Sin Entered the World
Genesis 2:8-17; 3:1-24
January 12, 2025
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
Today in Elevate Kids we talked about Genesis 2–3 which recounts sin’s entrance into the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience. From the earliest pages of the Old Testament, we are introduced to the gravity of sin and people’s need for redemption––a redemption promised by God through an offspring of Eve. A Rescuer would come to undo the curse of sin and crush the serpent.
How has God provided for His people since the beginning of time, from before the fall of man until this very moment? What evidence do we see of His kindness and care—especially in light of Christ?
God revealed His glory through Eden, a thriving garden where His people’s needs were lovingly met. His beautiful creation was all theirs for the taking with only one exception: “ … you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die” (Genesis 2:17). God's command was not a means to withhold good. Rather, His command was for their good. That is, by obeying Him, they would actually find life.
When faced with the serpent’s lies, Eve failed to believe God's words. She was enticed by the fruit's appearance, the proposition to be like God, and the allurement of obtaining wisdom. She and her husband’s eyes had indeed been opened to the knowledge of good and evil; however, because they disobeyed God’s command, they would now experience sin's consequences and the reality of death.
Despite His people’s disobedience, God sought them in their sin. He provided them with clothing from animal skins to cover their nakedness and shame. However, the sacrifice of this animal was not a once-and-for-all event, but the foreshadowing of a greater death to repair this severed relationship between God and man—Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. God's merciful promise in Genesis 3:15 provides all people with the opportunity to be freed from the curse of sin and find life in Christ. As Romans 5:19 reminds us, "For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous."
While you ponder today's truths, take time to meditate on God’s care for His people—from the beauty of creation to the mercy revealed in Jesus’ sacrifice. Consider God’s provision in redeeming His people and drawing close despite their sin. May you relay His truths clearly to your kids as you also make evident the faith you have in Jesus Christ.
** Next week: The First Family (Genesis 4)
This Week's Main Ideas
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This Week's Main Ideas •
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Sin is disobeying God and His commands.
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BABIES-TODDLERS
God planned to send Jesus to make everything right.
PRESCHOOL-K
Adam and Eve did not follow God’s good plan. They sinned by disobeying God’s command. Sin separates people from God, but God had a plan all along. Jesus came to earth as a man to live a sinless life, die on the cross, and rose again to rescue people from sin.
1ST-5TH GRADE
Adam and Eve sinned when they rejected God’s good plan and disobeyed His command. Sin separates people from God, but God didn’t leave them without hope. God sent His Son, Jesus, to live as Adam didn’t—perfectly sinless. God the Son came to earth as a man to rescue people from sin.
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Q: Who is God?
A: God is our Creator and the King of everything.
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PRESCHOOL-K
The earth is full of God’s creatures. Psalm 104:24
1ST-5TH GRADE
How countless are your works, LORD! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24
Family Discipleship Activities
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Family Discipleship Activities •
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Read all or parts of Genesis 2:8-17; 3:1-24 from the Bible
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Did you know that it is against the law for anyone to use a fork to eat fried chicken in Gainesville, Georgia? There is also a law in Arkansas that says alligators cannot be kept in your bathtub! These are real laws, but they’re obviously very silly rules that aren’t necessary.
When God gave Adam and Eve the rule to not eat the fruit of one tree, it wasn’t just a silly rule. God gave that rule so that Adam and Eve could continue to enjoy an amazing relationship with Him. This was all part of His good plan.
Even though God had provided everything they needed, Adam and Eve believed the lie that maybe there was something better. So, they ate the fruit and disobeyed God. Instead of finding something better, Adam and Eve lost the perfect world God had created for them. They were cast out of the garden and forced to live in a world broken by sin.
When Adam and Eve broke that rule, sin broke their relationship with God. From that moment on, all people became sinners who are separated from God. Like Adam and Eve, we are guilty of choosing our own way instead of God’s way. The good news is, God still loves us! The whole Bible points us to Jesus as the promised Savior who would save sinners. Through faith
in Jesus, we can once again have an amazing relationship with God that will last forever.
Adam and Eve sinned when they rejected God’s good plan and disobeyed His command. Sin separates people from God, but God didn’t leave them without hope. God sent His Son, Jesus, to live as Adam didn’t—perfectly sinless. God the Son came to earth as a man to rescue people from sin.
Pray: God, help us to see that Your rules are perfect and for our good. Sin has broken our relationship with You, but we thank You for sending Jesus as the Savior we need. Help us to trust in Him so that we can experience the relationship we were created to have with You. Amen.
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PRESCHOOL-K
The earth is full of God’s creatures. Psalm 104:24
1ST-5TH GRADE
How countless are your works, LORD! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24
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Mornings
Ask God for help to obey His Word today. Why are His rules for your good? How does obedience help you enjoy Him more?
Evenings
Confess the sins of your day. Be specific and ask God to forgive the ways you’ve disobeyed Him. How has Jesus provided forgiveness for sin? How can confessing our sins help us grow?
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For Fun
Make one small bowl of ice cream, but instead of sprinkles and chocolate syrup, top the bowl of ice cream with dirt and dish detergent. Discuss how the ruined ice cream reminds us that God’s perfect creation was broken by sin. Even in the garden, God had a plan to make His creation new again through Jesus Christ! Prepare new bowls of ice cream and enjoy it with your family!
To Serve
Choose a friend or family member in need of prayer. Send an encouraging card or gift to let her know your family is praying for her. Remind kids that we live in a world broken by sin, which is why we see pain, sickness, and even death all around us, but God has provided hope in Jesus as the promised Savior.