1. “We went to school to be civilized-to be introduced to the essential machinery of human society…
For example, it would do no good to tell a six- year-old that “Studies have shown that human society cannot function without an equitable distribution of the resources of the earth.” While this statement is profoundly and painfully true, a child cannot comprehend this vocabulary. So a child is told that there are twenty children and five balls to play with; likewise four easels, three sets of blocks, two guinea pigs, and one bathroom. To be fair, we must share…
And so on. From the first day we are told in words we can handle what has come to be prized as the foundation of community and culture. Though the teacher may call these first lessons “simple rules,” they are in fact the distillation of all the hard-won, field- tested working standards of the human enterprise.”
– Richmond, MO

2. All I really need to know, I learned in the Garden of Eden
Genesis 2-3

3. Learned from the Garden of Eden
The nature of the devil
The nature of God
The nature of temptation
The nature of sin
The nature of humans

4. Our Text
Genesis 2:15 – 3:24

5. Learned from the Garden of Eden
The nature of the devil
He impugns the motives of God – vs. 3:4-5
This is an attack on His character!
He makes himself out to be better – vs. 3:4-5
This makes the devil seem more caring and concerned.
He makes himself out to be better
“God is holding you back, but I want you to know what you could have.”
“It is God who is being unfair. I’m simply trying to help.”

6. Learned from the Garden of Eden
The nature of the devil
He stresses prohibitions not the provisions of God.
3:1; cf. 2: “You mean you can’t eat from any tree?”
He speaks in lies and half-truths
Know good and evil? Yes
Not die? Lie
Like God? Half-truth
He makes himself out to be better
“God is holding you back, but I want you to know what you could have.”
“It is God who is being unfair. I’m simply trying to help.”

7. Learned from the Garden of Eden
The nature of God
A giver of bountiful provisions – 2:16-20
“From any tree of the garden you may eat freely” – vs. 16
“It is not good for the man to be alone” – vs. 18
One who sets restrictions – 2:17
To protect us from harm
To prove our freedom of choice

8. Learned from the Garden of Eden
The nature of God
He punishes when disobeyed – 2:17; 3:14-19
Cf. Galatians 6:7-8
A promise of victory (His love and grace) – 3:15
“Protoevangelium” – The first gospel

9. Learned from the Garden of Eden
The nature of temptation
Attacks our weakness.
Compare Eve’s reply to original command. (3:3 to 2:16-17)
She states the location and adds the don’t touch restriction.
Did Satan pick up on a hint of resentment from Eve?
Satan is not omnipotent – he listens/watches for clues.
Cf. 1 Peter 5:8
The command had been given to Adam before was created. So, either Adam paraphrased God’s command and Eve repeated it or Eve paraphrased the command.
We are given the location of the tree of knowledge of good and evil in Gen. 2:9

10. Learned from the Garden of Eden
The nature of temptation
An evil desire occurs and must be mastered.
Look at Eve’s assessment of the tree now! (vs. 6)
“good for food”
“a delight to the eyes”
“desirable to make one wise”
Consider James 1:13-15; cf. Genesis 4:6-7
The command had been given to Adam before was created. So, either Adam paraphrased God’s command and Eve repeated it or Eve paraphrased the command.
We are given the location of the tree of knowledge of good and evil in Gen. 2:9

11. Learned from the Garden of Eden
The nature of sin
It promises much but cost dearly.
Promised promotion – cost them their innocence
Genesis 3:5; 2:25; 3:7, 9-11
Promised knowledge – cost them their life
Genesis 3:5; 22-23

12. Learned from the Garden of Eden
The nature of sin
It promises much but brings hardship.
Eve – “pain in childbirth” – vs. 16
Adam – “toil” and “sweat” – vs
Cf. Proverbs 13:15

13. Learned from the Garden of Eden
The nature of humans
Unwilling to take the blame
“I ate” (vs. 13) but was deceived, so it’s not my fault – it’s the Serpents fault
“I ate” (vs. 12), but was influenced by my wife, whom you gave me – so its God’s fault
No denial of the action on either part! Just a denial of blame!
You may have been prohibited from doing what you desire in some way – you can blame that on God or look at other ways God may provide an answer to that request.
Example – Mash episode where soldier who is a pianist gets a hand wound which prohibits him from using it to play the piano. Charles Winchester shows him he can still play because his gift of music is in his heart not his hands.
Example – An athlete who because of injury can no longer play – but can coach and be a great influence on others.
Example – a married couple unable to have children, can adopt

14. Learned from the Garden of Eden
The nature of humans
Focus on the prohibitions instead of the provisions
Remember! Who wants our focus here?! The DEVIL!!
Remember! Focus on what God is providing rather than what He is prohibiting!
“Count Your Many Blessings”
You may have been prohibited from doing what you desire in some way – you can blame that on God or look at other ways God may provide an answer to that request.
Example – Mash episode where soldier who is a pianist gets a hand wound which prohibits him from using it to play the piano. Charles Winchester shows him he can still play because his gift of music is in his heart not his hands.
Example – An athlete who because of injury can no longer play – but can coach and be a great influence on others.
Example – a married couple unable to have children, can adopt

15. Learned from the Garden of Eden
The nature of the devil
The nature of God
The nature of temptation
The nature of sin
The nature of humans

16. All I really need to know, I learned in the Garden of Eden
Genesis 2-3