on your life to protect the girls around you?  How will you do that this week?

GIRLS:  In what ways do girls use the way they dress or act to get attention from guys?  How is that selfish exploitation?  How can you accept God’s call on your life to protect the guys around you? How will you do that this week?

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The Story of God God’s Word (the Bible) and God’s world follow the same storyline:

Creation → Fall & Rebellion → Redemption → Restoration (Glory)

Next week: Rebellion.