Lesson 4: Man the Rebel - The Consequences of the New Condition of Sinner

Genesis 3

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Study Aids:

This lesson speaks of the Devil’s favorite trick, to get you to doubt something God has said or done. Have you experienced him trying this trick on you? Can you share an example?

We often speak of “free will”. Did Adam have the free will, or capability, of choosing not to sin?

Is it accurate to call Adam and Eve rebels? Did they truly realize what they were doing? How does the “image of God” play into your answer?

Do you ever try to run away from God and hide? Do you know anyone who does?

We call Adam’s sin the original sin, and teach that it was then handed down from generation to generation as our natural condition. Luther called it our “old Adam” that must daily be drowned and died. How do you see it?

Suggested reading for further study:

Luther’s explanation of the Third Article of The Apostle’s Creed, and Part IV of the presentation on the Sacrament of Baptism – The Significance of Baptizing With Water, in the Small Catechism.

The advanced student may find the Creation and Fall, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer a penetrating study of Genesis, chapters 1-3.

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Lesson 3: Man was Created for a Perfect Relationship with God

Genesis 2

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Study Aids:

What is your image of the Garden of Eden?

What were the relationships established during this time in the Garden? Did you see the four duties God gave to Adam and Eve? Look at Gen. 1:28 and Gen. 2:15. Do you understand that these duties have been passed down to us? If so, how well are you fulfilling them? How well do we balance the instruction to “have dominion over the earth” with “dress, till, and keep it”?

Do you also see in these duties a set of instructions about the key to living a God-pleasing life? Have you ever questioned yourself about your purpose in life? Have you ever asked, “why am I here?” Can you think of celebrities who seemed on the outside to “have it all” and yet committed suicide because their life seemed empty and without fulfillment to themselves? What was the one relationship needed that was missing?

What was the first instruction God gave His children (see verse 28 of chapter one)? Is there any mention of an “alternative life style” here? Does this lead you to the conclusion that any attempted alteration of God’s plan regarding our life’s purpose and calling is – in fact – a perversion that will only lead to futility and despair?

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Lesson 2: God Created All Things Good

Genesis 1 & 2

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Study Aids:

If God created all things good, as the lessons claims, why do we have so much violent destruction caused by “nature”?

Since sexual desire leads to so much abuse and forced rape, how can this be a good thing?

What does you discussion conclude about the goodness of something versus the abuse of it?

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