This seven-week series examines Gardens as a recurring theme throughout Scripture, exploring how these narratives reveal insights about God's nature, human identity, and God's creative and redemptive plans across the Garden of Eden, the new creation Garden-city, and the Garden of Gethsemane.
Looking Back
Listen to a song by Kings Kaleidoscope, then lead into prayer based on the music.
As a group or in pairs:
- What are you thankful to God for recently?
- What is something the Holy Spirit has been speaking to you about and how have you responded?
Pray together based on shared reflections.
Looking Up
Read Genesis 3
Read Genesis 3 in turns. Consider these questions:
- While Adam and Eve were meant to care for Eden's sanctuary by subduing beasts and obeying God's word, they end up being subdued by a serpent instead. Compare how God's instructions shift between Genesis 2:16-17 and Genesis 3:1-5.
- In Genesis 3:7-13, examine how sin fractures relationships between God and humanity, and between Adam and Eve.
- Despite punishment, God's grace appears. Describe the promise present in Genesis 3:20-21.
Reflection Questions
- What do you learn about God's heart for restoration?
- What promises and invitations emerge? What concerns arise?
- How will you live out this teaching?
Looking Ahead
Identify one way you will think, act, or pray differently this week based on God's word.
Pray for Each Other
- Restoration in broken places.
- Christ's presence becoming more significant.
- That those distant from Jesus hear His invitation through your love and service.