Causes and Cures Genesis 3-11

The Bible must be viewed as a whole – one book, one theme: Paradise lost (Gen. 3) and Paradise regained (Rev. 22) All is “good” in Genesis 1-2 The sin problem is introduced in Genesis 3 The “wages of sin” are found in Genesis 3-11 What lessons can be learned from these chapters?

Sin involves a process leading up to a sinful act (2:16-17; 3:1-6) We must stop the process of sin (Jas. 1:14-15) Sin is basically an inward heart problem (3:6; 4:5-7; 6:5) We must guard our heart (Prov. 4:23; Phil. 4:8)

Sin cannot be hid (3:7-13; 4:9-10; 6:5; 11:5) We must realize that sin will be known (Num. 32:23) Sin is relatively easy to commit (3:4,6; 4:8,19,23; 9:21) We must realize that Satan will use the ease of sin (Mt. 4:1ff; Hebrews 11:25; Gal. 5:23)

Sin brings death, both physical (3:19; 5:5ff) and spiritual (2:17; 3:22-24; 4:14,16) We must be aware of our physical and spiritual death (Heb. 9:27) Sin destroys man’s relationship with his surroundings: fellow-man (3:6; 4:8,19,23; 6:5ff; 9:6) We must not forget we are made in God’s image (1:26-27)

Sin destroys man’s relationship with his world (3:17-18; 9:2) We must not forget the world will be changed (Rom. 8:19-22) Sin spreads rapidly all over the world (6:5-13) We must not forget that the gospel, the cross, and the judgment are for all the world (Rom. 1:16; 3:23; 2 Cor. 5:14; Mt. 25:32; 2 Pet. 3:10-13)

Sin will come back in time if it is not destroyed (Gen. 9:21ff; 11:1-9) Do we really want sin to stop (Rom. 6:1ff; Heb. 2:2-3; 10:26ff)?

Satan wanted God’s people to sin and be cast out of the Paradise of Eden (Gen. 3) Will you allow Satan to keep you out of the Paradise of Heaven (Rev. 2:7; 20:10-15; 21:1-8,22-27; 22:14-15)