Text: Genesis 3:1-7
Because of Adam’s place and responsibility in Creation, the Bible emphasizes his sin (1 Corinthians 15:21-22). However, Eve was the first person who sinned. There are some important lessons to learn from her.
She Listened to Evil Influence
- “The serpent said to the woman…” (v. 4) – he initiated the conversation, but she listened
- The devil portrayed himself as one who wanted to help her – but he intended to destroy her (John 8:44)
- We are to be willing to listen (Mark 4:23) – but we must be careful what we listen to (Mark 4:24)
- Evil influences have a corrupting effect on us (1 Corinthians 15:33)
She Looked on the Forbidden Fruit
- “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food…” (v. 6) – this might have been true
- However, the reason why it was prohibited was not because it was not good for food – that was irrelevant; it was forbidden simply because God had prohibited it (Genesis 2:17)
- Having a “good” reason to do something wrong does not make it right (2 Samuel 6:3, 6-7) – sin is still sin
She Longed for and Desired
- “…it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise” (v. 6)
- More than being “good for food” – many other trees were good for that; at first the sin seems harmless, then it seems preferable; this results in lust, then sin (James 1:14-15)
- Sin is never as good as it promises (Proverbs 13:15) – it certainly cannot compare with God’s blessings (Hebrews 11:24-26)
She Partook and Sinned
- “…she took from its fruit and ate…” (v. 6)
- Before this point, she could have listened, looked, and desired, but not sin – there is always a way of escape for every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13); but she did not take it
- She violated the clear instruction from God (Genesis 2:16-17) – even though she knew better (Genesis 3:2-3); we sin when we violate God’s law (1 John 3:4); any one of us can be guilty of this (1 John 1:8)
She Tempted Her Husband
- “…she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate” (v. 6) – sin inevitably spreads
- We must beware of the possibility that we could be a stumbling block to others (Romans 14:13, 21)
- We must also not allow others to lead us into sin – Adam sinned, but by Eve’s influence; God’s people can influence others to sin (1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 2:11-13); we need to be sure we are showing the example that we ought to show at all times (Titus 2:7)
She Blamed Others for the Fall
- “The serpent deceived me, and I ate” (v. 13) – this was a true statement
- The serpent did deceive her – this is what the devil is known for (John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:3)
- But this is not an excuse – we must still resist the devil (1 Peter 5:9); do not give him an opportunity (Ephesians 4:27)
- We are each accountable for ourselves (Matthew 26:33; John 21:20-22; 2 Corinthians 5:10) – we cannot blame others for our actions, even the devil
Conclusion
- Eve has the unfortunate distinction of being the first to sin – yet all of us have sinned (Romans 3:23)
- We need to learn from her so that we might resist temptation
(Adapted from an outline by A.W. Dicus.)