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The Fall of ManIntroduction:
1. We are presently studying 13 great themes that are addressed throughout the Bible. 2. The great Bible themes we have examined include: a. God is our Creator b. the deity [divinity] of Christ c. the ministry of the Holy Spirit d. the inspiration of the Scriptures. 3. This lesson is a study of "the fall of man." 4. A proper understanding of man's fall is essential because of how it relates to other great Bible themes that have to do with man's redemption. 5. Before we read about man's fall, let us first observe that . . . Discussion: I. GOD MADE ADAM AND EVE IN A PERFECT STATE A. After God made Adam and Eve on the 6th day, He saw that everything was "very good" (Genesis 1:26-31). B. Additional details relating to man's creation are given in Genesis 2. 1. God's creation of Adam is revealed in vs.7. 2. God placed Adam in Eden (vs.8-9, 15). 3. God gave Adam a law, and He revealed the consequences of breaking it (vs.16-17). 4. God created Eve to be Adam's companion (vs.21-25). II. ADAM AND EVE FELL FROM THEIR PERFECT STATE (Genesis 3) A. The serpent tempted Eve to eat the forbidden fruit (vs.1-5). 1. Satan is called "the tempter" in Matthew 4:3. 2. His mission is to devour God's people (1 Peter 5:8). 3. Satan is to be resisted (James 4:7). 4. One of the keys to resisting Satan is hiding God's Word in the heart (Psalm 119:11). 5. Adam and Eve knew God's law, but they apparently did not have it hidden in their hearts because . . . B. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit (vs.6). C. Adam and Eve lost their innocence before God (vs.7-13). D. God punished everyone involved in this transgression of His will. 1. He punished the serpent (vs.14-15). 2. He punished Eve (vs.16). 3. He punished Adam (vs.17-19). E. God expelled Adam and Eve from Eden, and they lost access to the tree of life (vs.22-24). III. DEATH IS ONE OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF ADAM'S SIN A. Adam lived 930 years, "and he died" (Genesis 5:5). B. According to Romans 5:12, death entered the world when Adam sinned, and death "passed upon all men." C. We learn from Hebrews 9:27 that death is an appointment that all people will keep. D. Thankfully, death can be overcome. 1. Paul made this point in his discussion of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:51-57). 2. In heaven: a. there will be no death (Revelation 21:4) b. the tree of life will again be accessible (Revelation 22:1-2). |