Genesis: Study 2
The story of the original sin is one of the most well-known in the whole bible. Christians and non-Christians alike are familiar with the first couple’s disobedience, but let’s take a closer look at this section of Genesis to ensure we have a full grasp of its meaning. Tonight we will also discuss the story of Cain and Abel. What messages has God inspired within this shocking section of Genesis?
Genesis 3:1-24 (First Sin, First Punishment)
Questions for Discussion
Within the confines of the story of Adam and Eve, what does it mean to have a knowledge of good and evil? Before they had this knowledge, what do you think life was like for Adam and Eve?
Why does God create a creature like the snake that roams the Garden of Eden?
What is the meaning of verses 4 and 5 in this chapter?
After eating the fruit and gaining the knowledge, why is the couple’s immediate reaction to be ashamed of their own nakedness? If God created them au natural, wasn’t His initial intent for them to exist like that forever? Because they only recognize the idea of “being naked” after they have divine knowledge, does this mean that God sees the original state of the human race as immoral?
At no other place in the bible is God portrayed in such an anthropomorphic light as when He walks through the Garden in search of Adam and Eve. Why does God decide to put Himself in this form? In verse 9, the Lord asks Adam where he is hiding. Does God truly not know where Adam is located? Is this simply a case of the author of Genesis attributing a human-like nature to God that we do not typically attribute to Him? Or is God simply giving Adam the chance to be truthful with Him?
What do you think of the punishment God brings upon mankind? How can God go from punishing Adam and Eve immediately to crafting garments for them from animal skins?
If God didn’t want there to be any chance of Adam eating of the tree of life and becoming immortal and, basically, God-like, why did He create the tree in the first place?
Genesis 4:1-26 (Cain and Abel)
Questions for Discussion
Why did God have regard for Abel’s offering, but not Cain’s? Do you think this is fair of God? In the end, what is the cause of Cain’s decision to kill Abel?
Does God forbid Cain from tilling the soil just because he killed Abel, or a more specific reason?
Why does God state that if anyone kills Cain, He will avenge his death sevenfold? Who is it Cain is afraid will kill him? The animals? His parents? Is there anyone else on the earth at this point? Where did Cain’s wife come from?
What kind of person is Lamech? Why does God bless Adam and Eve with the birth of Seth?
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