First Sunday of Lent
Scripture: Genesis
3:1-21
The book of Genesis sets the context for the rest of the
Bible. It explains where we came from, how we got to be sinners, that God
promised salvation, and the means by which he would bring the savior into the
world (through birth of a chosen child). This reading contains the temptation
and fall of Adam and Eve. Moreover, it contains the first promise of a savior
in Gen. 3:15. This reading confronts us with the issues of temptation and sin, themes
that run through all the readings this week.
Teaching
The first part of this reading is a history of the first
sin, but it is also a study in temptation. There are a few things to learn
about temptation in this reading. First, notice that temptation is related to
God’s Word. The serpent tempted Eve saying, “Did God actually say ….” The heart
of the matter in temptation is God’s Word, which is one of the reasons we
should hear and read God’s Word regularly: so we know what God actually says. Second,
notice that temptation creates doubt in regard to God’s goodness. There is a
sense that God is holding out on us; he’s keeping us back or hindering us from
enjoying something. Third, temptation is appealing. It wasn’t just that the
fruit looked tasty, the idea of being like God and all that entailed is
enticing. Indeed, this is at the heart of many temptations, if not all of them;
that we act with god-like authority and autonomy. Fourth, the penny always drops
and when it does we find the temptation is not worth it. Adam and Eve found
themselves naked and ashamed after they ate the fruit, and it just got worse
from there.
Life
What tempts you? I don’t mean things like food or treats,
because indulging in these is not necessarily sinful. I mean those things that
tempt you to do things like gossip, lust, hate, covet, etc. Do you know what
they are for you? How do you resist them? People sometimes use helpful habits
to avoid temptation, but one of the most important gifts we are given to resist
temptation is prayer. To overcome temptation we need God’s power, and he gives
it when we pray and rely on him and his promise to save us. Pray about your
temptations.
Notice well that the first promise of a Savior is in Gen.
3:15. That Savior is Jesus who suffered and tied to pay for all the sins we
have committed when we give in to temptation. People sometimes feel heavy guilt
and shame for the ways they have succumbed to temptation. Remember that your
sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake. Trust in him!
Comments