7. CORRUPTION: The Problem Of Evil, Part 1 - Sin

Day One Study

Read Genesis 3:1-6.

Who Is This Serpent? The serpent, one of the subtlest of God’s creation, is recorded to have spoken to Eve. The Apostle Paul obviously accepted the historical account of the serpent—and his ability to deceive—as a real phenomenon. To the Christians in Corinth, the apostle wrote, “I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3). In Revelation, John describes Satan when he notes, “And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world (Revelation 12:9; 20:2).”

1. In Hebrew, the word Ha-satan (literally, “the accuser”) describes Satan’s nature as an accuser, adversary and a hater. [Note: By the time of 1 Chronicles, the article was dropped and Satan had become a proper name.] What is revealed about him in the texts below?

·         Job 1:7, 9; 2:2—

·         Zechariah 3:1-2—

·         Ephesians 6:11-12—

·         1 Peter 5:8—

2. How did Jesus describe Satan in John 8:44?

3. Deeper Discoveries: (optional): for those who like to do research: Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the prophets of God may have given us the history of Satan. Lucifer is spoken of in Isaiah 14:12-15, a passage which refers initially to the wicked “king of Babylon” but which also exposes the evil one who indwelt and energized him. Similarly Ezekiel 28:11-19 is addressed superficially to the “king of Tyre” but penetrates to the one who also possessed and empowered him. Read Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:11-19. What information is given about this created being?

4. Back to Genesis 3:1-6, how did the serpent rephrase what God said to Adam in Genesis 2:16-17? What did he (Satan) emphasize?

5. Which portion of the serpent’s statements are true and which are false?

TRUE—

FALSE—

6. Compare Eve’s response in 3:2, 3 with what God actually said and did in 2:9, 16-17. Please note that the literal translation of the Hebrew at the end of 2:17 is “dying, you will die.”

Eve’s Response—

God Actually Said and Did—

7. So, in what way did Satan lead Eve…

·         To doubt God’s Word?

·         To distrust God’s character?

Day Two Study

8. Eve was ensnared by allowing herself to become deeply involved in a dialogue with the seductive Deceiver. Contrast this with how Jesus responded to Satan in Matthew 4:4-10.

9. a. Why do you think Eve gave in to the Serpent?

b. And, why do you think Adam also ate the fruit?

c. At any point, could either have said, “No?”

10. What are the three main areas of temptation that still apply to us today? See 1 John 2:15-16 plus any other cross-references. [Examples: Romans 13:14; Ephesians 2:3; James 4:4.]

11. What is the difference between being tempted and the actual act of disobedience (sin)? Support your answer with scripture.

Appreciation Application:

12. The good news is that we don’t have to live in fear and defeat because of temptation and the problem of sin around us daily. As the one who remained faithful in temptation, He (Jesus) became the model for all believers when we are tempted. We have an Advocate. Read Hebrews 4:15. In times of temptation, what does the Bible say about the living presence of Jesus helping and encouraging us?

·         Matthew 6:9-13—

·         1 Corinthians 10:13—

·         Hebrews 2:18—

Day Three Study

Appreciation Assignment:

13. Meditate on the fact that God is good, and His Word can be trusted. Be thankful for the privilege of having God’s Word in your own spoken language. Record your thoughts in the space below.

14. In the early part of this millennium, many men lost their lives in their efforts to provide English-speaking people with Bibles in the English language. The best way to express your gratitude is by reading it. Read the Bible at least 15 minutes a day for the next month.

Deeper Discoveries:

·         Go to www.answersingenesis.org. SEARCH “sin, angels, Satan” or similar phrase. Select an article to read or video to watch. Also visit www.icr.org and search.

·         Go to www.bible.org. Choose any of the Bible study tools available. Research the origin of sin and Satan.