A Pattern NOT to Follow
Genesis 3

Pastor Nate Herrlin

Adam & Eve’s path away from God: ​
(A pattern we tend to follow)​
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They DOUBTED God’s goodness.​
They TRUSTED their own understanding.​
They CHOOSE to disobey God.​
They entered the world of GUILT & SHAME.​
They intentionally HID from God.​
God PURSUED them.

How does God pursue us?​
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He made His power & beauty known through creation itself.
(Romans 1:18-20)​
He made His love for us known through Jesus. (John 3:16)​
He made our need for Him known through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. (John 16:7-11)

How will we respond when God pursues us?​

The many forms of blame-shifting:​
​
Direct FINGER-POINTING​
Expressions of ANGER​
A VICTIM MENTALITY​
AVOIDANCE or DISTRACTION

Blame-shifting is any way we try to GET THE SPOTLIGHT OFF OF US.​

“And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”​
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Revelation 12:7-9​
New International Version, 1984​

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; ​He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”​
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Genesis 3:15​
New International Version, 1984​

Jesus would literally bear our curse so we could be set free.​

How is physical death not only an act of judgment, but also an act of mercy?​
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Physical death put an END TO OUR SUFFERING.​
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Physical death set the stage for OUR SAVIOR TO BE ABLE TO DIE IN OUR PLACE.​

How do you need to allow God to put the spotlight back on you - for your own good?​

“Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from Your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me…​So Cain went out from the Lord's presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.”​
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Genesis 4:14,16​
New International Version, 1984​