Key Truth: God’s judgment in the Fall makes redemption possible through His promised Savior.  

Introduction:

What is your focus this Advent season?
What is most occupying your mind this season?

The Cursed Enmity Between the Children and the Son’s Ultimate Victory:

Genesis 3:14-15

“The remainder of Scripture is an unfolding of the prophecy of Genesis 3:15. Redemption is promised in this one verse, and the Bible traces the development of that redemptive theme.”

John D. Currid, Genesis: Volume1 Genesis 1:1-25:18

In what ways have you experienced the enmity that God has placed between the seed of the serpent and the seed of Eve in Christ?
What gives you hope that Christ is ultimately victorious in this war?

The Fracturing of Relationships and the Unchanging Mission of God:

Genesis 3:16-19 

“Grace is seen in the maintenance of some semblance of society. The image of God in man is not entirely obliterated and hence man retains some dignity over the rest of creation. Man and woman continue to relate and to propagate even though the relationship is corrupted. The universe, in order to remain under (humanity’s) dominion, and despite its ongoing challenge to (humanity’s) dominion, is made to fall with man.”

Graeme Goldsworthy, Gospel & Kingdom: A Christian Interpretation of the Old Testament

What are some ways that you have experienced the intrusion fracturing of relationships as a result of the Fall?
What best helps you to continue participating in the mission of God despite the struggle?

The Sorrow of Exile and the Promised Redemption East of Eden:

Genesis 3:20-24 

“In banishing his rebellious creatures from his presence in Paradise, God still extends his grace in order eventually to restore Paradise on earth.”

Sydney Greidanus, Preaching Christ from Genesis: Foundations for Expository Sermons

Have you ever experienced God’s grace in the midst of His judgment or discipline?

Genesis 3:14-24 teaches us that despite:
-the enmity and war between the seeds that Jesus Christ will ultimately be victorious
-the fracturing of all our relationships the mission of God continues unchanged
-the sorrow of exile we will one day dwell with God in Christ in Paradise for an eternity  

“For the first Adam the tree of knowledge brought death. But the last Adam knew death upon the tree bringing life (1 Pet 2:24). Adam had made a grave of a garden, but Christ would make a garden of a grave (Luke 24:5).”

Warren Austin Gage, The Gospel of Genesis: Studies in Protology and Eschatology

Benediction:

Galatians 4:4-7