Opening Prayer Led by Group Facilitator

Psalm 19

Pray the Psalm together aloud, alternating verses between two sides.  When finished, share reflections on the Psalm as a group

1  The Heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.

3  There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;

4  yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,

5  which comes forth like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.

6  Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7  The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

8  the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

9  the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; the ordinances of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.

10  More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

11  Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

12  But who can discern his errors? Clear me from hidden faults.

13  Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.

14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O my LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

The Consequence of Original Sin

Genesis 3:8-24

1.       When guilty man hears God, how does he respond? What is a more noble and courageous response? When guilty children hear their parents, how do children respond? What do you expect of your children when they are guilty? What do you expect of yourself in relation to God when you are guilty?

2.       Genesis 3:10 records the very first prayer of man. What does man say? When questioned by God, whom does man blame?

3.       What are the consequences of sin for Man? For Woman? How does disobedience make life “harder” and more “painful” for you? For your children?

4.       What does Genesis 3:16 imply for the relationship between Husband and Wife after the Fall? How would you assess your godly “rule” of your wife?

5.       In Genesis 3:17, God gives two reasons for cursing the ground. What are they? What does this imply for the priorities of a Patriarch in relation to God and to his wife?

6.       How does God provide for man and woman after God punishes them? How does God model “punishment” and “provision” for a Patriarch?

7.       Now that man has fallen, how is God’s guarding of the tree of life actually a “protection” for man? What would happen if man lived forever in his “fallen” state?

Prayer Partners

Discuss with your prayer partner the success/failure of your previous resolution & offer a vocal prayer for one another.