Genesis & The Story of Creation: See That It Was Good

Genesis 2:25-3:13

Joel Miles

October 8, 2023

With a friend, your family or in your small group, discuss the following questions:

1. What does the concept of stepping outside of God's love, care, grace, and provision mean, as mentioned in the sermon? How does this relate to the idea of distrust and idolatry? (Related Scripture: Genesis 3:1-7, Genesis 2:17).
   
2. In the sermon, the Pastor Joel talks about questioning and altering God's Word. How do people today question or alter God's Word in their lives? Why is it important to rely on God's wisdom and not our own interpretations? (Related Scripture: Genesis 3:1-7, Proverbs 3:5-6).

  3. Discuss The serpent tempted Adam and Eve by suggesting that they could be like God in knowing good and evil. How does this desire         for knowledge and wisdom sometimes lead people away from God today? Can knowledge become an idol? (Related Scripture:                    Genesis 3:4-5, 1 Corinthians 8:1, Colossians 2:8).

  4. The sermon discusses the ways in which people try to cover their shame and guilt, either through religious works or indulgence in                 desires. How have you seen this pattern in your own life or in the lives of others? What are healthier ways to deal with guilt and shame?        (Related Scripture: Genesis 3:7-8, Psalm 32:5, 1 John 1:9).

  5.  Pastor Joel talks about God stepping into our godforsakeness by sacrificing himself to offer us life. What does this act                                         symbolize, and how does it demonstrate God's love and grace? (Related Scripture: Genesis 3:15, John 3:16, Romans 5:8). 

  6.  Reflecting on the sermon's message, how can we practically apply the concept of trusting God and relying on His wisdom in our daily           lives? What steps can we take to avoid falling into the trap of questioning God's Word and relying on our own understanding? (Related         Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:5, Romans 12:2).

  7.  The sermon emphasizes the idea of relying on God’s wisdom and following His ways. How can we discern God’s wisdom in our                        decision-making processes? What role does prayer, scripture, and community play in seeking God’s guidance? (Related Scripture:                Proverbs 2:6, James 1:5, Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 15:22).

  8. In the sermon, it’s mentioned that humanity tends to either undermine God’s Word or add to it. Can you think of specific examples                 where people in our society or community are doing either of these things? How can we lovingly address these behaviours while                     upholding the truth of God’s Word? (Related Scripture: Matthew 15:3-9, Colossians 2:8, 2 Timothy 4:3-4).

  9.  The concept of stepping outside of God’s love and care is described as stepping into the realm of death. How do you interpret this                 idea? In what ways do you see people searching for life, fulfillment, and purpose outside of God? (Related Scripture: Genesis 2:17,                     Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:1-3).

 10.  The sermon talks about the hope that exists despite our descent into sin. How can we share this message of hope with others who                might be struggling with guilt, shame, or a sense of godforsakenness? What practical ways can our small group reach out to those                who need to hear about God’s love and redemption? (Related Scripture: Romans 8:1, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 28:19-20).