Genesis 3
Read Genesis 3
Helpful Background Information:
In this week’s passage, John talks about all the desires of the world–the desires of the flesh, eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). In Genesis 3, we see Eve face the same temptations. Eve’s “good for food” shows the “desires of the flesh,” her “pleasing to the eyes” shows the “desires of the eyes,” and when Eve thought that the fruit was “desirable for obtaining wisdom,” it showed the temptation of the “pride of life.” (Gen 3:6).
This parallel matters, as we see Satan’s schemes for temptation have not evolved, but rather are merely repackaged within the same three lures. The serpent’s strategy in the garden is the world’s ongoing strategy that John talks about in 1 John 2. When we recognize these patterns, it unmasks the enemy’s playbook and equips believers to resist his schemes.
Thankfully, this is not the end of the story. Genesis 3:15 is known as the protoevangelium– the first gospel (the Bible’s first “prediction” of a Savior). In this verse we see the curse of mankind because of Adam’s sin and God’s provision for a Savior who would take that curse upon himself. In this we see that God’s plan was always Jesus, even from the very beginning. We can be victorious over sin because of Christ’s victory on the cross.
Reflection Questions:
Desires of the flesh are things like bodily cravings, appetites, needing immediate satisfaction. Desires of the eyes would be coveting what we see, letting visual allurements govern us. And the pride of life is self exaltation, wanting status, power, or independence from God. Of these three categories of temptation, which one are you most prone to fall into? In what areas of life are you tempted to doubt God’s goodness, boundaries, or motives? What are some practical ways to resist the lies of the enemy and combat temptation?
How does the hope of Christ encourage you amid a fallen world suffering from sin? How does this first promise of Christ spur you on to share the hope of the gospel with others?