TITLE: Paradise Lost SCRIPTURE: Genesis 3:1-24 BIG IDEA: The Kingdom of God is the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place. This Kingdom began in the Garden of Eden with the creation of man in the image and likeness of God. We were created to rule with God, under His headship, to demonstrate His good and glorious nature. Yet within the garden, it did not take long for Satan to bring a word contrary to the ordering of God’s Kingdom. Within this narrative account of the fall of man, we see that man initiated a fracture in the design and intention of this perfect Kingdom, and a promise of its King to make all things right. ICE-BREAKER: How would you describe your ideal and perfect place to live? 1. DECEPTION WITHIN THE KINGODM – READ Genesis 3:1-13; James 1:13-15; Romans 5:12, 17-19 CONTEXT: In this section of Genesis, the relationship between the Kingdom of God and mankind was broken. We can gain incredible insight into the human condition from this account. The inheritance of Adam and Eve’s behavior and nature, as recorded here, has been given to every one of their descendants. A. How is the picture of the garden painted in Genesis a perfect representation of this type of paradise? How did God relate to His Kingdom in this perfect world? B. Why do you think that the serpent mixes truth with lies? What are a few of the lies you are tempted to believe about God’s promises? How does our sin impact the Kingdom of God? C. How do the verses in James 1:13-15 and Romans 5:12, 17-19 help us understand the loss of perfection in this Kingdom? D. What is the response of Adam and Eve when they are approached by God? When have you felt exposed before the Lord? 2. KINGDOM CONSEQUENCES & RESTORATION – READ Genesis 3:14-24 CONTEXT: The splintering of the perfect Kingdom came with a relational separation as Adam and Eve found themselves ashamed in the presence of their King. Yet within this setting, this great and glorious King showed His grace to mankind and gave a promise to restore this broken Kingdom. A. How is the command from Genesis 1:28 to be fruitful and multiply frustrated by the curse of pain in childbearing? How does the command to subdue the earth become frustrated by the ground being cursed? B. What is the good news that is being explained in verse 15? How was this promise of crushing the head of the serpent fulfilled in Christ? C. From verses 21-24, what are some additional evidences of God’s grace? How might these actions foreshadow the provision and hope of a future restored Kingdom through Christ? PRAYER & ACTION A. PRAYER: Pray with your group this week for God to give each of you confidence in His Word. Ask Him to establish His power among His people here in Austin. B. ACTION: Sometime this week, in your time with God, list out some of the promises God has given to those who abide in His Kingdom. Take time this week to commit 2 Corinthians 1:20 to memory, knowing that God will fulfill His Word. .