1. While Genesis 2 talks about the wonder and wisdom of God‘s creation, Genesis 3 talks about what is wrong with the world. It opens with the crafty serpent, who is Satan, tempting Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. From doubting God‘s word, he tempts her to believe that she can know better than the difference between good and evil. This is how he tempts us today - to trust ourselves more than to trust our Creator's word. The result is wreckage in the world. In what ways are you tempted to do this ?
2. The fruit of Adam and Eves sin is not only separation from God, it is a shame. They hide from God and from each other because of their shame. While God does not scold or shame them in their sin, He comes asking searching questions about what they have done. He wants them to understand their shame in order to heal it. Discuss the difference between misplaced shame that we need to reject, and appropriate shame that can lead to repentance and healing
3. Like Adam and Eve, we tend to try and sew fig leaves to cover our own shame. These attempts prove futile. Be vulnerable with the group and talking about the ways in which you attempt to cover shame.
4. God‘s mercy is clearly on display in this chapter as he covers Adam and Eve with skins. This is a Gospel glimpse of Christ’s saving work, in which he was uncovered and shamed on the cross in order to cover our sin and shame with robes of righteousness. Not only that, but His blood cleanses us from the stains of shame. Pray for each other that you would run to Christ for cover and cleansing from your shame. Romans 4:7-8
