ADAM THE FIRST MAN, PART TWO.
Reading: Genesis 3:1-24; Romans 5:12-19.
“For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners” Romans 5:19.
At the fall, Adam disobeyed God (Genesis 2:17; 3:6), and was sent away from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:23). Adam was punished by had labour, toil and sweat. For Adam willingly sinned against God, 1 Timothy 2:14 “For Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.” Adam sinned, Eve was deceived says the Word of the Lord.
Adam's sin was:
1. Instigated by Satan, Genesis 3:1-5.
2. Prompted by Eve, Genesis 3:6.
3. Done knowingly, 1 Timothy 2:14.
4. Resulted in broken fellowship with God, Genesis 3:8.
5. Brought under God's curse, Genesis 3:14-19.
1. ADAM AND THE FALL.
This tragic story explains the plight of the human race, the decline of his environment and the promise of better things to come.
1. HOW GRAND THE FAVOUR.
Blessed with a God like image with infinite potential, exalted to be king of creation, enriched with a beautiful and productive paradise. Granted faculties that functioned to perfection, and betrothed to a choice and kind female. What benefits!
2. HOW GREEN THE VICTIM.
His lack of experience plus his love for Eve put him in a dilemma when she failed. She was his alter ego, his needed companion. How could he shop her how could he give her up! He opted for Eve, and lost favour with the Lord God. He defeated from his lofty estate. The immediate result was mental distress, he feared the Lord, he was taught to love! It was as though a light had been switched off.
Nakedness was his state before the Lord God, once concealed by a halo of glory and innocence, now because of sin in a shameful problem. Naked before God, so they tried to hid behind “aprons of leaves” of their own construction to avoid the presence of God.
Man stills try's to please God by their own sinful deeds. Conscience once dormant now torments them.
3. LOOK AT THE SEVEN-FOLD EFFECT OF SIN ON ADAM:
1. First, he “fell short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23. Both in brightness and behaviour.
2. Then he experienced chilling fear, and was unable to face the One whose law he had broken.
3. Looking at his pitiful excuse he gave, he shows a lack of moral courage, a mental blindness, and a weakened will, he had gone to pieces by his words, “the woman you gave me.”
4. Add to this his loss of immortality (being barred from the tree of life), and the inspiring presence of God in his removal from the Garden of Eden.
5. We see the cost of breaking faith with the Almighty. He went down, dragging the human race with him.
6. Future mankind was to live a life with so many negatives from now on; no Eden, no Tree of Life; no evening walks with the Lord.
7. Destruction grew worse for sin slowly poisoned nature and mankind as a whole. When Adam fell all fell with him.
4. HOW GRACIOUS THE LORD.
God clothed the first couple with the skins of sacrificed animals (maybe lambs), teaching them that reconciliation could come only by the shedding of blood. God did not abandon them completely but tabernacled at the gate of Eden, where they could meet with Him. The sword of justice was balanced by the quality of mercy, and the promise of a future redeemer.
