If we stray from the truth of God's Word, there are always consequences.

     When Eve began her conversation with the serpent, she had no idea how far-reaching the consequences would be.  Likewise, we often treat our own temptations with equal disregard.  We fail to realize that sin has consequences that reach for generations.  Every time I sin someone else is affected.  They may be affected directly through some consequence of the sin, or they may be affected indirectly through the loss of the ministry and life I would have given if I had continued walking with God.  We learn painfully from Eve that talking with the devil and walking with the Lord do not go hand in hand.

Questions (Print and Study or just pick up your bible, a pen, and a few sheets of paper and step into the Bible Study Lesson)

  Looking at Genesis 3:4-5, How does Satan cast doubt on the things God had said concerning the forbidden tree?

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Satan calls into question two significant things in these verses.  First, by saying, "You surely shall not die," he casts doubt on the truthfulness of what God said.  Second, by saying, "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil," Satan invites Eve to doubt the goodness of God's motives.  He suggests that God is withholding something good from Eve.

   Compare Genesis 3:6 with 1 John 2:16 and identify the parallels in Satan's temptation.

"The lust of the flesh ---__________________________________________________________________

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"The lust of the eyes" --- __________________________________________________________________

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"The boastful pride of life" --- _______________________________________________________________

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"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world." - 1 John 2:16

Looking closely at Genesis 3:6 in the light of First John, the parallel is obvious.  The statement, "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food," would seem to correlate with "the lust of the flesh,"  The phrase, "and that it was a delight to the eyes," connects directly with "the lust of the eyes."  Finally, "and that the tree was desirable to make one wise,"  appears to be the same issue as "the boastful pride of life."  It would seem that all temptation could be traced to these three enticements (see also Jesus' temptation in the wilderness in Matthew 4).  The sin in the Garden was more than eating forbidden fruit, it was disobeying the revealed Word of God, believing the lies of the enemy, and Adam and Eve placing their own will above God's will.

  Where, according to Genesis 3:6, was Adam during Eve's temptation?

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The text tells us that Eve, after eating of the fruit, "...gave also to her husband with her, and he ate" (emphasis added).  It would appear that Adam was with her all the time, but said nothing.  This would make him just as guilty as she was, not only because he ate of the fruit also, but because he failed to fulfill his leadership role in the relationship.

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