Calvary Church   •   11338 Ozga Road   •   Romulus MI 48174   •   734.941.0236   •   calvary@calvaryromulus.org

. . .You have magnified Your word above all Your name.

Psalm 138:2 NKJV

2. The Fall

Next: The Pledge

Next: The Pledge

How Everything Went Wrong

Genesis 3-11 tell us how things went wrong in three very significant events:

 

The Garden of Eden – Adam & Eve rebel and sin corrupts the human race

 

The Flood – God judges all humanity and starts over with 8 people

 

The Tower – God judges the rebellion of humanity by confusing their language and scattering them

 

WHO GOD IS

 

God is holy  Romans 1:18-20

 

He demands and expects obedience to His holy standards. He is grieved and angered by sin.

 

God is sovereign

 

He has authority

 

The author of all has authority over all. He may rightfully judge what he made. He has given us our lives and we will give account to him for them.

 

He has power

 

He is able to bring judgment and consequences

 

He responds to sin  Genesis 3:14, 16-19

 

Adam and Eve’s rejection of God’s authority brought judgment on all humans and all creation.  Romans 5:12  

 

That is clearly shown as history continues:  Genesis 6:5, 7, 17; 7:23; 11:8

 

The effects of sin are seen in our world today. All the problems of the world can be traced to sin. Death, disease, relationships, natural disasters (storms, floods, etc.), greed, dishonesty, love of money more than God, murder, abortion, homosexuality, divorce, fornication, marital unfaithfulness. . .  2 Timothy 3:2-5

 

God responded to rebellion (sin) by reversing the blessings he had originally bestowed. The goodness and orderliness of creation were turned upside down. Humanity’s rule over creation was disrupted. God sent Adam and Eve out of Eden and eventually scattered their descendants across the earth.

 

God is merciful

 

He did not abandon His creation. He is able to provide a remedy for sin and forgive. In the very midst of pronouncing judgment, He announced mercy.  Genesis 3:15

 

God provides mercy by preserving the human race, promising a redeemer for sin and extending grace to those willing to follow and obey Him.  Genesis 6:8-9, 18; 8:21

 

The message of Genesis 1-11 is that there is a God, he made us with meaning and purpose, but we have failed to live and love as we were made to do. God is holy and will judge sin. But there is hope because God extends mercy and grace to those who desire to follow and obey Him.

 

WHAT GOD DOES

 

Sets up guidelines  Genesis 2:16-17

 

Holds humans accountable  Genesis 3:9-13

 

Brings judgment for disobedience  Genesis 3:14-19

 

Provides a way of return – grace and mercy through a Redeemer  Genesis 3:15

 

HOW GOD WORKS

 

God works with man through revelation of Himself and His ways

 

Through His creation – “God-consciousness”  Romans 1:20

 

Through His spoken and written Word

 

OUR RESPONSE: OBEDIENCE AND FAITH

 

We should not arrogantly ignore God and his claims. God’s holiness and sovereignty should not be taken lightly. But neither do we need to despair. God is able to show mercy; He is powerful and He is gracious.

 

God told Adam and Eve not to do something that they wanted to do. They disobeyed and received God’s judgment.

 

God told Noah to do something that seemed crazy. He obeyed and received God’s blessing.

 

In the evil days before the Flood, Noah’s character and testimony stood out.

 

Genesis 6:9, 22; 7:5; 8:20-21

 

Jesus tells us the days before His coming will be like the days of Noah.  Matthew 24:37-39

 

What is God asking you to do. . .

. . .That you don’t want to obey?

. . .That you think seems silly or unnecessary or might bring ridicule?

 

What God commands we must believe and obey.

What’s your response?