Leader Guide
This week, we’re kicking off a new series leading up to Easter. Have you ever noticed how our first instinct is often to shift the blame? It’s nothing new—this pattern goes all the way back to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Their choices brought consequences and the need for a sacrifice. Let’s look at how sin, blame, and sacrifice all play a role in God’s plan.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leaders: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. If you could eat one food guilt-free (no consequences, no calories, no allergies, no price tag), what would it be? Share a time you got caught doing something wrong as a kid? Did you blame someone else, make an excuse, or just own up to it?
2. Read Genesis 2:15-17, 3:6, 8-11. What clear command did God give to Adam? What were the consequences of their disobedience? How did Adam and Eve respond and what does this reveal about the effects of sin and our relationship with God?
Leaders: We try and complicate sin. We debate it and make excuses. But it's simple, it is disobedience to God. Adam and Eve had one rule. Satan debated the one rule with them, they were tempted, and disobeyed God.
3. Read James 1:14-15, 1 Corinthians 10:13. What does James teach us about our personal responsibility for sin? How will God help you when you are tempted?
Leaders: God does not tempt but we are tempted by our own desires. In 1 Corinthians we see God will provide a way to escape those temptations.
4. Read Genesis 3:12-13, 3:22-23. In verses 12-13 how did they try to shift the blame? How do we do the same thing in our own lives when we sin? In verses 22-23, Adam and Eve were separated from God’s presence. How does this separation from God play out in our lives today?
Leaders: Here we Adam and Eve playing the “blame game". So many times, we make excuses and even blame God, but He did not cause this. If we are not careful, we can become too comfortable with sin and doing things our way instead of Gods way.
5. Read Romans 8:19-22, Genesis 3:21. According to Romans 8 how did sin affect all of creation? What does this tell us about the far-reaching consequences of sin? What does the garments of skin imply about how their sin was covered? Why do you think God required the shedding of blood to cover sin? How does this point to Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice for sin?
Leaders: Don’t forget the whole world is dealing with the stain of sin. Even if by chance you could be sinless, the world is still broken from that original sin. Even here in the beginning we see God’s mercy and grace as he covered Adam and Eve’s shame. It wasn’t the animal's fault, and it can feel messy, but God has a plan. He still redeems us and was willing to make a sacrifice to do so.
Action Steps: As you spend time with God this week, stop hiding, ask Him to open your eyes to any sin in your lives, don’t make excuses, or blame anyone. Take ownership. Realize that our sin hurts God and that He provides a way of escape.