January 4, 2023

Sin Enters the Story, But It Doesn't Have the Final Say.

Genesis 3

Trip Hoover
Wednesday's Devo

January 4, 2023

Wednesday's Devo

January 4, 2023

Wednesday's Devo

January 4, 2023

Wednesday's Devo

January 4, 2023

Big Idea

We can trust God when we don't know how things will turn out. 

Key Verse | Genesis 3:15

"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."

Genesis 3

The Fall

1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.

He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You 1 3:1 In Hebrew you is plural in verses 15 shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, 2 3:6 Or to give insight she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool 3 3:8 Hebrew wind of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 4 3:9 In Hebrew you is singular in verses 9 and 11 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

14 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;
on your belly you shall go,
    and dust you shall eat
    all the days of your life.
15  I will put enmity between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring 5 3:15 Hebrew seed; so throughout Genesis and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
    and you shall bruise his heel.”

16 To the woman he said,

“I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;
    in pain you shall bring forth children.
Your desire shall be contrary to 6 3:16 Or shall be toward (see 4:7) your husband,
    but he shall rule over you.”

17 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,’
cursed is the ground because of you;
    in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
18  thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
    and you shall eat the plants of the field.
19  By the sweat of your face
    you shall eat bread,
till you return to the ground,
    for out of it you were taken;
for you are dust,
    and to dust you shall return.”

20 The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. 7 3:20 Eve sounds like the Hebrew for life-giver and resembles the word for living 21 And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.

22 Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 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.

Footnotes

[1] 3:1 In Hebrew you is plural in verses 1–5
[2] 3:6 Or to give insight
[3] 3:8 Hebrew wind
[4] 3:9 In Hebrew you is singular in verses 9 and 11
[5] 3:15 Hebrew seed; so throughout Genesis
[6] 3:16 Or shall be toward (see 4:7)
[7] 3:20 Eve sounds like the Hebrew for life-giver and resembles the word for living

S2:003 Genesis 3

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Genesis 3

The first two chapters of the Bible set the scene for Genesis 3. God has taken the formless and void and made it "good" with beauty and order. Mankind, the crown jewel of creation, was created in the image of the Triune God and given unique purpose and value.

Amid the goodness of God's creation comes the notorious interaction between Eve and the serpent, who questions God's command regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. At its core, the serpent's deception cast doubt on the goodness of God and His commands, proposing that God desired to withhold good from mankind (Genesis 3:5). Armed with this temptation to doubt God's character, Adam and Eve each chose to pursue what was "a delight to the eyes" and "desired" (Genesis 3:6) rather than God's instruction.

The temptation to distrust God's goodness and pursue one's own desires is not limited to this event in Genesis 3. In fact, we have all faced this same temptation and have each similarly chosen to willfully disobey God, thereby committing sin (Romans 3:23). For myself this has looked like indulging in lust, chasing materialism, and altogether staking my trust in places other than the Lord. As Adam and Eve were removed from God's presence in the garden, our own decisions to sin have left us eternally separated from Him (Romans 6:23).

The story, however, does not end with the sadness of sin as God tells the serpent that "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:15) This is no small thing! The offspring mentioned is critically the first promise of Christ, who would deal a fatal blow to the enemy, fully conquer sin and death, and provide the only means by which we can be forgiven of sin and reconciled to God (Colossians 1:19-20). How amazing it is that, in His immeasurable love for us, God provided hope and a promise for our rescue so long ago and with mankind's disobedience still so fresh!  

This month's memory verse

We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

– John 1:45b

Discussion Questions

1. In what areas of your life can you be most tempted to distrust God's goodness? Be specific.

2. How does the hope of Christ encourage you amid a fallen world suffering from sin?

3. How does this first promise of Christ spur you on to share the hope of the gospel with others?

4. Reflect on how quickly after sin we see the promise of God's rescue plan for us. What does this tell you about God's character?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

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Hugh Stephenson

How evil is Satan anyway? I know that my sinful nature puts me on the daily down escalator into more and more sin. Satan tries to convince me the down escalator is up. Reality? It’s down. And walking up the down escalator is very hard. I can’t walk fast enough. I must run. Sometimes sprint. I must maneuver around all the people going down who are criticizing me for going “the wrong way”. If I stop or rest, even for a moment, down I go. Summarizing… I’m taught that as the father of lies, (John 8:44), Satan tells three big ones- -God is not good -His word is not true -Sin is not a big deal Lots of lessons to learn and re-learn Chapter 3- Constable’s notes lay out Satan’s three-part plan for deceiving Eve, (and me)-
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Doubt, Denial and Disobedience 1-Plant seeds of Doubt Genesis 3:1b 2-Deny God’s Word, Genesis 3:4 3-Let 1 and 2 take its course to Disobedience. Interestingly, God calls Satan “ ‘arum ”, translated as crafty but I’m taught it could also mean “wise”. In verse 14-15 he calls him ‘arum or cursed. The notes indicate three deceptions Satan does not use, ‘Yahweh”, the personal/relational name for God. He uses Elohim. He misquotes what God said. He said they would become like God but they were already like Him in that they were made in His image. I note that Eve also misquotes God’s Word. Very good reminder for me. Know it exactly. I link to Jesus in the wilderness, (Matthew 4:1-11). What’s really crazy is the reality that Adam was to subdue and rule over the creatures and now is subject to one.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

“The couple, unlike the serpent, has been made in the image of God (1:26–27). In this way they are already like God. Moreover, being in the image of God, they are expected to exercise authority over all the beasts of the field, which includes the serpent. By obeying the serpent, however, they betray the trust placed in them by God. This is not merely an act of disobedience; it is an act of treachery. Those who were meant to govern the earth on God’s behalf instead rebel against their divine King and obey one of his creatures.” I see God’s grace in the end of the chapter when He sacrifices an animal to give them covering and then sends them out so that they won’t eat of the three of life and live forever in a sinful state. My only chance…keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, (Hebrews 12:1-3).
MA

Maryann Adams

Thank you for this insightful devo, Trip! Your statement: “…we all have faced this same temptation and have similarly chosen to willfully disobey God…” contains such empowering truth. The evil one is craftily working through worldly systems convincing some Christians that certain sins can be excused or justified and are not chosen. James 1:14 is clear: “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own evil desire.” Where there is sin, there is always a human that God will hold accountable unless Christ is accepted as the “covering”.
CL

Chris Landry

Thanks for writing today’s devotional, Trip. Also, for serving men in re:gen. I commenced spring of ‘22. Andrew Murray’s book called “humility” is a true gut check on my pride. In relation to Genesis 3, he says something to the effect of, “Pride is a seed of Satanic origin.” This tells me that when I’m lacking humility with my bride, kids, co-workers, etc….then I’m wearing the wrong jersey. Playing on the wrong team. I’m partnered with Satan….the serpent….not my Savior…not my Jesus. Lord, thanks for the reminder of Satan’s plan to make me prideful. Help me walk in faithful humility today. Amen. If you have time, read the first three pages of this pdf: http://www.heavenreigns.com/pdf/humility.pdf
CL

Chris Landry

Excerpt from Andrew Murray’s “Humility”: “So pride—the loss of this humility—is the root of every sin and evil. When did the devil and his angels start down that road of disobedience that led to them being cast down from the light of heaven into outer darkness? It was when they began to be focused on themselves. When the serpent injected the venom of his pride—the desire to be like God—into Adam and Eve, they, too, fell from the special place God had made for them. They dove headlong into all of the wretchedness you see their descendants in now. In all of heaven and earth, pride and exalting yourself is the gate to hell—and its greatest curse.“
CL

Chris Landry

Another and them I’m done….it’s just so good. ;) “ It is obvious, then, that nothing can be right again until our lost humility is restored. Humility is the original and only true basis of relationship a human being can have with God. Jesus came to bring humility back to earth, to make us sharers in it, and by it to save us. In heaven, He humbled Himself to become a man. The humility we see in Him, he possessed in Heaven. Humility brought Jesus, and Jesus brought humility, down to earth. Once He was here, “He obediently humbled Himself even further by dying” (Phil. 2:8). His humility gave His death its value, and so became our redemption. Now the salvation He offers us is nothing less than being joined to His life and death, His character and spirit. His own humility is the foundation of His relationship with the Father and His work to redeem us. He took our place and fulfilled our destiny by His life of perfect humility. His humility is our salvation. His salvation is our humility.”
LH

Lance Hancock

Trip, thank you for the devotional. What a wonderful experience to read this passage and reflect on the peace and order in our lives that result from submitting to God's plan, his rule and reign. The first principle I learned in recovery from alcoholism was that a life run on self will was doomed to fail. A selfish self centered orientation, a desire to play God, for me, is a life run on fear and resentment. This passage of Genesis, as an origin story, tells me from the beginning people have been tempted to try and be like God and to leave the circle of God's loving and perfect world out of a desire to "run the show". For me, having experienced addiction and now recovery, it is easy to feel grateful this morning reading this passage again and seeing how God illustrates the problem and points me to his plan for salvation through his son. I am reminded, Jesus is the king and through faith in him our right relationship with God is restored and the peace and joy of living is available to us right now, in all areas of life, and for eternity. Amen!
NW

Nathan Warner

The area of my life in which I am prone to not trust God is with my medical situation. Although things have improved, I constantly question why God made me the way that I am with these long term health issues I deal with.
TS

Tonni Shook

After reading this passage many times, God showed me something I’d never seen. In v. 7, their eyes are opened, but in v. 8, they only heard God walking. God allows us to see some things & not others. @NathanWarner The Chosen, tv series about Jesus & His disciples, released S3 Episode 3 that does a fantastic scene about why God doesn’t heal everyone. Highly recommend it & the series if you haven’t watched.
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Pam Rittenberry

Trip Thank You for your greater clarity on a section of scripture that I have studied but continue to grow in application! I am always both grateful & amazed at how God's grace to us all just keeps coming. This pinning of a response from me is an effort to deepen the application. Satan does , in fact, distract us with our longings not surrendered. Satan's only mission is to convince us that our desires being met are the most central and not the eternal battlefield we are all on as Christ's Believing Army in each generation. Satan will not cease until he is crushed by Jesus Christ's Heel. We will struggle to surrender what we think we have a right to in our lives. We already have the full Armor of God ( Eph. 6: 10-20) to remind ourselves as we pray to be ready for the Battlefield.
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Michael Scaman

Fast forward to the rest of the Bible, some of these themes will come back The serpent theme comes back. Pharaoh will wear a snake headdress. Saul defeats the serpent king. In Psalm 91 'you will tread upon the lion and the cobra, trample upon the serpent's head' These will be works the Christ and yet applies in some measure to the church in Christ who will 'crush Satan under their feet' , said as Romans ends. The Cherubim theme comes back. We also see the return of the cherubim many ways. In images around the temple. On the curtains, guarding the ark even on the ark lid. Cleansing Isaiah's mouth with a hot coal, even having God flying to the aid of His people riding the winds on Cherubim.
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Amy Lowther

1. Driving in traffic 2. It gives us examples of how to care for ourselves and for others. 3. It helps us “move mountains” to learn necessary things that seemed impossible. It helps us in relationships. It helps us be healthy, feel good, and have fun. 4. God loves each of us if we do good or if we do bad and is willing to work with each of us to do good.
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Sue Bohlin

Super devo, Trip, thank you! I am so grateful for this chapter that explains all the pain and suffering in our world. Especially as I recover from yesterday's surgery that has robbed me of the ability to speak clearly, at least for a time. @NathanWarner, I'm glad for Tonni's suggestion to you, as I have lived with a lifelong disability of polio so I have struggled with your question along with you. And Genesis 3 tells us why we both struggle. But it won't always be like this. Perfection and restoration await us because of Jesus!
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Alan Beam

1. Parenting! It's so hard to trust God in the midst of discouragement as I try to wrangle (disciple?) my 4 kiddos (aka little sinners). 2. Christ is with me in my sufferings, empathizing with my weaknesses, and giving me hope for when He makes all things new. 3. If God can redeem the first sin, and He can redeem the worst tragedy (the cross), nobody in my life is beyond His reach! 4. God's love is great. His desire to see us restored to Him is incredible and immediate.
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Alan Beam

3:3 I must know God's commands reliably in order to truly follow Him. If I do not "repeat the signs" (Silver Chair), I will go my own way even while thinking I'm still following Him. 3:6 Eve saw that it was good and took it. It's God's place to declare what is good, but when I fail to trust Him I'm declaring for myself that what I want is good, putting myself on the throne, going my own way, doing what I want how I want when I want. Like a toddler who refuses to hold a hand in the parking lot, I'm refusing what is best for me at my own peril. Only by continually pressing myself into His grace can I avoid what my sick and deceitful heart insists upon doing. 3:15 The promise. The ultimate example of God's faithfulness, goodness, and love. Even when I fail and go my own way, God is there with open arms, ready to turn what I meant for evil into a good beyond anything I could possibly hope for.
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Mattie Louise Lata

2 it is because of the hope of Christ that I am alive ! I am grateful that amidst trials and tribulations in walking with Christ that He shows me Mercy. And I rejoice in Him because when I was a sinner Christ died for me and gave me the opportunity to have restored relationship with My Creator. When He was resurrected from death He led captives to freedom and i was set free from the power of sin and judgment - and that is the hope that is available to everyone alive since the day of Christ s resurrection 😍
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Michael Sisson

Re: Gen 3:1 Who is the serpent in this chapter? He is never identified in the chapter itself. Consequently, traditional Judaism usually identifies the serpent as the “evil inclination” dwelling within mankind. As followers of Christ Jesus, we only know the serpent is Satan because Rev 12:9 identifies him as “the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan.“ Yet Satan’s appearance as a serpent in this chapter reveals something of his inferiority. A serpent is actually a type (i.e. a symbol) of the Despised One (Isa 49:7), who is Jesus. We know this from Jn 3:14 (and Num 21:8-9 to which it alludes). So Satan’s appearance as a serpent in the garden reveals even he has no identity to call his own apart from Christ. His appearance as a serpent is simply the embodiment of rejecting G-d (and His Son). Satan’s identity and very existence (like the rest of creation) is solely dependent upon Christ. This dependence is confirmed throughout scripture (Col 1:16, Isa 48:13; Jn 1:3, 10; 1Cor 8:6; Heb 1:2; 2:10; Rev 4:11) and in rabbinic Jewish literature: "All the world was created for the Messiah." — Sanhedrin 98b "The soul of Mashiach preceded the world." — Pesachim 54a "The entire universe was only created to attend to him." — Berakhot 6b Re: Gen 3:15 This verse hints at the miraculous, >>>because women don’t have seed.<<< Consequently, it’s considered the first prophecy of Christ in scripture. This verse is also known as the "proto-evangelium," because it is the first pronouncement of the "good news" that the Seed of the Woman, Messiah, would ultimately triumph over Satan. Re: Gen 3:21 See also Isa 61:10 Re: Gen 3:24 Similarly, G-d's messengers, wielding as a sword the Word of the L-RD (See Eph 6:17, Heb 4:12, Rev 1:16; 2:16; 19:15; 19:21), have guarded the way to Messiah.