1. This evening we are concentrating on the fact that Christ gave Himself "for us" as vs.2 states. 2. We need to understand why it was necessary for Jesus to offer Himself as a sacrifice to God on our behalf -- thankfully, the Bible shows us why. 3. In our lesson we are studying passages that explain "the fall of man." 4. Before we read about man's fall, let us first point out 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. To resist Satan we must hide God's Word in our hearts (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 through Christ. 1. Paul made this point as he wrote about the resurrection in: a. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 b. 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).
Conclusion:
1. From the Scriptures we learn about the fall of man and why it was necessary for the Lord to offer Himself as a sacrifice for us. 2. May we always remember and appreciate the Lord's sacrifice!
