I. Introduction — The Big Question

The Question Beneath Every Problem

• Why?

Answers

• Culture: the problem is external

• Scripture: the problem is the human heart

II. What’s Going On?

A. The Serpent and the Distortion of Truth | Gen. 3:1–5

Satan’s Modus Operandi

• “Did God actually say…?”

• Satan attacks God’s Word before behavior

• Sin begins with believing something false about God.

B. Humanity Rebels Against God | Gen. 3:6

• Eve saw what was desirable

• Sin promises life but produces death

The human heart was created to worship God, not itself.

C. Sin Brings Shame and Separation | Gen. 3:7–13

• Innocence lost, shame gained

• Hiding replaces fellowship

• Blame replaces unity

God Pursues Sinners

• “Where are you?”

Sin Fractures

• Relationship with God, others, self, creation

We still respond to sin by hiding, blaming, and self-justifying.

D. Judgment, Curse, and Promise | Gen. 3:14–24

• Pain, exile, struggle, and death enter the world

• Evil is an intrusion into God’s good creation

The First Gospel Promise (Gen. 3:15)

• The serpent will strike

• The promised offspring will crush the serpent

Grace and Hope Appear Even in Judgment

• God covers Adam and Eve

• Sacrifice points forward to Christ

III. Moving Forward

A. Application

1. Stop Defining Sin Too Small

• Sin is rebellion against God

2. Bring Your Shame Into the Light

• Hiding never heals

3. Run to Christ, Not Self-Salvation

• We cannot fix ourselves

B. Final Hope

• Humanity was exiled from the garden

• Sin fractured what God called good

• But God did not leave humanity without hope

Series Overview

1. Creation — We were made for God

2. Fall — We are broken by sin

3. Redemption — We are saved by grace in Christ

4. New Creation — We will be restored forever