Week of 10/22/15

LIFE GROUP
Week 4
10/22/15

THE FALL

THEME: Sin Runs Deep

The degree to which we understand sin will be the degree to which we understand the gospel.

SONG FOR MEDITATION: https://vimeo.com/122979971

READING FOR PREPARATION:

• Cursed is Humanity (Genesis 3.14 – 16) - Our bodies, our actions, tendencies, desires (Romans 1.28-32); our conscious, subconscious, pre-meditated and impulsive (Romans 7.15-20); our greatest of effort and best of deeds (Isaiah 64:6).
• Cursed is Creation (Genesis 3.17-19) - Animals, plants, microbes, organisms, etc. (Romans 8.20)
• Cursed is the Natural Order (Genesis 3.22-24 ) - The whole world – physical, biological, and natural (Romans 8.22); invisible governance of the world (Ephesians 2.2)
• Redemption  - Heaven is at hand (Matt. 10.7); Humanity is being made new (2 Cor 5.17); Creation and the natural order are being made new (Romans 8.21, Rev 21.5); on earth as it is in heaven (Matt 6.10)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• What kinds of thoughts and feelings does reading Genesis 3 evoke? Is it depressing? Does it feel defeating? Why?
• Why is it important to recognize the curse of sin on humanity? On Creation? On the Natural Order?
• How does Genesis 3 give us a greater understanding/appreciation for the gospel? In what ways can the gospel takes on new meaning in our lives?
• In light of the passages above, what does redemption look like? What does this mean for the gospel-centered life? What does this mean for gospel-centered work? Family? Leisure? Etc.

FINAL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• Where do you see the implications of Genesis 3 in your life and world around you?
• What does it look like for transformation/healing/renewal to take place on “earth as it is in Heaven”?