Nov. 26, 2023

Romans 5:12-21

Christmas’ Past: ADAM

1. If It Weren’t for Adam… (vs. 12-14)

A. Jesus and Adam

Luke 3:38 

Mark 10:6-9

B. Made in the Image of God

“First, it means that we are endowed with moral responsibility. We are able to obey the commands of God and are morally accountable for our actions. Second, the image of God means that we have the capacity for relationship with Him. We can know Him and be in fellowship and in communication with Him. Third, it means that we have representative capacity to act as His regents on the earth, stewarding and extending His dominion. As bearers of God’s image, Adam and Eve possessed moral, relational, and representative capacity and were fully endowed with God’s holiness and righteousness.” -Timothy C. Tennent, The Fulfillment

C. The Fall

Genesis 3:1

D. Sin Existed Before the Law

E. Sin Ruled from Adam to Moses

F. From First to Last

2. The Gift is Greater (vs. 15-17)

A. Adam’s Sin Was Not the Last Word (v. 15)

B. Justification (v. 16)

Acts 15:11

2 Corinthians 8:9

John 1:14

1 Timothy 1:13-16

C. Not Just an Acquittal (v. 17)

3. What Rules Now? (vs. 18-21)

A. When Sin Rules Condemnation Follows (v. 18a)

B. The One Act, the Cross

C. Eternal Life

1 Corinthians 15:21-23

D. Joy to the World!

“No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found.” - Isaac Watts, Joy to the World

Reflection:

1. What has your opinion of the historical Adam been? How has that influenced your view of humanity?

2. Why is it important that Jesus came as a human?

Follow Up in the Word through the Week…

Monday:

Read: Mark 10:6-9

What is the context of Jesus’ remarks here? How does Jesus use this information about creation and what does this lead you to understand about His view of Adam and creation?

Tuesday:

Read: Genesis 3:1

What does the serpent say in this verse? Who or what is he questioning when he approaches Eve? How does Satan use the same tactic against people today?

Wednesday:

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:9

How does Paul communicate the first coming of Jesus and His incarnation? What is the effect on us?

Thursday:

Read: 1 Timothy 1:13-16

For what reason did Christ come into the world according to these verses? What is the result of faith in Jesus?

Friday:

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:21-23

What did Adam bring and what did Christ bring? What effect can this have on your life?

Saturday:

Read: Psalm 98

This is the Psalm Isaac Watts used as inspiration for “Joy to the World”. What evidences are there in the psalm of the curse of sin being broken by the Lord? Where is salvation to be found?