Dec 18
30
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 3:1-5
“Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?’ And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’’ But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’” (Genesis 3:1–5, ESV)
New Testament Reading: John 8:31-47
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ They answered him, ‘We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.’ They answered him, ‘Abraham is our father.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are doing the works your father did.’ They said to him, ‘We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.’” (John 8:31–47, ESV)
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Introduction
It has been a while now since we have been in the text of Genesis given that we took nine sermons to explore the topic of marriage, divorce and remarriage. It would be good for us to remember where we are in this book which, I will remind you, is highly structured.
The book of Genesis is divided into eleven parts. There is a prologue which spans from Genesis 1:1-2:3 which describes the creation of the heavens and the earth. And then there are ten sections, each of them beginning with the phrase, “these are the generations of…”, or something like it. We are currently in the first of these ten sections.
Remember that in Genesis 2:4 we read, “These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens” (Genesis 2:4, ESV). It is not until Genesis 5:1 that we will again encounter this heading with the words, “This is the book of the generations of Adam… (Genesis 5:1, ESV).
Each of these ten headings found in the book of Genesis names some person or persons and then tells us about their offspring – the generations of Adam; the generations of Noah; the generations of Shem, Ham and Japheth; etc. The one exception is the first of the ten headings, for there it is not a person named, but a place – namely, “the heavens and the earth”. Again, Genesis 2:4 says, “These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.”
It should be remembered what the phrase “the heavens and earth” is referring to. “Earth”, both in Genesis 1:1 and in 2:4, is a reference to the earthly, physical realm that is visible to us. This is the realm that you and I live in. “Heaven”, both in Genesis 1:1 and 2:4, is a reference to the heavenly, spiritual realm which is presently invisible to us. Therefore, this section that runs from Genesis 2:4 through to 5:1 tells us about that which descended from the earth and heavens which God created in the beginning.
First, we learned that God formed Adam out of the earth. Remember Genesis 2:7: “Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” (Genesis 2:7, ESV). After this God formed Eve from Adam. Genesis 2:21-22: “So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man” (Genesis 2:21–22, ESV). What was generated from the earth? Genesis 2:4-25 reveals that the God of heaven brought plants and animals, birds and fish, and supremely Adam and Eve from the earth. We should also remember that God entered into a covenant with the man that he had made. After placing Adam in the garden, and after giving him access to all the plants and trees to have as food, he strictly forbid him from eating from one tree – the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:15-17). He also gave Adam a task. He was to work and keep the garden (Genesis 3:15). This he was to do for a time. Having successfully accomplished his work he would have been permitted to eat from the tree of life and to enter into glory. What I am saying is that Genesis 2:4 through to 3:1 describes to us the generations of the earth. From the earth God brought forth, among other things, Adam and Eve and entered into a covenant of life with them.
But what about the generations of the heavens? Remember, this section has the heading, “These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.” What is it that happened in the heavenly realm as it pertains to the story of Holy Scripture?
Now, it must be admitted that our knowledge of the history of the heavenly realm is much more limited than our knowledge of the history of the earthy realm, but God does not leave us entirely in the dark. His word does reveal to us something of the history of heaven.
We know that the heavenly realm was created by God on day one of creation. We know that heaven is God’s throne, the earth his footstool – heaven is where God’s glory is shown forth in splendor. We know that heaven is filled with heavenly hosts, that is to say, angels – seraphim and cherubim. And we know that there was a rebellion in heaven. Jude 6 refers to this rebellion, saying, “And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, [God] has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day…” (Jude 6, ESV). In 1 Timothy 5:21 Paul refers to the angels in heaven as “elect angels” indicating that there are also angels who are non-elect and fallen. The scriptures refer to these fallen angels as demons. The prince of these demons is called by many names: Satan, the Devil, Beelzebub, and Lucifer.
In Isaiah 14 we find an oracle concerning the fall of the once powerful king of Babylon. But most would agree that the fall of this earthly king is stated in language reminiscent of the fall of Satan himself, establishing a similitude between the fall of these two powerful beings, one human and the other angelic.
Listen to Isaiah 14:12-16 and keep in mind that this passage is about the fall of the king of Babylon but is stated in such away to remind us of the fall of Satan: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. Those who see you will stare at you and ponder over you: ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms…” (Isaiah 14:12–16, ESV).
The scriptures are clear that there was a rebellion in the realm of heaven. Some of the angels fell, whereas others kept their proper position as servants of the living God. It appears that Satan led this rebellion, being motivated by envy and pride.
But when did this rebellion in the realm of heaven occur? The answer is that it happened at some point between the end of day six of creation, and the temptation of Adam and Eve as described to us in Genesis 3:1 and following.
In the beginning God created the heavenly realm and the earthly realm.
The earth was at first without form and void and dark.
Job 38:7 tells us that the angels of heaven witnessed the formation of the earth as it is described to us in Genesis 1 and “shouted for joy” when they saw it – this means that the angels must have been created on the first day of creation.
And at the end of day six we are told that “God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31, ESV). Everything was as good in the heavenly realm and in the earthly realm at the end of day six of creation.
But in Genesis 3:1 we read, “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?’” (Genesis 3:1, ESV).
It is impossible to know for sure how much time elapsed from day six of creation to this act of treason on the part of one of God’s creatures. I tend to think that it was not long at all. But the important thing to notice is that Genesis 3:1 describes an act of rebellion. One of God’s creatures is here found rebelling against its maker.
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“Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.”
In Genesis 3:1 we read the words, “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.”
This is an interesting introduction to the narrative that will follow. Clearly, this statement is a reference to a literal snake. The serpent, when compared to all of the of other beasts of the field, is more crafty.
“Crafty” is an appropriate word to use when describing the snake. To be “crafty” is to be subtle and shrewd. The Hebrew word translated by the English word “crafty” does not carry with it positive or negative connotations. In fact, the same Hebrew word is used throughout the Proverbs to describe one who is wise. The wise person is crafty, subtle and shrewd. Craftiness, therefore, can be used for good, and it might also be used for evil. Remember how Christ taught his disciples saying, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16, ESV).
Genesis 3:1 is a simple and straightforward statement concerning snakes. Snakes are crafty creatures. They move in quietly. The are well camouflaged. And they are opportunistic predators who lie in wait for their prey. They are even mesmerizing. It is no wonder, then, that Satan – a heavenly and spiritual being – would use the snake – an earthly creature – to bring temptation to Adam and Eve.
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“He said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?’”
In the second half of verse one something surprising happens. The serpent speaks. “He said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?’”
This narrative that we are considering today is very brief, but it is packed full of meaning. Notice a few things about the second half of verse 1:
One, notice that the person at work within the serpent is not named. Clearly, some power is at work within the snake, for snakes do not ordinarily speak. But the person is not named, for he is not worthy of it. He is only called a snake. The rest of the narrative, and the rest of scripture, will make it clear that this is the voice Lucifer.
Two, notice that this is the first voice heard in the narrative that opposes God and his sovereign rule. Up until this point everything was good, indeed very good.
Three, notice that the serpent spoke, not to Adam, but to Eve. This is very significant given that it was Adam who was given the task to “ work… and keep” the garden (Genesis 2:15). Eve was to function as his helper. Here the craftiness of the Evil One is put on display. He subtly entered the garden, appearing out of nowhere. And he approached the woman, avoiding Adam the Federal Head. It is true that Eve could have stomped the head of the serpent. She, as Adams helper, could have resisted the temptation or alerted her husband concerning the intruder. But the tactic of the Evil One is easy to see. He tempted Adam, not directly, but through his wife. The serpent was crafty in his approach.
Four, notice the words of the serpent. “He said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?’” The serpent called God’s word into question – “Did God actually say…?” And the serpent also misquoted God ever so slightly. ‘Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?’” Can you recognize the subtlety of the serpent? He began to call into question the goodness and the character of God, not directly, but by way of implication and suggestion. Buried within the serpents carefully crafted question was the subtle suggestion that perhaps God was too harsh, unreasonable and not particularly interested in the ultimate good of Adam and Eve. “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”
I hope that you are beginning to understand the purpose of this text. More than a straightforward retelling of the temptation of the first man and women, this text also gives us insight into the character and the tactics of the Evil One – tactics he uses to this present day. Satan it still eager to undermine our confidence in God’s word and to erode or trust in God as one who is good and generous, gracious and kind. This he often does in subtle and cunning ways, by speaking half truths and by way of suggestion.
*****
“And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’”
In Genesis 3:2-3 we find the woman’s reply: “And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’”
Notice a few things about Eve’s reply:
One, she does correct the serpent. The serpent suggested that God forbid the man and the woman from eating from any of the trees of garden. Look at how stingy and oppressive God is, was the suggestion of the serpent. He has set you down in the mindst of this lush and fruitful garden and has placed restrictions on you. Eve was right to say, no, “we may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden…’”
Two, notice that Eve does begin to slip a bit as she minimizes God’s generosity. For what did God actually say to Adam? Genesis 2:16: “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘You may surely eat of every tree of the garden…” Eve omitted the word “every”, and this is significant.
Three, notice that Eve slips even more when she adds to God’s word saying, “neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” Never did God command Adam and Eve not to touch the tree, only that they should not eat of it.
It is apparent that Eve was on a dangerous path. She should have been much more firm with the serpent. In fact, she should have done what Christ did when tempted by the Evil One in the wilderness. And what did Christ do? Three times over he replied to the lies and the distortions of Satan with the words, “it is written…”, “it is written…”, and finally, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written… ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve’” (Matthew 4:10, ESV). Eve was far too gentle with the serpent. She allowed him to speak. She gave him a hearing. And her devotion to God began to slip. She began, ever so slightly, to minimize his goodness and to exaggerate his severity.
I wonder if some of you are not on this same path even now. You have listened to the lies of the evil one. You have failed to confront his voice with the word of God. And you have begun to doubt that God is indeed good, and gracious, generous and kind.
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“But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’”
In verse 5 the serpent replies to the woman with these words: “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Notice that the tactics of the Evil One have transitioned from being sly and subtile, to aggressive and direct. Just as a snake at first moves slowly as it waits for its pray and then quickly strikes when the moment is right, so too the Evil One will tempt us subtly, and only after he has brought us to a vulnerable place will he deliver his deadly blow.
The interesting thing about the words of Satan in verse 5 is that they contain truth — they are half truths, mind you. They are twisted truths. But the words of Satan will prove to be true, in a way.
“You will not surely die”, the serpent said. Notice how direct he is now. Before it was, “has God actually said…” Now it is, “you will not surely die…” — a direct challenge to God’s word. But do see that there was some truth in what the serpent said. God said, “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die…” (Genesis 2:17, ESV). But as we progress in the narrative we will find that Adam, though he would eat of the forbidden fruit, did not die until he was 930 years old. So, in a way, the serpent was right. Adam and Eve did not immediately die. Of course he was wrong in two respects. One, Adam would eventually dies. And Two, Adam did die in the day that ate of the forbidden fruit — he died spiritually, having been cast out of the garden from the presence of God. This is why Paul could write to Christians who were alive physically and say, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience…” (Ephesians 2:1–2, ESV). What did Paul mean? These Christians were alive physically, but spiritually they were dead because of sin prior to being brought to faith in Christ. This was true of Adam also. Though he would live for 930 years, he truly died in the day that he ate of the forbidden fruit.
Some of you are living in this state even now. You are alive according to the flesh, but spiritually you are dead because of you sin. Christ can make you alive.
The serpent then said, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” This statement also contains truth.
Were the eyes of Adam and Eve opened when they ate of the forbidden fruit? The answer is, yes! But not in the way they expected. After eating of the fruit we read in 3:7 that “the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths” (Genesis 3:7, ESV). Their eyes were opened when they ate, but not unto enlightenment as the serpent had suggested, but unto shame.
And did Adam and Eve become like God, knowing good and evil when they ate? In a sense they did, but not as they expected.
The suggestion of the serpent was that by eating of the forbidden tree the first man and woman would come to experience something greater than what they had experienced up to that point. The implied accusation against God was that he was holding out on them. God forbid them from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil because he knew that if they ate of it they would become as powerful as him. In essence the Evil One managed to make the tree of the knowledge of good and evil seem as if were in fact the tree of life. Satan convinced the couple that by eating of the forbidden tree and abstaining from the the tree of life they would advance to a higher order of life. God was holding out on them. The opposite of what he said was the truth. What Adam and Eve needed to do what to cast off the bonds of their oppressive God and to decide for themselves what is right and what is wrong. Only after obtaining this knowledge would they be truly enlightened, and become gods themselves.
As the narrative unfolds it will become clear that the serpent was a lier. Adam and Eve did not become like God in the way they expected. Instead, the image of God that was theirs by creation was greatly marred. After eating they were still human, but they were fallen humans, given over to death. Clearly, Satan was wrong.
But notice that his words were proven to be true in a sense. In 3:22 we read, “Then the LORD God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—’ therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken” (Genesis 3:22–23, ESV). There is a sense in which Adam and Eve became like God when they ate, but not as they expected. They took to themselves a right that only God should have, that is to determine that which is good and that which is evil. In this sense, they became like God. But the end was death, and not life.
All who are not in Christ live this way continually, deciding for themselves what is true and false, and what is right and wrong. The one who is in Christ is submits to God in all things and confesses that his word is true.
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Conclusion
What difference should this little narrative make in our lives today?
This is more than a story of the temptation of Adam and Eve. In this brief story we see the tactics of the Evil One on display.
Thd child of God would be wise to remember that the Evil One is still at work within the world and that he is crafty — his tactics are still the same.
He will see to undermine God’s word.
He will call into question his goodness towards you.
He will suggest that the good life is found when we cast off God’s restraints and live according to our own standards.
But we should remember that his way is the way of death. Abundant life is found in Christ as we walk in obedience to his commandments.
Our first parents fell. We too have fallen and will fall for the lies of Satan. But we should remember that Christ, who is the second Adam stood strong on our behalf saying, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written… ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve’” (Matthew 4:10, ESV). This he did faithful to the ned of his life. When he did, he died not for his own sins, but for the sins of those given to him by the Father so that through faith in him we might have life in his name.
