Long Story Short Part 1: Creation and Fall
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In this message, we’ll see how God demonstrated His love for us from the very beginning.
Message Outline
Genesis 1:1–3
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
1. The Purpose in Creation
Creation is meant to glorify (make much of) God
- Created things: Ps 19:1 – The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
- Think of the most beautiful place you’ve ever been. That place screams God’s love!
- Humans: To image God, reflect Him, be His representatives, show & share His love.
- Genesis 1:26–27
God didn’t create because He lacked anything. He was fully satisfied in communion with the Son & Spirit. He created because of His glory (beauty, splendor, character), for His glory.
2. The Problem in the Beginning
Man didn’t trust God, and wanted glory for himself
God’s response to Adam & Eve’s sin:
- He comes near in the moment of sin (Gen. 3:8)
- He makes a sacrifice to cover their shame (Gen. 3:21)
- He protects mankind from the possibility of being stuck forever in their fallen state (Gen. 3:22–24)
Think of the worst thing you’ve ever done, God must judge that sin (and He has, in Jesus), but He also wants to rescue you from that judgment.
We’re all like Adam & Eve. We think God is holding out on us, and we want glory for ourselves. We think we’ll be happy & satisfied when we seek our own glory, but it’s a lie.
3. The Solution From the Beginning
A perfect man would take the punishment we deserve, and offer us the life we don’t deserve.
Bottom Line: God’s love for us is clearly seen in creation, through His mercy, and by His grace.
Discussion Questions:
- What is the most beautiful or awe inspiring scene you’ve ever seen? What does that scene tell you about God?
- How easy would you say it is for you to believe that God loves you? What makes it easy? What makes it hard to believe?
- Adam and Eve decided to disobey God, because they believed that He was keeping something good from them. What good thing are you tempted to believe God is keeping from you?
- Because of Adam & Eve’s sin, we all sin instinctively. What are the most common ways you find yourself sinning i.e. choosing to disobey God?
- Is it easy for you to believe you need saving? Why or why not?
