
OPENING DISCUSSION
What effects of sin do you see in our culture?
Can people do enough good to outweigh their evil?
KEY POINTS
The core of all sin is pride — that is, the desire for self-determination.”
Sin seduces us in one of three ways: pride of pleasure, pride of possession, or pride of position.”
Satan deceives with half-truths, not blatant lies.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What happened to the relationships in the story of the fall? What effects of sin do you see in our relationships?
Satan tempts us with half-truths. What did he say to tempt Adam and Eve? What was the actual temptation that Adam and Eve fell to, and what did Satan offer them?
Give some examples of half-truths Satan uses to seduce people?
What is the sin of possession (also known as the lust of the eyes)?
How does our culture encourage the sin of possession?
What is the sin of pleasure (also known as the lust of the flesh)?
How does our culture encourage the sin of pleasure?
How can pride be explained as the underlying cause of all sin? Why should we consider simple pride as mutiny against God?
TABLE DISCUSSION
Read together 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13:
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Recognizing that the passage focuses on temptation, share experiences and strategies you have used in the past to successfully overcome temptation.
How does the gospel address and overcome the problem of sin?
ACTION STEPS
Share what you will do to carry out the following action steps for this week:
Seek out an accountability partner or mentor to confess any sins you’ve kept hidden or to offer support for sins you may struggle with. This is the first step back to Eden.
Take 15 minutes and write down one sin you struggle with, ask forgiveness from God, and then write down a Scripture verse that encourages you in that struggle. Refer to this verse throughout your day.
TO DO THIS WEEK
Wednesday
Read the essay.
Thursday
Memorize GENESIS 3:6:
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Friday
Read GENESIS 3:1–4:16.
Do you see yourself anywhere in the story?
Monday
Meditate on PROVERBS 16:18, JAMES 4:6, and 1 JOHN 2:15–16. What do thee scriptures have in common?
Tuesday
If you have unconfessed sin, seek out an accountability partner or a mentor. This is the first step back to Eden.