TGP For Adults

FALL 2014:
Leader Guide HCSB
Ed Stetzer General Editor

Trevin Wax Managing Editor
A Word from the Editors

Ed Stetzer
General EditorThe Gospel Project

President, LifeWay Research
Jesus taught His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount to pray like this:
OurFather which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matt.6:9-10, KJV). Sounds
innocuous enough, but is it really? To the ears of any self-conscious authority on
this planet, Jesus model prayer would be the sound of seditionThy kingdom
come; Thy will be done. Furthermore, to any honest heart, this prayer should
challenge the core of our being, for who wholeheartedly asks to be ruled?
What is the nature of this kingdom that we ask to come? Thats the focus of this
study of The Gospel ProjectThe Story of Gods Kingdom. Tracing the theme
of Gods kingdom through the Scriptures, we will see as clearly as possible what it is we are asking for,
or better yet, who we are asking for. Because when you get a kingdom, you are going to get a king.
And if you want Gods kingdom, then you must expect the coming of Gods King.
Jesus said Gods kingdomHis kingdomis not of this worldyet, but there will come a day, and it
has already started, when all wrongs will be set right and all injustices will meet with justice. We as Jesus
followers live now as kingdom citizens in a world not our own, proclaiming His coming and calling others
to His side, but we pray for the dayThy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Trevin Wax
Managing EditorThe Gospel Project

Author of multiple books, including Gospel-Centered Teaching, Counterfeit Gospels, and
ClearWinter Nights: A Young Mans Journey into Truth, Doubt, and What Comes After
The story of Scripture is a story of wara cosmic battle between a good King
who loves His broken creation and the Evil One whose kingdom is marked by
rebellion and suffering. Miss the drama between these two kingdomsthe
kingdom of God and the kingdom of darknessand you miss a major part of
the tension of the Bible.
But wait, theres more. This battle of kingdoms isnt just the story of our world;
its your story, and mine. There is a battle for our souls. What kind of people
will we be? Whose kingdom will we belong to? We will worship; we will bow
down; its in our nature as human beings to live under someone or somethings
authority. The question is who gets our loyalty? Will we bow the knee before the King of kings, or
will we pursue our own kingdoms and live as if we are in charge?
In this issue of The Gospel Project, we take a journey through the story line of Scripture once
again, this time looking at the theme of Gods kingdom. I pray this study reveals the hidden
idols of your heart, magnifies the greatness of King Jesus, and transforms you into a herald of the
returning King. May God make us a people who live under the lordship of Christ and speak of His
excellency to those around us who have not yet bent the knee. The King has a mission, and we are
Hismessengers.
EDITORS
About the Writers

Unit 1: Kendell Easley is a professor of biblical studies at
The Gospel Project
Adult Leader Guide HCSB
Volume 3, Number 1 Fall 2014
Eric Geiger
Vice President, Church Resources
Union University, in Memphis, Tennessee, and is the director

of the Master of Christian Studies and Doctor of Ministry
programs for Unions Stephen Olford Center. He has written
ongoing curriculum for more than 20 years. Kendell is married
to Nancy, and they have one married young adult son.
Ed Stetzer
General Editor
Trevin Wax
Managing Editor
Daniel Davis
Content Editor
Josh Hayes
Content and Production Editor
Unit 2: Halim Suh and his wife, Angela, have three kids and
live in Austin, Texas, where he is pastor of teaching and theology

at The Austin Stone Community Church. He is the author
(with Matt Carter) of two Threads studies: Creation Unraveled
and Creation Restored. Halim has a Master of Divinity from
Southwestern Baptist TheologicalSeminary.
Philip Nation
Director, Adult Ministry Publishing

Faith Whatley
Director, Adult Ministry

Send questions/comments to:
Managing Editor,
The Gospel Project: Adult Leader Guide,
One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0102;
or make comments on the Web at
www.lifeway.com.
Unit 3: Jason C Dukes is married to Jen, and they have
six children. He helped start WestpointChurch.org and

ReproducingChurches.com and now pastors First Baptist
Church, Booneville, Mississippi. Hes the author of LiveSent
and Beyond My Church, and he periodically blogs at
SENTkids.com.
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are
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All Scripture quotations marked (MSG) are taken
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Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Allrightsreserved.
WRITERS
Table of Contents
uggested for
S
the week of
Unit 1: The King and His Kingdom
September 7
Session 1 The King of All: God, the King of Heaven

and Earth, Is Worthy to Be Praised
September 14
19
Session 2 The Rebellion of Heaven:

Pride Leads to Rebellion and Judgment
September 21
31
Session 3 The Kingdom on Earth: God Planned for People

to Live in His World Under His Loving Rule
September 28
43
Session 4 The Rebellion on Earth: Rejection of Gods

Good Rule Throws All of Creation into Turmoil
Unit 2: Longing for the King
October 5
55
Session 5 And There Was No King:

We Need Deliverance from Ourselves
October 12
67
Session 6 Looking for a King: We Are Inclined

to Settle for Lesser Saviors
October 19
79
Session 7 A Glimpse of the King: We Need a Chosen King

Who Honors God and Fights for His People
October 26
91
Session 8 The Promise of the King: We Must

Cultivate a Hunger for the Right King
Unit 3: The Kingdom Comes
November 2 103
Session 9 The Kings Presence: The Upside-Down

Nature of Christs Kingdom
November 9
115
Session 10 Kingdom Power: The Power of the

Kingdom Comes Through Sacrifice
November 16
127
Session 11 Kingdom Proclamation: The Message of the

Kingdom Spreads Through Bold Messengers
November 23
139
Session 12 Kingdom People: The Church Is a Sign

and Instrument of the Kingdom
November 30
151
Session 13 Kingdom Perfection: Jesus Will Return as

Conquering King to Make Everything Right
How to Use The Gospel Project
Tips from Trevin on how to best use this Leader Guide

Welcome to The Gospel Project! Think about the awesome responsibility we have every
weekto guide people through Bible study so they have an encounter with the living Christ.
Ihope The Gospel Project will provide you with the tools and resources you need as you
prayerfully seek to apply the truth of the gospel to the people God has placed in yourgroup.
Here are some things to remember as you use this Leader Guide:
Pray. Pray for your group. Dont lead in your own strength.
Adapt. You know the style of your group. If more discussion-oriented, then encourage
participants to read the lesson ahead of time. Use the For Further Discussion questions
in the Teaching Plan to facilitate discussion that stays grounded in the lesson. If you take a
more master-teacher approach, then spend time mastering the Expanded Lesson Content.
Select the questions that make the most strategic sense for moving the lesson along.
Cut. If it seems to you that the lessons for The Gospel Project provide too much material
for one session, youre right. We chose to deliver more than you need and to include the bulk
of the lesson in the Personal Study Guide so you dont feel pressed to get all the content
delivered in the session time itself. Refer your group members to the Personal Study Guide.
Personalize. Take the truths in The Gospel Project and enhance them. Add personal
stories. Ask penetrating questions that go to the heart of the people you know andlove.
Encourage preparation. Challenge your group to read through the lesson each week on
their own to prepare for the group gathering.
Resource yourself (encourage your group to take advantage of these resources too).
Make use of the additional resources suggested at the end of each lesson.
Read a suggested chapter or section in a book.
Learn from the Tip of the Week to grow as a teacher and a group in spiritual maturity.
Visit gospelproject.com/blog for the following:
Read online articles and blog posts related to the overall study theme.
Listen to a brief video as I point out the highlights to focus on for the upcoming lesson.
Visit gospelproject.com/additionalresources to easily access these resources:
Read online articles and blog posts related to the lesson content.
Listen to helpful podcasts from pastors and church leaders.
Download suggestions for interactive teaching helps to aid in your teaching.
Download parental resources for talking with children and students about their Gospel
Project experiences and joining the family together in discipleship.
Overflow. RememberThe Gospel Project is not just a curriculum. WE are the project. The
gospel is working on us. Dont prepare simply for the content youre going to deliver. Let the
truths of Gods Word soak in as you study. A great leader is not a dispenser of information
but an overflowing river of gospel passion. Let God work on your heart first, and then pray
that He will change the hearts of the people He has entrusted to your care.
Leader Guide | Fall 2014
SESSION 1
The King of All
God, the King of Heaven and Earth, Is Worthy to Be Praised
Summary and Goal

Before the world existed, God was always thereFather, Son, and Spirit united in love and glory
forever. In love, God created everything in heaven and on earth for His glory. As Creator, He is worthy
to receive praise from everything in heaven and on earth. The mission of Gods people today is driven
by a vision of His power and love, both of which He displayed in the creation of the universe.
Steps to Prepare
1. Read the main passages for this lesson, recording your insights and questions:
-- Job 38:5-7
-- Psalm 148
2. Study the Expanded Lesson Content (pp. 10-17).
-- Determine what elements of this lesson are most applicable to your particular group.
-- Consider ways to personalize the lesson content for you and your class.
3. Review the Teaching Plan (pp. 8-9).
-- Refine the lesson plan based on your groups particular needs.
-- Adjust the plan if necessary.
4. Pray for the Lords guidance as you lead your group through this material.
Lesson Outline
1. God is to be praised in the highest heavens (Ps. 148:1-6).
2. God is to be praised by everything on earth (Ps. 148:7-14).
3. God was praised by angels as He created the world (Job 38:5-7).
Session 1
Teaching Plan
The King of All

Session 1
For Further
Discussion
Discuss a time when you
received praise because
of an achievement?
Was it in sports or music
or academic success?
How did the praise make
you feel? Embarrassed,
awkward, joyful? Why?
For Further
Discussion
What are some
circumstances that
cause people to wonder
about the reason for their
existence? What are some
goals people pursue in life?
For Further
Discussion
Are the people you
know more inclined to
worship nature or ignore it
altogether? How does the
Christian understanding of
creation guard against both
of those mistakes?
Begin with the illustration of the Oscars or awards given for great
achievement. Something in all of us longs to give praise where praise is due
(leaderp.10; personalstudy guide[PSG]p.8).
Think of a time you praised someone else who really
deserved it. What had they accomplished? What emotions
did you feel as you praised that person?
Connect our desire to worship to the purpose for our existencepraising

God the King. Explain the purpose of this volume (tracing the story
of the kingdom through the Scriptures), and summarize this lesson
(leaderpp.10-11; PSGpp.8-9).
1. G
od is to be praised in the highest heavens.
Before you read Psalm148:1-6, put the passage in the context of why God
created the world. He desired admiration and praise, for only when we
praise Him do we find our fullest joy (leaderp.11). As you read these verses,
encourage your group to notice how the place of praise shifts from verse to
verse (leaderp.12; PSGp.9).
Explain the ancient view of the heavens in three dimensions: Gods
dwelling place, our outer universe, and the skies above us (leaderpp.12-13;
PSGp.10).
In what ways do the sun, moon, and stars bring praise
toGod?
Highlight the power of Gods word in creating the heavens (leaderp.13).

How does the creation of entities in the three heavens show
Gods power? In your experience, what elements in each of the
three heavens especially display the majesty of theirCreator?
2. God is to be praised by everything on earth.

Transition to the next part of the passage, Psalm148:7-14, encouraging
your group to look for echoes of the Genesis1 creation account as you read
(leaderp.13; PSGp.11).*
8
* Consider dividing your members into three groups. Ask each group to read the
passage for themselves and to take one day of creation (Day 3, Day 5, Day 6) and
find the connections. The groups can record their conclusions in the Personal Study
Guide and report to the whole group (PSGp.11).
Walk through verses7-10, showing how all living things are called to give
praise to God (leaderp.14).
What elements of Gods majesty do you see displayed in the
earthly part of creation? How does observing these elements
help us in witnessing to others about Gods greatness and love?
Highlight the truth of verses11-12, that all kinds of people are called to
praise God. Then point out the reasons the psalmist gave for praising God.
Those of us who have received salvation have even more reasons to praise
Him (leaderpp.14-15; PSGp.12).
What is the connection between our worship and our
witness? How can observing the universes praise
encourage us to praise God?
3. God was praised by angels as He created the world.

Use the example from The Magicians Nephew to make the point that the
earths creation took place in front of a heavenly audience (leaderp.15). Then
introduce Job38:5-7, explain the context, and read these verses that show
angels were present at the creation (leaderpp.15-16; PSGpp.13-14).
For Further
Discussion
What are some ways we
may fail to give God praise
for His creation?
For Further
Discussion
The word angel can also
be translated messenger.
What does the delivery of
messages have to do with
angelic beings? Why do you
think God tasks us (instead
of angels) with taking the
gospel to the nations?
For Further
Discussion
What actions can we
engage in to shine a light on
Gods greatness?
What images come to mind when you think of angels?

How do these images correspond to the biblical teaching
about angels?
Highlight the scriptural understanding of angelic beings by working through

the truths presented in the lesson (leaderpp.16-17; PSGpp.14-15).
What are some ways our culture misrepresents angels?
What role do angels play in the mission of God?
Conclusion
Lift up God as King, worthy of all praise. Reiterate our salvation in Christ
and connect this to our mission (leaderp.17; PSGp.15).
What difference would it make in your life if you acted fully
on your belief in the truth that God is the King of heaven
and earth, worthy of all your praise?
Apply the truths of this lesson with His Mission, Your Mission (PSGp.16).
Seesidebar for direction.
His Mission,
Your Mission
Lead your group through
Live on Mission
(PSGp.16).
.........................................................
Optional: Read the quote
by MillardJ. Erickson
(leaderp.17; PSGp.16), and
ask the following questions:
How should we speak of
angels in comparison to
Jesus? (Jesus is the King
whom angels praise and
serve, Heb.1.)
What can we learn from
angels in how we praise
and serve God?
Session 1
Expanded Lesson Content
The King of All

Session 1
Voices from
Church History
You are matchless,
OLord. So our praise of
You must rise above our
humanityYou awaken in
us a delight at praising You.
You made us for yourself,
and our heart is restless
until it finds its place of
rest in You.1
Augustine (354-430)
Opening Illustration
and Introduction
And the Oscar goesto
The audience, filled with
Hollywoods royalty decked
out in its finest attire, holds
its collective breath. The
speaker pauses dramatically.
The winner pretends to be
surprised, struts to the podium,
and thanks everyone involved
in this remarkable outcome.
This scene plays out many times a year with other awards shows, and next
year, the cycle repeats. Last years praiseworthy actor begins to fade as new
kings and queens of Hollywood are crowned.
Something in all of us longs to give praise where praise is due. (We
love to receive praise as well.) The trouble is praise for human success is
so fleeting. Even the most celebrated films eventually make their way to
the bargain bin in a supermarket. Its the same with sports. Rarely do you
find someone who remembers the winner of the past few World Series or
World Cup events, much less the winning teams of 20 years ago.
Think of a time you praised someone else who really
deserved it. What had they accomplished? What emotions
did you feel as you praised that person?
What should we learn from this desire to praise? What does this
tendency toward worship tell us? Perhaps its a clue to reminds us that
Someone does deserve praise, not for temporary success that fades but for
goodness and beauty and truth that is everlasting. What if that Someone
wants us to know Him? What if He invites us to join with others in
offering praise forever? What if its true that the one reasonthe main
reasonwe are alive is to offer praise?
10
In this volume, we will trace the story of Gods kingdom through the
Scriptures. This is the story of a Creator worthy of praise, of an enemy bent
on destroying the world, of sinful humans redirecting their praise in all the
wrong places, of a King stepping into the chaos to restore His fallen world,
and of a people redeemed and set free to live with and for the King forever.
Lesson Summary
In this session, we will look to Genesis, but we will ground our study
in the Psalms. We will see that before the world existed, God was always
thereFather, Son, and Spirit united in love and glory forever. In love,
God created everything in heaven and on earth for His glory. As Creator,
He is worthy to receive praise from everything in heaven and on earth.
The mission of Gods people today is driven by a vision of His power and
love, both of which He displayed in the creation of the universe.
1.God is to be praised in the highest heavens

(Ps.148:1-6).
Many people imagine that Godalone before the creation of the
universewas lonely. This cannot be true, however. God has always been,
and He has always lived in the perfect community of Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit. This family, existing beyond limits of time and space, had no
needs at allno dysfunction, no lonesomeness. Everything was perfect.
Then, in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth
(Gen.1:1). Theologians and philosophers have speculated on why He would
do such a thing. Thoughtful people have often asked, Why am I here?
In an attempt to discover an answer, go back to the awards show we
mentioned earlier. Why do we engage in elaborate efforts to applaud great
work? Why do we insist on displaying awesome paintings in museums
rather than hiding them in closets? Why do we develop special medals and
awards for persons who have excelled at doing good?
Quite simply, the answer is that the beautiful (and the good and the
great and the true) deserves widespread recognition, just as a generous
donor might be honored for her work in establishing a health clinic for the
poor in her neighborhood. Greatness deserves recognition. Because God is
truly the greatest, He deserves the greatest praise.
It was a good thing for Gods greatness and goodness and love to be
admired and praised, and thats why He created the world. (Who else
could plan the celebration?) While some may think it was selfish of God
to desire praise, we know that such a desire is not a bad thing for God
anymore than it is selfish for a wonderful musician to look forward to and
even enjoy applause as he shares his art. One goal of a performer is that
his listeners will experience pleasure, and in this he is pleased. As we praise
God, we are filled with joy, and He is pleased.
Scriptures of Praise
Psalm 19:1: The heavens
declare the glory of God,
and the sky proclaims the
work of His hands.
I saiah 6:1-3: In the year
that King Uzziah died,
Isaw the Lord seated on a
high and lofty throne, and
His robe filled the temple.
Seraphim were standing
above Him; each one had
six wings: with two he
covered his face, with two
he covered his feet, and
with two he flew. And one
called to another: Holy,
holy, holy is the Lord of
Hosts; His glory fills the
whole earth.
Isaiah 43:6b-7: Bring
My sons from far away,
and My daughters from
the ends of the earth
everyone called by My
name and created for My
glory. I have formed him;
indeed, I have made him.
R
evelation 4:6,8: Four
living creatures covered
with eyes in front and in
back were in the middle
and around the throne
Each of the four living
creatures had six wings;
they were covered with
eyes around and inside.
Day and night they
never stop, saying: Holy,
holy, holy, Lord God, the
Almighty, who was, who
is, and whoiscoming.
R
evelation 5:11-12: Then
I looked and heard the
voice of many angels
around the throne,
and also of the living
creatures and of the
elders. Their number was
countless thousands, plus
thousands of thousands.
They said with a loud
voice: The Lamb who was
slaughtered is worthy to
receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory
andblessing!
Session 1
11
Further
Commentary
The word hallelujah is
a compound Hebrew
word from hallelu (an
imperative verb form
meaning praise) and
yah (a shortened form of
Yahweh, the covenant
name of God revealed
in the Old Testament,
traditionally translated
theLord). Thus, properly
translated, hallelujah means
praise Yahweh!2
Interestingly, the English
tradition of not translating
hallelujah has precedent
in the New Testament,
where the spelling alleluia
appeared in the Greek
original (see Rev.19:1,3,4,6).
Because hallelujah is still
usually left untranslated,
wherever Christians gather
around the world for praise,
we all understand each
other with our hallelujahs.
Voices from
Church History
Be praised, my Lord,
through all Your creatures,
especially through my lord
Brother Sun, who brings
the day; and You give
light through him. And he
is beautiful and radiant
in all his splendor! Of
You, Most High, he bears
the likeness.3
Francis of Assisi
(circa 1181-1226)
For this study, we will use the lens of Psalm148 to give us a picture of
God the King as the One worthy to be praised. Consider the first part of
this gorgeous hymn penned by an unknown Israelite poet:
Hallelujah!
Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the heights.
2
Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts.
3
Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars.
4
Praise Him, highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens.
5
Let them praise the name of Yahweh,
for He commanded, and they were created.
6
He set them in position forever and ever;
He gave an order that will never pass away.
1
This psalm follows the pattern of the Genesis1 account of creation by

showing first the heavens and then moving to the earth. In the first six
verses, the writer draws us upward to the heavens as they are urged to declare
their praise. As the passage begins, we see a reference to theheavens and
the heightsthat part of the creation ordinarily beyond human grasp.
In ancient days, people identified three heavens. The first (atmospheric)
heaven is the sky of birds and clouds and wind and rain. The second
(planetary) is the sky of sun and moon and planets and stars. The third
(supernatural) is the dwelling place of God and angels (see 2Cor.12:2-4).
Third Heaven (Gods Dwelling)
This psalm gives attention to all three heavens, beginning with the
highest heaven and moving downward. Verse2 recalls that the angels
(heavenly messengers) and the hosts (heavenly armies) of the Lord were
designed to praise their Maker. As they fulfilled their God-ordained
responsibilitiescommunicating messages and engaging in spiritual
warfarethey brought Him praise.
Second Heaven (Space)
Next, the writer moves to the second heaven, that of the sun and
moon and shining stars (v.3). In the Genesis account of creation, these
were made on the fourth day (Gen.1:16-19). No less than the angels, the
sun, moon, and stars were created to extol the One who made them.
Sadly, human beings have often mistaken these creations for deities.
Sun worship and moon worship or honoring the planets as gods mocks
the Lord of heaven who made them. In our fallen state, we humans all too
often turn our penchant for praise into idolatry.
In what ways do the sun, moon, and stars bring praise
toGod?
12
First Heaven (Sky)

Every line of Psalm148:1-4 begins with the Hebrew hallelu
(praise). In verse4 the waters in the heavens are called on to praise
Him. Clouds and rain and hail and snow call forth Gods praises. (From
a meteorological perspective, we understand that such atmospheric waters
are above the heavens in the sense that they farther up than we can
reach out and touch.)
Heaven Created by Gods Word
After challenging the inhabitants of the first, second, and third heavens to
praise God, the writer reminded them of their beginning: He commanded,
and they were created (v.5). This verse wonderfully recalls the way Genesis1
repeats the refrain God said, Let there be and there was
The word of God has always been powerful. When He created, He
determined also to sustain His creation. He set the heavens in order in
a way that He preserves them, putting them in their position forever.
What we often have called the laws of nature are actually Gods word
continuing to have force in every aspect of time and space.
How does the creation of entities in the three heavens show
Gods power? In your experience, what elements in each of the
three heavens especially display the majesty of theirCreator?
2.God is to be praised by everything on earth

(Ps.148:7-14).
The second half of Psalm148 opens with a call for the earthly portion
of Gods creation to praise Him. Notice that the imperative verb praise
extends throughout the rest of the psalm to include all earthly beings,
whether animate or inanimate. Observe also a correlation between these
verses and the days of creation in Genesis1.
Praise the Lord from the earth, all sea monsters and ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and cloud,
powerful wind that executes His command,
9
mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,
10
wild animals and all cattle, creatures that crawl and flying birds,
11
kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth,
12
young men as well as young women, old and young together.
13
Let them praise the name of Yahweh, for His name alone is exalted.
His majesty covers heaven and earth.
14
He has raised up a horn for His people,
resulting in praise to all His godly ones,
to the Israelites, the people close to Him.
Hallelujah!
7
8
Voices from
the Church
Creation draws us to
look at something beyond
ourselves and marvel at
it. All of creation has been
given to us so that we
behold the awesome God
who has made it all and
made it all good.4
Matt Chandler
Further
Commentary
The psalmist contrasted
the three levels of heaven
(vv.5-6) with three levels
of the earth. Even sea
monsters are called on to
praise God (69:34).
The elements of nature
perform at Gods command
(103:20; 104:4).
The psalmist hinted at
the creation account in
these verses, using peculiar
expressions typical of
Genesis1.
The list of people
represents descending
social status. All people
are united in worship
(Rom.10:12; Gal.3:28;
Col.3:11). Prophets, priests,
and other temple personnel
were not mentioned,
perhaps because they were
the ones who were calling
all others to praise God.5
Kevin Warstler and Sherri
Klouda, HCSB Study Bible
Session 1
13
Voices from
Church History
Oh, but surely, everything
that comes from the hand
of such a Master-artist
as God has something
in it of himself!There
are lovely spots on this
fair globe which ought to
make even a blasphemer
devout. There are things
that God has made which
overwhelm with a sense
of his Omnipotence: how
can men see them, and
doubt the existence of
theDeity?6
Charles Spurgeon
(1834-1892)
Further
Commentary
The kingship of God is
eternal (Ps.29:10). His
kingdom is above time, just
as He is. While the kingdom
of God is eternal, it also
passes through different
periods of time in which
its operation may vary.
From before the time of the
creation and until Adams
fall into sin, Gods reign
was complete. This era
would have been the first
period of Gods kingdom
andreign.7
Van McClain
Biblical Illustrator
14
On the fifth day of creation, God filled the seas with living creatures
(Gen.1:20-23). There were sea monsters and creatures in the ocean
depths, hidden from human eyes, whose purpose even in the abyss was to
praise their Maker (Ps.148:7). On that same day, He made the birds and
winged creatures that would share the atmosphere with lightning, hail,
snow, cloud, and windsall of them just as visible to the ancients as to us.
What the psalmist knew (and we modern people easily forget) is that
God designed weather phenomena to accomplish His purposes; therefore,
even the weather gives Him glory. As each element does its thing, it
executes His command. Weather is not random or impersonal after all.
Vegetation was made on the third day of creation (Gen.1:11-13). The
mountains and all hills also appeared that day (Ps.148:9). We have to
wonder what caused the psalmist to think of fruit trees and all cedars as
especially worthy of praising God. Perhaps they represent the thousands of
different kinds of plants.
In verse10, the psalmist noted groups within the animal kingdom
created to praise God. He mentioned three categories, corresponding
to broad divisions in the animal world: wildlife, domestic animals, and
reptiles (see the sixth day of creation in Gen.1:24-25).
The psalmist concluded the animals by mentioning flying birds,
which belong to the fifth day of creation. Perhaps they came last because
birds singing can so easily be understood as voices lifted in praise to
theMaker.
What elements of Gods majesty do you see displayed in the
earthly part of creation? How does observing these elements
help us in witnessing to others about Gods greatness and love?
Verses11-12 describe a kaleidoscope of human diversityhumans

made in the image of Godall of whom are called to praise Him. It
includes those with power (kings, princes, and judges). It includes
ordinary individuals (all peoples). It includes all age groups. It includes
male and female. All are exhorted to praise Yahweh.
As we have seen, the psalmist first urged the heavens to praise God.
That passage ended with an explanation of how and why the heavens were
to praise Him (vv.5-6). So it is with the second part of the psalm. After
exhorting earth in all its facets to offer hallelujahs, all these are given an
explanationmultiple explanations, in factof why they should praise
Him (vv.13-14). Watch how the psalmist moved beyond the mere fact of
creation to the reasons for worship:
Earth is to praise the name of Yahweh because God has the most
exalted name and reputation in the universe. Among other things,
name stands for character and reputation.
Earth is to praise Him because of His majesty in all the earth. The
grandeur of earth, and therefore its Creator, can be seen in every crevice
in the world. Like a blanket, His creative splendor covers everything.
Earth is to praise Him because He has raised up a horn for His people.
The horn, a biblical symbol of strength and power, probably stands for
salvation, both from sin and from enemies.
Dont miss this. The people especially called to praise God are those
who have received His wonderful salvation! His people, all His godly
ones, the people close to Him understand His love and power the best.
Therefore, they are exhorted to praise. No wonder the psalmist concluded
with a final Hallelujah! We who have received His salvation have as an
integral part of our mission to display the glory of Gods love and power.
What is the connection between our worship and our
witness? How can observing the universes praise
encourage us to praise God?
3.God was praised by angels as He created the

world (Job38:5-7).
In his series of childrens fiction books called The Chronicles of Narnia,
C.S. Lewis imagined what another world was like. He accounted for its
creation by telling what some English children, including the boy Digory,
saw at the beginning of Narnia. The Magicians Nephew describes the
heavens bursting into song as Aslan (the lion-like Christ figure) sings them
into existence: The voice [of Aslan] was suddenly joined by other voices;
more voices than you could possibly count. They were in harmony with it,
but far higher up the scale: cold, tingling, silvery voicesThe new stars and
the new voices began at exactly the same time. If you had seen and heard
it as Digory did, you would have felt quite certainthat it was the First
Voice, the deep one, which had made them appear and made them sing.8
Lewis was on the mark. At the beginning of creation, God first
lavished creative energy on His heavenly home and its inhabitants. This is
what we have called earlier in this study the third heaven.
Why create the angelic beings before He created other intelligent life?
At least part of the answer is that in this way God made it possible for an
adoring audience to observe the rest of His creative acts and to praise Him
for them. We can find evidence for this in an astonishing passage in Job38:
Who fixed its dimensions? Certainly you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
6
What supports its foundations?
Or who laid its cornerstone
7
while the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
5
Further
Commentary
Sons of God refers to
a category of beings in
a special relationship
with God, but different
groups are so identified
in Scripture. In Job, the
sons of God are angels.
In Genesis6:4, notoriously
difficult to understand,
sons of God has been
understood either as
angels or as godly men.
The ancient people of Israel
were collectively referred to
as Gods son (Ex.4:22-23;
Hos.11:1). As Gods adopted
children, believers in
Jesus are sons of God
(Matt.5:9; Gal.3:26). Jesus
is uniquely the Son of God,
who has always existed in
the Trinity with the Father
and the Holy Spirit (Mark1:1;
Rom.1:3). All sons of God,
including Jesus (the Son
of God), are continually to
extol the greatness of God
the Father.9
Session 1
15
Further
Commentary
The Book of Job is about a
man whom God allowed
to be tested by Satan.
He loses everything.
Job337 contains the
dialogue between Job and
his companions as they
pondered what was going
on in Jobs misfortune and
why the innocent suffer. Job
raised his questions to God.
God gave the final word
and eventually restored all
that Job had lost.
Voices from
the Church
Just as millions of
angels participated in
the dazzling show when
the morning stars sang
together at creation, so
will the innumerable hosts
of heaven help bring to
pass Gods prophetic
declarations throughout
time and into eternity.10
Billy Graham
16
These verses come near the beginning of Gods response to Job, a man
who had greatly suffered and who had called out to God for answers. God
began with a series of rhetorical questions designed to bring Job (and us,
the readers) to an awareness of God the Kingthe Sovereign Lord who is
the greatest, always right and beautiful and good. The answers are obvious
once the questions are asked.
Gods laying out of the earth did not occur in a vacuum. The
observers were the morning stars and the sons of God. Because
these phrases occur in parallel lines of poetry, both likely refer to angelic
beings. (In Job1:6; 2:1, sons of God are intelligent heavenly beings in
Gods presence. Job3:9 is the only other passage in the Bible to mention
morning stars [plural]. People call the planets Venus and Mars morning
stars because they shine brightly just before dawn.)
Gods heavenly court was watching Him as He created the earth with
its kaleidoscope of staggering beauty. Their response? They sang together
and shouted for joy. They praised the One who had created them
because this fulfilled Gods purpose in calling them forth.
What images come to mind when you think of angels?
How do these images correspond to the biblical teaching
about angels?
Scripture provides significant information about angels:

Angels are personal spirit beings created by God. Personal means they
have intellect, emotions, and will; they can have a relationship with God.
Spirit beings means their primary mode of existence is not bodily (as we
understand it). They are ordinarily invisible to human beings (2Kings6:17).
Angels have both wisdom and strength. They do not know everything
and are not all-powerful. As Gods messengers, they carry out His
commands (Ps.91:11).
The number of angels is fixed but huge. Angels (a general term) exist
in many different orders, such as the cherubim and winged seraphim
(Gen.3:24; Isa.6:2; Rev.5:11).
The host of heaven or heavenly host refers to angels who are Gods
warriors. One of His names is the Lord of hosts, or Yahweh Sabaoth
(1Sam.17:45; Luke2:13; Jas.5:4).
Angels are presented as male (and when they are visible to humans,
they look like human men). They are incapable of sexual intimacy or
reproduction as humans are (Matt.22:30).
Some angels are assigned by God as ministering spirits to serve Gods
people (Heb.1:14).
Like the rest of Gods creation, angels exist to bring glory and praise to
God. Revelation56 portrays angels as worshiping both God on His
throne and the Lamb of God.
Think about the holy angels who shouted the angelic version of
hallelujah as they watched God the King create the universe, the world,
and everything in them. They have praised Him eternally since: Day and
night they never stop, saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty,
who was, who is, and who is coming (Rev.4:8).
What are some ways our culture misrepresents angels?
What role do angels play in the mission of God?
Conclusion
And the greatest is No question about it, God the King of heaven and
earth is the greatest. He is the most beautiful, the most righteous, the most
everything good and pure. He created the heavens in all their complexity,
visible and invisible, so that they would praise Him. This began with the
angels, who praised Him as He created and filled the earth. But He also
created the earth, including humanity, so that His praise will resound eternally.
Because Jesus followers have been made alive to this reality, we are
driven by the vision of Gods power and love on display in the creation of
the universe. What a privilege it is to praise the One who made us for His
glory. Our mission is to spread the fame of His name.
Voices from
the Church
The angels praise and
service of God give us an
example of how we are to
conduct ourselves now
and what our activity will
be in the life beyond in
Gods presence.12
Millard J. Erickson
What difference would it make in your life if you acted fully

on your belief in the truth that God is the King of heaven
and earth, worthy of all your praise?
Hymn of Response
You are God: we praise you; You are the Lord: we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father: All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgins womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at Gods right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your
own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.11
You Are God from The Book of Common Prayer
Session 1
17
Additional Resources
The King of All

References
1.Augustine, The Confessions of St.
Augustine: Modern English Version
(New York: Revell, 2005), 15-16.
2.Chad Brand, Charles Draper,
and Archie England, gen. eds.,
Hallelujah, in Holman Illustrated
Bible Dictionary (Nashville: B&H,
2003), 706.
3.Francis of Assisi, quoted in A
Great and Terrible Love, by Mark Galli
(Grand Rapids: Baker, 2009), 43.
4.Matt Chandler and Jared Wilson,
The Explicit Gospel (Wheaton:
Crossway, 2012), 104.
5.Kevin Warstler and Sherri Klouda,
HCSB Study Bible (Nashville:
B&H, 2010), 1018, n.148:7; n.148:8;
n.148:9-10; n.148:11-12.
6.Charles H. Spurgeon, God
Rejoicing in the New Creation, The
Spurgeon Archive [online], 5 July 1891
[cited 10 December 2013]. Available
from the Internet: www.spurgeon.org.
7.Van McClain, God as King in
Ancient Israel, Biblical Illustrator
(Winter 2003-04): 3.
8.C. S. Lewis, The Magicians
Nephew (New York: HarperCollins,
1994), 105.
9.Adapted from Sons of God,
by Francis Kimmitt, and Son
of God, by David S. Dockery, in
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary,
gen. eds. Chad Brand, Charles
Draper, Archie England, 1519 and
1516,respectively.
10.Billy Graham, in Billy Graham
in Quotes, ed. Franklin Graham
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2011), 18.
11.You Are God, canticle 21 from The
Book of Common Prayer (New York:
Episcopal Church Publishing, 1979).
12.Millard J. Erickson, Christian
Theology (Grand Rapids: Baker,
1998), 475.
For helps on how to get started using The Gospel

Project, ideas on how to better lead groups, or
additional ideas for leading a specific session,
visit:www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.
Study Material
-- For a poetic look at the creation of the world, see chapter 1 from
TheSinger by Calvin Miller
-- The Agents of God: AngelsChapter 6 by Peter R. Shemm Jr. from
ATheology for the Church edited by Daniel L. Akin
-- The Canticle of the SunPoem by Francis of Assisi; find a link to this
poem at gospelproject.com/additionalresources
-- What Do Angels Look Like?Article by Billy Graham; find a link to
this article at gospelproject.com/additionalresources
-- God Rejoicing in the New CreationSermon by Charles Spurgeon;
find a link to this sermon at gospelproject.com/additionalresources
-- Previous Biblical Illustrator articles, including God as King in Ancient
Israel, can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at
www.lifeway.com/biblicalillustrator. Look for Bundles: The Gospel Project.
Sermon Podcast
Daniel Montgomery: A Call to Worship
Find a link to this at gospelproject.com/additionalresources
Tip of the Week

His Mission, Your Mission
The Gospel Project aims not to fill our heads with theological truth but to
fuel our hearts with passion to join God on His mission to bring people
to Himself. To this end, each session in the Personal Study Guide now
concludes with His Mission, Your Mission to help you, the teacher, lead
your group to respond as a missionaries. Specifically, Live on Mission
provides mission-oriented questions and directions related to each point in
the lesson. These will help your group apply the truths they have learned in
ways appropriate for your context. Telling the story of the Bible is impossible
without leading to mission, as the gospel reveals the heart of our missionary
God and His desire to save people of every tribe, tongue, and nation.
18
SESSION 2
The Rebellion of Heaven

Pride Leads to Rebellion and Judgment
Summary and Goal

At some point after God created the world, Satan, one of Gods angels grew proud in his heart and
rebelled against Gods authority. In response, God cast Satan and the rebel angels out of His presence
and promised one day to destroy them forever. Although the Bible does not present many details about
this heavenly rebellion, we do see a picture of pride going before destruction and the nature of sin.
Steps to Prepare
-- Isaiah 14:12-15
-- Ezekiel 28:11-19
Lesson Outline
1. Satan was an angel created to bring glory to God (Ezek. 28:11-15).
2. Satan grew proud and rebelled against God (Isa. 14:13-14; Ezek. 28:17-19).
3. Satan was judged by God and cast out of Gods presence (Isa. 14:12,15; Ezek. 28:16).
Session 2
19
Teaching Plan
The Rebellion
of Heaven
Session 2
For Further
Discussion
What are some ways
people explain the origin
ofevil?
For Further
Discussion
What are some gifts God
has given you? How are you
using these gifts in service
to God or in service to
furthering your own name?
For Further
Discussion
Based on Ezekiel28, God
cannot be thought of as
the author of evil. Why is it
wrong to believe that He is
the source of evil?
Introduce the Lesson

Begin with the example of the Force in Star Wars to open a discussion
of the nature of evil and where it comes from (leaderp.22; personalstudy
guide[PSG]p.17). Consider writing on a board the multiple-choice options for the
origin of evil to give your group a sense of other viewpoints (leaderp.22).
If a child were to ask you, Where did Satan come from?
and, Why did God create Satan? how would you
respond? What should we do when the Bible does not give
us all the answers we want about a particular topic?
Recap the main point from the previous session (leaderp.23), and then
introduce the topic for this lessonthe initial rebellion of Satan against the
good rule of God (leaderp.23; PSGp.17).
1. S
atan was an angel created to bring glory to God.
Introduce the mysterious serpent that showed up in Genesis3, and then ask
the question Where did this mysterious being come from? Use the teaching
of Genesis13 to infer the timeline of Satans fall. Then read Ezekiel28:11-15,
encouraging your group to note how this passage might refer to both an
earthly king and the heavenly rebellion (leaderpp.23-24; PSGpp.18-19).
First, explain Ezekiel28:11-15 in its original context, noting the significance
of Tyre and Gods blessing of the king with precious gifts. Then highlight
how Bible scholars have seen in this passage a further reference to Satan
(leaderp.24; PSGp.19).
Why might it be easier for persons with abundant wisdom
or beauty or wealth to be tempted to pride? What gifts
from God are we humans inclined to take credit for?
Again, show how the passage refers first to the religious activity of the king
of Tyre and then alludes to Satan, who took his position of prominence and
desired glory for himself (leaderpp.24-25; PSGp.20).
Why might someone in a position of religious or spiritual
leadership be tempted with pride more easily than others?
20
2. Satan grew proud and rebelled against God.

Read Isaiah14:13-14, the fall of the king of Babylon and Satan. Have your
group circle the five I will statements (leaderp.25; PSGp.20). Connect
these statements to the truth that pride comes before destruction (leaderp.26).
Make a list of sins and trace their connection back to pride.
What is the connection between idolatry and pride?
Return to Ezekiel28:17-19, where God promises punishment against the king

of Tyre, and by extension, Satan (leaderpp.26-27; PSGpp.21-22).
What can remind todays rulers and tycoons and the
powerful of the world that their moment is fleeting? How
can you combat pride?
3. Satan was judged by God and cast out of Godspresence.

Because of our inborn sense of justice, we want God to deal with evil. Read
Ezekiel28:16 to see how God responded to the pride of the king of Tyre (and
Satan)expulsion from Gods presence. Then read Isaiah14:12,15 and note the
same punishmentdestruction and expulsion (leaderpp.27-28; PSGpp.22-23).
Have you personally experienced what you consider to be
divine judgment against your pridea high-and-mighty
morning star suddenly being cut down? Did you sense
Gods wrath or Gods mercy in this action?
Review some of the Bibles teaching about Satan, emphasizing the good
news that Jesus death was the decisive blow against Satan and his forces
(leaderp.29; PSGpp.23-24).
How does the coming final judgment against Satan and sin
make us bolder in our mission to the lost to proclaim the
King of Gods kingdom?
Conclusion
There are two major takeaways from this session: First, Satan is not the only
being to become prideful; he was only the first. Second, God will not be
thwarted by Satans evil schemes. His kingdom will prevail through Jesus
Christ (leaderp.29; PSGp.24).
How does the biblical teaching about the origin of Satan
and evil help us make sense of suffering? How do Jesus
incarnation, death, and resurrection overcome Satan and evil?
For Further
Discussion
Read the quote of Satan
from John Miltons
Paradise Lost (leaderp.26;
PSGp.20). Does the
voice of Satan (imagined
by Milton) ring true to
you? In what ways does
pride manifest itself in
ouractions?
For Further
Discussion
Why is it wrong to believe
God is powerless to
stopevil?
For Further
Discussion
In what ways did Christ
counteract and oppose the
work of Satan? How is the
humility of Christ opposed
to the pride of Satan?
His Mission,
Your Mission
Live on Mission
(PSGp.25).
.........................................................
Optional: Read
Philippians2:5-8
(PSGp.25), and ask the
following questions:
In what ways did Jesus
demonstrate humility
over against pride? (His
incarnation and obedience
even to death on a cross)
How can Christians follow
in the humble steps of
Christ Jesus?
Session 2
21
The Rebellion
of Heaven
Session 2
Lucasfilm/20th Century Fox / The Kobal Collection
and Introduction
The Force from Star Wars
has entered popular culture in a
big way. Its become an informal
way to think about the energy
for both good and evilthat
holds everything together. In
the Star Wars movies, good guys
(the Jedi) use the Force only for
good, but bad guys (the Sith) use
the dark side of the Force. If this
were true, what would we make of the idea that evil has always been?
Imagine youre taking Philosophy 101 in college. How would you
respond to this multiple-choice question: What is your belief about the
origin of evil?
A. There is no such thing as real evil in the universe. Evil is only
anillusion.
B. Evil has always coexisted alongside good. The universe has two eternal
opposing forces, like yin-yang in Taoism or the Force in Star Wars.
C. I n the beginning there was only good and God, but sometime before
He created the earth, God created evil as a thing lesser than Himself
but still able to oppose Him.
D. E
vil is not a thing per se but the absence of good. God created all things
good but allowed His creatures to choose freely the non-good (evil).
All four viewsand others besideshave been proposed by
philosophies and religions through the ages. The fourth, while not
explicitly articulated this way in Scripture, was laid out by the early church
father Augustine, especially in his Confessions and The City of God. Many
Christians through the centuries have found Augustines view compelling.
If a child were to ask you, Where did Satan come from?
and, Why did God create Satan? how would you
respond? What should we do when the Bible does not give
us all the answers we want about a particular topic?
22
Lesson Summary
In the previous session, we saw that God deserves utmost praise for
who He is and how He reigns over the universe. He created angels who
celebrated His handiwork as He made heaven and earth.
In this session, we see how Gods good rule first came under attack. At
some point after God created the world, Satan, one of Gods angels grew
proud in his heart and rebelled against Gods authority. In response, God
cast Satan and the rebel angels out of His presence and promised one day
to destroy them forever. Although the Bible does not present many details
about this heavenly rebellion, we do see a picture of pride going before
destruction and the nature of sin.
1.Satan was an angel created to bring glory to

God (Ezek.28:11-15).
At the end of the creation account, we read that God saw all that
He had made, and it was very good (Gen.1:31). Yet in the account of
humankinds fall into sin two chapters later, we find a mysterious being
presentthe serpent (later described as the accuser, or Satan).
Through his cunning and questioning, the serpent led our first parents
into sin (Gen.3:1-7). (More on that in an upcoming lesson.)
The question before us now is Where did this mysterious being come
from? Since the Bible teaches that God created everything, we believe Satan
himself began as part of Gods creation of the heavens. He was included in
the heavenly host God created to praise Him (Ps.148:1-2). He was probably
among the angelic beings who sang together and shouted for joy when
the earth was formed (Job38:7). He was created to bring glory to God.
Bible scholars have inferred from Genesis13 a timeline of Satans
existence: (1) God created all things. (2) As an angel, Satan was created
before the earth was created. (3) As an angel, Satan probably glorified God
at the earths creation. (4) Everything, including Satan, was created good.
(5) Sometime between Satans creation and the garden of Eden scene
(Gen.3), Satan went from being good to being a tempter.
Many have turned to an extraordinary part of Ezekiels prophecy
for more clues about the origin of Satan and evil. Here is what
Ezekiel28:11-15 says:
The word of the Lord came to me: 12Son of man, lament for the
king of Tyre and say to him: This is what the Lord God says:
You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
13
You were in Eden, the garden of God.
Every kind of precious stone covered you: carnelian, topaz, and diamond,
beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and emerald.
Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold;
they were prepared on the day you were created.
11
Further
Commentary
Was the serpent in Eden
really Satan inhabiting a
creature? The Genesis
account uses serpent, but
not Satan. Satan means
accuser in Hebrew. In
the Old Testament, this
name appears rarely and
in only three books, in
which he is an accuser:
1Chronicles21:1; Job1:6-12;
2:1-7; Zechariah3:1-2. The
New Testament develops
Satan vocabulary more
completely. Devil (Greek
for slanderer) appears
only in the New Testament.
Revelation20:2 notes that
the serpent equals the
Devil and Satan. Further,
it should be clarified that
there is only one Devil while
the Bible speaks of many
demonsother created
supernatural beings who
followed the Devil in his
rebellion against God.
Further
Commentary
Though the context is an
oracle against the king of
Tyre, many believe that this
anointedcherub should
ultimately be identified
as Satan himself. In that
case the passage would
have double reference.
As an angel, Satan had
continuous and unhindered
access to the glorious
presence of God before
he rebelled.1
Mark F. Rooker,
HCSB Study Bible
Session 2
23
You were an anointed guardian cherub,

for I had appointed you.
You were on the holy mountain of God;
you walked among the fiery stones.
15
From the day you were created
you were blameless in your ways
until wickedness was found in you.
14
Voices from
Church History
[The Devil] was not made
wicked in nature but was
good, and made for good
ends, and received from his
Creator no trace whatever
of evil in himself. But he did
not sustain the brightness
and the honour which the
Creator had bestowed on
him, and of his free choice
was changed from what
was in harmony to what
was at variance with his
nature, and became roused
against God Who created
him, and determined to rise
in rebellion against Him.2
John of Damascus
(circa 650-750)
Voices from
Church History
This angel was both by
creation good and by
choice corruptnone else
than the very author of sin
who was denoted in the
person of a sinful man: he
was once irreproachable,
at the time of his creation,
formed for good by God
and associated with God,
good with the Good; but
afterwards of his own
accord removed to evil.3
Tertullian (circa 150-240)
Ezekiel prophesied for some twenty years during the first part of the
Jews Babylonian captivity (around 593-571 b.c.). His stunning visions
taught Gods people about Yahwehs sovereign plan over them so that
they will know that I am Yahweh (Ezek.28:23). He spoke of Gods
present judgment on evil, but he also predicted remote future events in
which Gods kingdom would be expressed in righteousness.
In Ezekiels time, Tyre was a major seaport located on an island just off
the coast of Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon). It was wealthy, and its ruler
was arrogant and self-sufficient. Ezekiel27 lamented Tyre as a city and
prophesied its doom. Ezekiel28 turned attention from the city itself to its
king. Chapters2728 together are classic Hebrew poetry, filled with exalted
language. They refer primarily to the king of Tyre as a rebel against God.
But not far below the surface, Bible scholars have long recognized that the
king of Tyre was a human example of the first rebel against GodSatan. Note
how the human king (as well as Satan) was created to bring glory to God:
There was nothing lacking in wisdom or beauty (v.12).
There was nothing lacking in placement (v.13). Tyre was in an ideal
location in the Mediterranean. And of course, Eden, the garden of
God, is a reminder of the place in the biblical narrative where the
serpent (aka Satan) first appeared.
There was nothing lacking in wealth and splendor (v.13). The precious
stones mentioned are a kaleidoscope of jewels, not all of which can be
identified with certainty.
Why might it be easier for persons with abundant wisdom
or beauty or wealth to be tempted to pride? What gifts
from God are we humans inclined to take credit for?
Verse14 continues recounting the privileges of Tyres king. The reference

to a guardian cherub is curious. A pair of carved, winged cherubim was
placed over the ark of the covenant in the Israelite tabernacle and later in the
Jerusalem temple (Ex.37:6-9; 1Kings6:23-28). Further, the precious stones
listed in verse13 recall one of the garments worn by Israels high priest
abreastpiece with 12 jewels representing the 12 tribes of Israel (Ex.28:15-21).
Moreover, when a permanent temple was finally built in the time of Solomon,
it could very well have been called the holy mountain of God.
24
It is hard to understand the direct correlation between what is stated

in verse14 and the (pagan) king of Tyrewho was likely a priest in his
idolatrous religion. The words make more sense if we see an allusion to
Satan in the imagery. The clues point to his function as a kind of angelic
priest before God, appointed to lead praise and worship in ways we cant
begin to imagine. The expression about walking among the fiery stones
suggests Gods own throne room, a description with which Ezekiel
began his book (Ezek.1:25-28; see also Ex.24:17). If these suggestions
are on target, then in creating Satan, God bestowed on him a place of
prominence close to the preeminence of God Himself.
This story does not end well, however. It is bitter to read the words
you were blameless in your ways until (v.15). Until is the deadly
word here, and the implications are laid out in the next few verses
ofEzekiel.
Why might someone in a position of religious or spiritual
leadership be tempted with pride more easily than others?
2.Satan grew proud and rebelled against God

(Isa.14:13-14; Ezek.28:17-19).
In addition to Ezekiels portrait, many Bible scholars find an allusion
to Satan behind the imagery of Isaiah14. This great prophet of the eighth
century b.c.before Ezekiels timebrought a Book of Judgment
(Isa. 139) against the idolatrous people of Judah and then a Book
of Comfort (Isa. 4066). Along the way Isaiah predicted the future
downfall of the king of Babylon.
Just as Ezekiels words first addressed the king of Tyre but also provide
insight into Satans situation, so Isaiahs words have application to Satan.
ConsiderIsaiah 14:13-14:
You said to yourself:
I will ascend to the heavens;
I will set up my throne
above the stars of God.
I will sit on the mount of the gods assembly,
in the remotest parts of the North.
14
I will ascend above the highest clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.
13
Further
Commentary
The Hebrew verb satan
means to oppose or to
act as an adversary or
accuserAs a fallen angel,
Satan accused Job before
God (Job1:6-12; 2:1-7),
Joshua before the Angel of
the Lord (Zech.3:1-2), and
stood against Israel, inciting
David to take a census
of Israel (1Chron.21:1).
The helel of Isaiah14:12
(lit.shining one) is
translated morning star
(NIV) or Day Star (ESV)
or Lucifer (NKJV) and is
rightly understood by many
as a reference toSatan.4
Peter Schemm Jr.
Note that I will is repeated so aggressively. We see that the desire to

challenge God as Kingto seek to replace Him as Lord of the universe
is truly awful. Babylons king thought he could set up an empire to rival
Gods. Not so. Nor could Satan. Consider the self-assertions:
Session 2
25
Better to reign in Hell,

than serve in Heaven5
Satan, in Paradise Lost by
John Milton (1608-1674)
I will ascend. Instead of humbling himself before God, he exalted himself.

I will set up my throne. God allows sub-kings under His rule. But in
what brazen way could one assert himself to be above the stars?
I will sit. His desire is to remain in his lofty position.
I will ascend. This repeats the first I will.
I will make myself like the Most High. Here we get to the essence of
where pride can take someone: I want to be like God.
Throughout the ages, theologians and poets have pondered what may
have happened to lead Satan down the path from pride to rebellion. In
English literature, there is nothing more profoundly suggestive than John
Miltons Paradise Lost. This massive poem depicts the pattern of revolt
against God, both by Satan and his hosts as well as our first parents.
Before Milton, the ancient Greek philosophers understood the danger
of pride (hubris, they called it)overconfidence in ones own person or
abilities. Before that, Israels Book of Proverbs had warned, Pride comes
before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall (Prov.16:18).
Make a list of sins and trace their connection back to pride.
What is the connection between idolatry and pride?
Satans pride led to his rebellion against the one and only true King
of all things. This pride seems to have grown from his taking credit for
qualities he wrongly assumed originated in himself. We can speculate that
the descent of Satan went something like this:
God created Satan, bestowing on him wonderful qualities and abilities.
Satan began to take credit for what God had given him.
This pride led to a loss of wisdom.
Pride and a loss of wisdom led him to challenge Gods rule and rebel.
This sequence is borne out when we return to Ezekiel. Again, the
primary reference is to the king of Tyre, but we can see a double referent
in how these words also apply to Satan. Here is what Yahweh proclaimed,
recorded in Ezekiel28:17-19:
Your heart became proud because of your beauty;
For the sake of your splendor you corrupted your wisdom.
So I threw you down to the earth; I made you a spectacle before kings.
18
You profaned your sanctuaries
by the magnitude of your iniquities in your dishonest trade.
So I made fire come from within you, and it consumed you.
I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of everyone watching you.
19
All those who know you among the nations are appalled at you.
You have become an object of horror and will never exist again.
17
26
In the case of the king of Tyre, the Lord disdained him because he
assumed that his beauty and splendor were of his own making (v.17). To
be sure, the Phoenicians had worked hard to attain their place of prominence
as an international trading center in the Mediterranean basin. But they failed
to acknowledge God as the source of their resources. Their punishment was
to be cast from such a lofty perch down to the earth. Indeed, Tyre lost its
place of prominence. So it was with Satan. Jesus Himself said, I watched
Satan fall from heaven like a lightning flash (Luke10:18).
Verse18 speaks of rebellion against God in terms of the king of
Tyre/Satan having profaned your sanctuaries, proceeding from the
magnitude of your iniquities. Small sins unchecked lead to great sins,
which lead to great profanity against everything holy.
The divine judgment pronounced against the king of Tyre (such as
Gods I reduced you to ashes on the ground and [you] will never exist
again) has not yet been extended against the city itself. The island city of
Tyre has seen its ups and downs, but it remains to this day as a Lebanese
port. Jesus Himself visited Tyre, and the apostle Paul found comfort in the
Christians of Tyre (Mark7:24; Acts21:3-6).
All human kings and kingdoms are fleeting. The most arrogant
and seemingly invincible of empires have all crumbled into dust. Satans
demise, as we shall see, resulted in his being cast out of Gods presence.
He has not yet met his final doom. Ultimately, he and all his workers and
works will be thrown into the lake of fire and sulfurtormented day and
night forever and ever (Rev. 20:10).
Further
Commentary
Sometime between
Genesis1:31 (everything
was very good) and 3:1-5
(the temptation), Satan
rebelled against God and
was cast out of heaven,
bringing many evil angels
under the same judgment
(Isa.14:12-15; Ezek.28:11-19;
Matt.25:41; Luke10:18).
Some of them were
bound until the final day
of judgment (2Pet.2:4;
Jude6). Some are presently
bound but will be released
during the end times
(Rev.9:14). Others actively
oppose God and work evil
continually in the world
(Eph.6:11-12). Why some
evil angels are bound
and others are free to
oppose God we are not
told in Scripture. There is
no indication in Scripture
that evil angels can be
redeemed from their
fallencondition.6
Peter Schemm Jr.
What can remind todays rulers and tycoons and the

powerful of the world that their moment is fleeting? How
can you combat pride?
3.Satan was judged by God and cast out of

Gods presence (Ezek.28:16; Isa.14:12,15).
What is a great and wonderful king to do when he finds a rebel
among his subjects? Our inborn sense of justice cries out for the king to
deal with the evil in his midst. Our eternal God is perfectly righteous and
holy. He does not tolerate sin in His presence. Thus, Satan was cast out of
Gods presence. Again, the Bible is not as explicit as we might wish on this
point, but there is enough to let us speculate about the bare facts.
Some Bible scholars believe the following words from John in the Book
of Revelation apply to the initial rebellion: Then war broke out in heaven:
Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels
also fought, but he could not prevail, and there was no place for them in
heaven any longer. So the great dragon was thrown outthe ancient serpent,
who is called the Devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole world. He
was thrown to earth, and his angels with him (Rev.12:7-9).
Session 2
27
Further
Commentary
Jesus humility contrasted
with Satans pride. As
we have seen, Satan (a
created being) took credit
for what God had given
him. In his pride, he rebelled
against God. Consider
that Jesus took the
opposite approach. He was
uncreated. He had it all
by virtue of who He was.
Yet He emptied Himself
by assuming the form of a
slave, taking on the likeness
of men. And when He
had come as a man in His
external form, He humbled
Himself by becoming
obedient to the point of
deatheven to death on a
cross (Phil.2:7-8).
Just imagine itwar broke out in heaven, the very heavens that were
the first object of Gods loving creative plan. And somehow in Gods
plan, He has permitted Satan to roam, for a while, on the earth deceiving
humanity and opposing Him.
Heres the way the future fall of the king of Tyre (and behind that, the
past fall of Satan) is described in Ezekiel28:16:
Through the abundance of your trade,
you were filled with violence, and you sinned.
So I expelled you in disgrace from the mountain of God,
and banished you, guardian cherub,
from among the fiery stones.
16
The verbs expelled and banished are strong. Isaiah helps us further
understand the judgment that fell on Satan. Here is Isaiah14:12,15:
Shining morning star,
how you have fallen from the heavens!
You destroyer of nations,
you have been cut down to the ground
15
But you will be brought down to Sheol
into the deepest regions of the Pit.
12
This passage implies a two-stage judgment process. The king of

Babylon/Satan is likened to a shining morning starperhaps the planet
Venus seen at dawn, a glorious sight to ancient peoples. The first part of
the judgment was to be cast from the heavens and therefore cut down to
the ground.
The second step in the divine judgment was to be brought down
from the earth to Sheol, or the deepest regions of the Pit. (Sheol
and the Pit were Hebrew terms referring to the grave or the afterlife.)
In the case of the king of Babylon, we can see an example of the first
step of judgment in the account of King Nebuchadnezzars divine
punishment by a season of mental incapacity (Dan.4). Further, the
second step of judgment against Babylons king is told in Daniel5. King
Belshazzar was overthrown and the entire Babylonian enterprise came
tonothing.
Have you personally experienced what you consider to be
divine judgment against your pridea high-and-mighty
morning star suddenly being cut down? Did you sense
Gods wrath or Gods mercy in this action?
28
We do not know why God allows Satan a measure of freedom

between the time he was cast from heaven and the time he will be cast
into hell forever. Yet from Scripture, the following points may be made for
our knowledge, wisdom, and encouragement:
In the Old Testament, Satan is the tempter of humanity and the accuser.
Jesus noted that he was a murderer from the beginning and a liar and
the father of liars (John8:44).
One reason for Jesus incarnation, life, death, and resurrection was to
further judge Satan. He was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the
Devils works (1John3:8).
Jesus death was the decisive blow against Satan and his forces. God
disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; He
triumphed over them by [Jesus] (Col.2:15).
Satan and his forces are still potent antagonists against believers. Your
adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for
anyone he can devour (1Pet.5:8).
Believers equipped with the armor of God need not fear the Devil. We
can stand against the tactics of the Devil (Eph.6:11).
How does the coming final judgment against Satan and sin
make us bolder in our mission to the lost to proclaim the
King of Gods kingdom?
Conclusion
The Bible does not answer all our questions about Satan. But two
things we can take with us from this study. First is the sober reminder
that Satan is not the only being to find that pride leads to rebellion and
judgmenthe is merely the first. This study challenges us to examine our
own heartsboth past and presentto identify and repent of any hint of
pride, which is taking credit for what God has blessed us with or desiring
to be independent of God.
Second is the joyful reminder that God has never been thwarted
by Satans evil schemes. Before God even created the heavens or Satan
himself, He planned to interpose Himself as the solution. He determined
to come to the world He permitted to fall and execute a plan for a Savior
He devised before the foundation of the world (Eph.1:4). The result is
that at the name of Jesus every knee will bowand every tongue should
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil.2:10-11). Satans puny revolt
against heaven will, in Gods good time, give way to the final triumph of
Gods beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev.1922).
Voices from
Church History
The one thing [Satan]
tempts to is putting myself
as master instead of God.7
Oswald Chambers
(1874-1917)
Further
Commentary
The Old Testament
writers seldom mentioned
demonic beings. They
referred directly to Satan
three times (Job12;
1Chron.21:1; Zech.3:1-2).
Moses song declared how
Gods rebellious people
sacrificed to demonsto
gods they had not known
(Deut.32:17). According to
the Greek translation, the
psalmist also identified
demons (idols in Hebrew)
with the gods of pagan
idolatry (Ps.96:5).
Centuries later the apostle
Paul would also identify
pagan gods as demons
(1Cor.10:19-21).8
Sharon H. Gritz,
Biblical Illustrator
How does the biblical teaching about the origin of Satan

and evil help us make sense of suffering? How do Jesus
incarnation, death, and resurrection overcome Satan and evil?
Session 2
29
The Rebellion of Heaven

References
1.Mark F. Rooker, HCSB Study
Bible (Nashville: B&H, 2010), 1395,
n.28:14.
2.John of Damascus, Exposition of
the Orthodox Faith, in Nicene and
Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series,
vol. 9, eds. Philip Schaff and Henry
Wace (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson,
1899, reprinted 2004), 20.
3.Tertullian, Tertullianus Against
Marcion, Book II, in Ante-Nicene
Christian Library, vol. 7, eds.
Alexander Roberts and James
Donaldson (Edinburgh: T. and T.
Clark, 1878), 80-81.
4.Peter Schemm Jr., The Agents
of God: Angels, in A Theology
for the Church, ed. Daniel L. Akin
(Nashville: B&H, 2007), 303.
5.John Milton, Paradise Lost (New
York: Oxford University Press,
reissue 2008), 11.
6.Peter Schemm Jr., The Agents
of God: Angels, in A Theology for
the Church, ed. Daniel L. Akin, 304.
7.Oswald Chambers, in The
Quotable Oswald Chambers,
comp. and ed. David McCasland
(Grand Rapids: Discovery House,
2008),244.
8.Sharon H. Gritz, Demons: A
First-Century Understanding,
Biblical Illustrator (Fall 2009): 29.
Study Material
-- Gods Special Agents: AngelsChapter 21 from Christian Theology by
Millard J. Erickson
-- Tough Questions About EvilChapter 2 by Ronald Rhodes from
Who Made God? edited by Ravi Zacharias and Norman Geisler
-- The Mystery of EvilChapter 1 from The God I Dont Understand by
Christopher J. Wright
-- Where Did the Devil Come From?Article by Billy Graham; find a
link to this article at gospelproject.com/additionalresources
-- SatanArticle by Sam Storms; find a link to this article at
gospelproject.com/additionalresources
-- Previous Biblical Illustrator articles, including Evil: The Meaning,
can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at
Video
Ravi Zacharias: How Can a Good God Allow Evil in the World?
Find a link to this at gospelproject.com/additionalresources
Tip of the Week

The Gospel Project Apps
If you are interested in an enhanced version of The Gospel Project for your group
members or yourself as the teacher, consider The Gospel Project for Adults app
(available for both iPad and Android tablets). Each issue features the Personal
Study Guide, the Leader Guide teaching plan, additional content, as well as
interactive features that provide a memorable, visual experience for the truths of
Gods Word. New issues are available every quarter for $4.99 each as an in-app
purchase via the free viewer: The Gospel Project for Adults app.
Also available are The Gospel Project for Students app and The Gospel Project
for Kids Family App.
30
SESSION 3
The Kingdom on Earth
God Planned for People to Live in His World Under His Loving Rule
Summary and Goal

In the beginning, the original royal familythe first parents of our human racewere Gods people
living in Gods place under Gods loving rule. Eventually, something happened to disrupt this beauty
(more on that later), but for now we will focus on the lovely beginning when Gods kingdom was
established on earth. We will see that Gods good purpose all along has been for people to live in His
world under His loving rule.
Steps to Prepare
-- Genesis 1:27-31; 2:8-17
-- Psalm 95
Lesson Outline
1. Gods Royal Place (Gen. 2:8-15)
2. Gods Royal People (Gen. 1:27-31; 2:15-17)
3. Gods Loving Rule (Ps. 95)
Session 3
31
Teaching Plan
The Kingdom
on Earth
Session 3
For Further
Discussion
What is your perception of
the garden of Eden? Would
you want to live there? Why
or why not?
For Further
Discussion
God did not tempt Adam
and Eve by placing the
tree of the knowledge of
good and evil in the garden
(Jas.1:13). How, then, was
the presence of the tree a
good thing?

Use the analogy of a fairy tale to show that happily ever after is our hearts
desire, though it always eludes us (leaderp.34; personalstudy guide[PSG]p.26).
What image do the words once upon a time bring to
mind? What would and they lived happily ever after look
like for you?
Summarize the once upon a time of Eden, when Adam and Eve were
living in Gods place under Gods loving rule. Our hearts long for Gods
kingdom established on earth, and one day we will experience this again and
forevermore (leaderp.35; PSGp.27).
1. G
ods Royal Place
Read Genesis2:8-15 aloud. Ask your group to listen for details that describe
the garden of Eden. Show how the garden provided abundantly and gave the
first couple the opportunity to be creative (leaderpp.35-36; PSGpp.27-28).
What is the most perfect place youve encountered? Why
did you like it so much?
Discuss what the planting of the garden of Eden says about God. First, God
is faithful, as seen in His covenant name used in this passage. Second, God
expects obedience, shown through His command not to eat from the tree of
the knowledge of good and evil (leaderp.36; PSGp.28).
Why do you think a longing for paradise is embedded in the
hearts of men and women? What does this desire tell us
about Gods original design for humanity?
2. Gods Royal People

Note that the center of biblical teaching about the origin of humankind
is that God created humans in His image (leaderp.37). Read aloud
Genesis1:27-31; 2:15-17. Ask your group to listen for this emphasis
32
Discuss what the spittin image of God from Genesis1:27-31 might mean
(leaderp.38) and what Scripture is clear it means (leaderpp.37-38; PSGp.30).
How can recognizing the brokenness of planet earth
through human sin and mismanagement point us back
to the goodness of the Creator? How do you fulfill your
responsibility as ruler over earths creatures and resources?
Next, use Genesis2:15-17 to show Gods placement of His royal people in

His royal place with a royal purposeto work and watch over it. God also
presented them with a moral choice, a test for the first royal coupleobey
the command or face the consequence (leaderpp.38-39; PSGpp.30-31).
How is Gods goodness seen in placing humans in a
perfect place and then asking them to work? How is Gods
goodness seen in giving humankind the moral ability to
obey or disobey Him?
3. Gods Loving Rule

Set the context for Psalm95 (leaderp.39), then read it aloud, asking your group
to listen for the how and why of worship for the Creator God. Discuss the how
and why through the two parts of verses1-7 (leaderpp.39-40; PSGpp.31-32).
For Further
Discussion
In what ways do you
resemble your parents? In
appearance? Mannerisms?
Likes and dislikes? Jobs and
hobbies? Faith? How might
these thoughts inform your
understanding of the image
of God?
For Further
Discussion
How important is posture
in the context of worship?
If you saw someone bow
down in a worship service,
what would you think?
How might Psalm95:1-7
influence your pattern of
thought on the matter of
posture in worship?
How would you describe your perspective of worship? Why

do you participate in worship of the Creator God?
Next, use verses7b-11 to show how far removed from Eden we are. Explain
the Old Testament references in this passage and the emphasis on today as
the day to repent of sin (leaderpp.40-41; PSGp.33). Foreshadow the next
lesson to show that a restoration is coming (leaderp.41).
What does the connection between Genesis3:22 and
Revelation22:2-3 communicate about the Bible as a
whole? In what ways does Jesus fulfill the reality of Gods
people, Gods place, and Gods rule?
Conclusion
The first coming of Jesus moves the story of Gods kingdom forward. Eden is
gone, but He has established the church as His people in this place to point
others to Him for the glory of God (leaderp.41; PSGp.33).
In what ways is the church already Gods people in Gods
place under Gods rule? In what ways is the church waiting
for this to become a reality?
His Mission,
Your Mission
Live on Mission
(PSGp.34).
.........................................................
Optional: Read the quote by
Martin Luther (leaderp.37;
PSGp.34), and ask the
How can obedience be
both worship to God and an
act of mission in the world?
What are some specific
circumstances when your
obedience to God can
serve as a pulpit for
proclaiming Christ?
Session 3
33
The Kingdom
on Earth
Session 3
Voices from the Culture

We all long for [Eden],
and we are constantly
glimpsing it: our whole
nature at its best and least
corrupted, its gentlest and
most human, is still soaked
with the sense of exile.1
J. R. R. Tolkien (1892-1973)
Voices from
the Church
God is the Ruler of His
mighty creation. There
is no reason to despair,
because He holds in His
hands the whole world,
while His Spirit is able to fill
the void in mans heart.2
Billy Graham
34
and Introduction
Once upon a time, there
was a handsome prince. He
married the most beautiful
girl in the kingdom. After two
years, the princes wife gave
birth to a new prince, who
would one day become king.
The royal family waved to
adoring subjects as they traveled
to the palace where they would
raise their son and serve the monarch. And they lived happily ever after
Many a childs fairy tale sounds like the story above (without the
typical conflict): a royal couple in a palace lovingly submitting to a wise
monarch. Yet this story has recently played out in real space-and-time
history, not just in dreams and imagination. On July 22, 2013, the Duchess
of Cambridge (formerly Kate Middleton) gave birth to George Alexander
Louis, Prince of Cambridge. The babys father, Prince William, drove his
family in a luxury automobile to Londons Kensington Palace the next day.
The two princes (father William and baby George) will one day sit on the
British throne occupied by Queen Elizabeth II for more than 60 years.
But wait, you may well ask, what about and they lived happily ever
after? After all, in the real world, this does not happen. Even the fairy
tales always have conflict. Many will recall that Prince William lost his
mother, Princess Diana, in a fiery car crash in Paris in 1997. The British
royal family has been rocked with social scandals. And who knows what
difficulties lie ahead for this young family? As human beings, we long for
happily ever after, but it always eludes us.
What image do the words once upon a time bring to
mind? What would and they lived happily ever after look
like for you?
Lesson Summary
In many ways these studies around the theme The Story of Gods
Kingdom are all about how the great King is lovingly working in real
space-and-time history. He is moving from the long-ago, but authentic,
once upon a time to the final and they lived happily ever after.
This session focuses our attention on the original royal familythe
first parents of our human race. In the beginning, they were Gods people
living in Gods place under Gods loving rule. Eventually, something
happened to disrupt this beauty (more on that later), but for now we will
focus on the lovely beginning when Gods kingdom was established on
earth. We will see that Gods good purpose all along has been for people
to live in His world under His loving rule.
1.Gods Royal Place (Gen.2:8-15)

Our recent study of Psalm148 showed that God created the heavens
first, and then the heavenly creatures praised Him. Next, God created
the earth, and as the King, He designed earthly creatures to honor Him
as their Creator. The creation account is famously told in Genesis1.
Then, like a movie scene that zooms in on the most important part of the
action, the inspired writer described the creation of humankind and the
home in which the people were placed (Gen.1:262:25). Heres the way
Genesis2:8-15 describes that placethe garden of Eden:
The Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there He
placed the man He had formed. 9The Lord God caused to grow out of the
ground every tree pleasing in appearance and good for food, including the
tree of life in the middle of the garden, as well as the tree of the knowledge
of good and evil.
10
A river went out from Eden to water the garden. From there it
divided and became the source of four rivers. 11The name of the first is
Pishon, which flows through the entire land of Havilah, where there is
gold. 12Gold from that land is pure; bdellium and onyx are also there.
13
The name of the second river is Gihon, which flows through the entire
land of Cush. 14The name of the third river is the Tigris, which runs east
of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
15
The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden
to work it and watch over it.
8
Well-meaning Bible scholars have tried for centuries to pinpoint the

geographical location of Eden. After all, the Tigris and Euphrates rivers
were well known to early civilizations as part of the Fertile Crescent. But
the Pishon and Gihon rivers could never be identified, nor could the land of
Havilah. Perhaps it is best to conclude that our ability to identify the exact
location of Eden vanished beneath the waters of the flood (see Gen.68).
Voices from
the Church
What is the Kingdom of
God? The New Testament
has a great deal to say
about the Kingdom but
we may best understand
this concept in terms of
the relationship of ruler
to subjects. That is, there
is a king who rules, a
people who are ruled, and
a sphere where this rule
is recognized as taking
place. Put in another
way, the Kingdom of God
involves: (a) Gods people
(b) in Gods place (c) under
Gods rule. Given this
basic analysis, it is clear
that the fact that the term
Kingdom of God does not
occur in the Old Testament
is unimportant. The basic
idea is woven through the
whole of Scripture.3
Graeme Goldsworthy
Further
Commentary
The name Eden, which
would have conveyed the
sense of luxury, pleasure,
probably denotes a region
much greater than the
garden itself. God formed
the man in the land (see
vv.5-7), and then put him
in the garden (cf. v.15). The
earliest translation into
Greek (the Septuagint)
used the word paradeisos
(from which comes the
English term paradise)
to translate the Hebrew
term for garden, on the
understanding that it
resembled a royal park.4
T. Desmond Alexander,
ESV Study Bible
Session 3
35
Further
Commentary
The tree of life is mentioned
in three Bible books:
Genesis, Proverbs, and
Revelation. In Genesis and
Revelation, it is a literal
tree, and eating its fruit
symbolizes possession of
everlasting life. In Eden,
the tree of life was placed
there by God (Gen.2:9).
Only after Adam and Eves
disobedience was access
to the tree of life barred,
symbolizing the loss of
eternal life (3:22-24). In
Revelations description
of humanitys final
homethe holy city, new
Jerusalemthe tree of life
shows up again, here in the
garden-like center of the
city with the fully restored
people of God enjoying
full access to its fruit and
leaves (Rev.22:2,14,19; see
also 2:7). The tree of life in
Revelation22 is as literal as
everything else depicted in
that chapter. In Proverbs,
the tree of life is not literal
but rather symbolizes other
virtues such as wisdom in
Proverbs3:18. (See also
Prov.11:30; 13:12; 15:4.)5
Voices from
the Church
In the garden of Eden,
we see the world as God
designed it to be. Gods
people, Adam and Eve, live
in Gods place, the garden,
under his rule as they
submit to his word. And to
be under Gods rule in the
Bible is always to enjoy
his blessing; it is the best
way to live. Gods original
creation shows us a model
of his kingdom as it was
meant to be.6
Vaughan Roberts
36
We will receive greater benefit by looking at the other descriptions of Eden

in the biblical account of God the King preparing a perfect place for the
human beings created in His image.
The whole earth was very good when God finished His creative
work. Thus, for Him to add to it a garden with every tree pleasing in
appearance and good for food means that this was a perfect paradise
indeed. There was abundance, more than enough for the human couple.
Everything they could possibly need was provided.
And whats more, God created humanity with the ability and desire
to make useful and beautiful things. God meant for people to create
cultureartifacts showing that humans made in His image could make
things as their Creator did. Thus, the Lord put wonderful raw materials
within reach, including pure gold as well as bdellium, likely an aromatic
gum, and onyx, a semiprecious stone (Gen.2:12). Further, the garden itself
was designed for human hands. God placed the man in the garden of
Eden to work it and watch over it (2:15). In other words, Gods perfect
place was designed for the human touch.
What is the most perfect place youve encountered? Why
did you like it so much?
If the things we create say something about us, what does the planting
of the garden of Eden say about God? First, God is faithful. A compound
form of Gods name is used in Genesis2. In English, Lord God
represents the Hebrew Yahweh Elohim, that is, the covenant name of God
in Israel (Ex.3:14-15) plus the term ordinarily translated God or Deity.
For the ancient Israelites, there could be no question that when God
created humanity and planted the garden, He was expressing His covenant
faithfulness to the man and the woman.
Second, God expects obedience. God placed two special trees in the
middle of the gardenthe tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of
good and evil. There was nothing magical or chemical about these trees,
as if eating the fruit of either would result in a certain physical effect (as
when someone touches poison ivy leaves and gets a terrible rash). Rather,
Gods intention in His loving rule was to give His people the opportunity
to make morally meaningful choices. Obedience to God (choosing the
tree of life) would result in blessing; disobedience (choosing the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil) would result in death (Gen.2:17).
Why do you think a longing for paradise is embedded in the
hearts of men and women? What does this desire tell us
about Gods original design for humanity?
2.Gods Royal People (Gen.1:27-31; 2:15-17)

I dont know whether you have given much attention to questions
such as How old is the universe? or How long ago did humankind
first appear on the earth? Although I have studied these matters to a
degree, Ihave not resolved them in my own mind. Sometimes I laugh
to myself and pray joyfully, Dear Lord, thank You that You have let me
be a professor of New Testament. That way I havent had to make hard
decisions regarding the dating of events in Genesis! Amen.
More often, though, I have realized that the center of biblical teaching
about the origin of humankindin both the Old and New Testamentsis
that God created man and woman in His image rather than when He did
so. Jesus Himself saw the time of creation issue this way: He who created
them in the beginning made them male and female (Matt.19:4). Jesus
simply affirmed that creation was according to Gods plan in the beginning.
And Im okay with that. So consider these two short passages from
Genesis12 that speak to the nature of humankind as created:
So God created man in His own image;
He created him in the image of God;
He created them male and female.
28
God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, fill
the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and
every creature that crawls on the earth. 29God also said, Look, I have
given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth and
every tree whose fruit contains seed. This food will be for you, 30for all
the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature
that crawls on the eartheverything having the breath of life in it. I have
given every green plant for food. And it was so. 31God saw all that He
had made, and it was very good. Evening came and then morning: the
sixth day.
..
2:15
The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden
to work it and watch over it. 16And the Lord God commanded the man,
You are free to eat from any tree of the garden, 17but you must not eat
from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat
from it, you will certainly die.
Voices from
Church History
This tree of the knowledge
of good and evil was Adams
church, altar, and pulpit.
Here he was to yield to God
the obedience he owed,
give recognition to the Word
and will of God, give thanks
to God, and call upon God
for aid against temptation
Therefore let us learn
that some external form
of worship and a definite
work of obedience were
necessary for man, who was
created to have all the other
living creatures under his
control, to know his Creator,
and to thank Him.8
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
27
As a child, I used to hear the phrase spittin image, usually as a

compliment when a little boy looked and acted a lot like his father: That
Davey, hes just the spittin image of Big Dave. Ive discovered that a
possible origin of this phrase is a contraction of spirit and image.7 With
that in mind, the Bible teaches that God created humans as His spittin
image. God breathed the breath of life into the man and established
humanity in His image.
Further
Commentary
Essentially, dominion
means the authority
to govern. All human
dominion stems from God,
who exercises absolute
dominion over all things
(Dan.4:3). The biblical
teaching is that God grants
political authority to some
persons to govern other
persons (Rom.13:1). This
is meant for the good of
the governed (Rom.13:4).
In a parallel sense, human
dominion over the earth,
with its creatures and
natural resources, was
meant for the good of the
planet. Humans are Gods
stewards in caring for the
earth, and we will render an
account to Him. However,
just as abusive political
rulers turn dominion into
domination, so sinful
human beings often turn
dominion of earth into
sinful domination.9
Session 3
37
Further
Commentary
Below the surface, this
dominion imago Dei motif
stands in contrast to
ancient pagan religious
belief that only ruling kings
enjoyed royal standing
before the gods and men,
as evidenced by their
dominion which they
presumed to exercise on
behalf of their deities. In
contrast the biblical picture
of imago Dei means that
all human beings, not just
kings, possess special royal
status as Gods appointed
stewards over the earth.
By virtue of mankinds
ruling over the rest of Gods
creatures and earth, every
member of the human race
somehow represents and
reflects the sovereign Lord
of creation.10
Jerry Johnson
Further
Commentary
As a being created in Gods
image, Adam, like God, was
to be a worker. Without
the taint of sin, work was
an undiluted blessing.
The verb translated here
as work literally means
serve. Adams second
task in the garden was to
watch over it. The verb is
used elsewhere to refer to
the action of God toward
His people (Ps.121:3-4) or
the work of a military guard
(Song of Sg.5:7).11
Robert D. Bergen,
HCSB Study Bible
Theological discussions, debates, and writings have pondered what

exactly it means that humanity alone was created in the image of God
(imago Dei, to use the standard Latin phrase). Sometimes the explanation
has revolved around the notion that God gave humans personhood
intellect, emotions, and will. Some have focused on the ancient custom of
rulers setting up statues or images of themselves to show the reality of their
reign in distant provinces (think of the gigantic statues of the pharaohs
that have survived in contemporary Egypt). Still others have focused on
the idea that an image is a representative as well as a representation. For
example, for my little pet schnauzer Pepper, Im the image of God to
him. He cant know God in any direct way, but he can know me. Thus,
I in some sense represent God to him. I represent God to all non-human
creatures. And indeed, the Genesis account shows that God subjected the
lower earthly creation to the governance of humanity (Gen.1:28).
While the debate over the meaning of the image of God continues,
Scripture is clear that as those created in Gods image, the glory of Gods
royal people is characterized by the following:
Male and female best reflect God together. However badly the genders
have treated each other, it is surely only when the two genders work
together, whether in marriage or in broader culture, that the image of
God is most fully expressed in us (1:27).
Humanity is under the blessing of God to increase the human
population. Someone has observed that be fruitful and multiply is the
only command of God that human beings have ever completely and
willingly obeyed (1:28)!
Humankind is under the blessing of God to managesubdue and
rulethe rest of the earthly creatures, those in the sky and in the sea
and on the earth. This stewardship of earths rich resources extends also
to plant life (1:28-29).
Humanitys rule under God was to spread from Eden through the rest
of the planet. In the command to fill the earth, the people were to tend
to and use every seed-bearing plant and tree on the surface of the entire
earth (1:28-29).
How can recognizing the brokenness of planet earth
through human sin and mismanagement point us back
to the goodness of the Creator? How do you fulfill your
responsibility as ruler over earths creatures and resources?
Genesis2:15-17 describes Gods placement of His royal people in the

perfect place He planted. We see that even in Eden, there was work to be
done. Work it and watch over it (2:15) was a divine directive preceding
the entrance of sin into the world. Therefore, meaningful human life
includeswork!
38
God also placed Adam and Eve in a context in which moral decisions
choosing between good and evil; deciding between obeying God and
disobeying Himmattered and had consequences. They were free to eat
from any tree they chose (2:16), just as a king and queen might. I imagine
they enjoyed fruit salad every meal! But God set up a single decision as a test
for the first royal couple. He warned that if they failed the test, there would
be a severe negative consequence. We can describe it this way:
Command: Do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Consequence: If you do eat, you will certainly die on that day.
Gods commands are like that, whether we like it or not. Disobedience
brings negative consequences. Sometimes the consequences appear in the
natural order of sowing and reaping (for example, the child who disobeys
his or her parents and refuses to eat will suffer the natural consequence of
experiencing hunger). Sometimes the consequences will not appear until
the final judgment. This is a serious matter, but for the sake of this present
study, we must press on to Gods loving rule in creation. (We will address
the issue of our rebellion and its consequences in the next session.)
How is Gods goodness seen in placing humans in a
perfect place and then asking them to work? How is Gods
goodness seen in giving humankind the moral ability to
obey or disobey Him?
3.Gods Loving Rule (Ps.95)

So far, we have seen Gods royal place and His royal people. Now we
turn to Gods loving rule in creation as seen in Psalm95. Verses1-7 of this
psalm could almost have been a song of Adam and Eve in the garden as
they celebrated life under Gods love and rule.
David likely composed this wonderful psalm (see Heb.4:7), and how
well it fits the time of Solomon, when Gods people (Israel) were living in
Gods place (especially Jerusalem, with the glorious temple) under Gods
rule (the king of the Davidic dynasty, in fulfillment of the Lords covenant
with David). In the midst of a golden era for the people of Israel, Psalm95
is clear in its call to worship the Creator God, who rules over His people
with power and goodness:
Come, let us shout joyfully to the Lord,
shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation!
2
Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving;
let us shout triumphantly to Him in song.
3
For the Lord is a great God,
a great King above all gods.
4
The depths of the earth are in His hand,
and the mountain peaks are His.
1
Voices from
Church History
You should also learn
here that Gods law is not
to be evaluated by the
things it regulates, for
it often seems to circle
around common sorts
of things, as here, where
it is concerned with the
fruit of a tree, with eating
and drinking, with sexual
relations. The prudence of
the flesh, when it considers
such things in themselves,
regards them as trivial. But
pay attention to what the
goal is, namely, obedience,
so that Gods wisdom may
be preferred to our own.12
Peter Martyr Vermigli
(1206-1252)
Voices from
Church History
The image of God is a
spiritual essence of the
invisible God. It is his
eternal wisdom, power,
righteousness and eternal
life. This is Jesus Christ,
who is the pure image
of his heavenly Father.
He is the splendor of
Gods majesty and the
undefiled mirror of Gods
divine gloryThe first
human beings, Adam
and Eve, were created
according to this image of
God. They were made in
Gods own likeness, given
great understanding and
recognition of God and all
creatures. They also had
great righteousness and
holiness. They loved God
and were blessed with a
godly and innocent life
in Paradise and eternal
life in heaven.13
Dirk Philips (1504-1568)
Session 3
39
The sea is His; He made it.

His hands formed the dry land.
6
Come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
7
For He is our God,
and we are the people of His pasture,
the sheep under His care.
Today, if you hear His voice:
8
Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah,
as on that day at Massah in the wilderness
9
where your fathers tested Me;
they tried Me, though they had seen what I did.
10
For 40 years I was disgusted with that generation;
I said, They are a people whose hearts go astray;
they do not know My ways.
11
So I swore in My anger,
They will not enter My rest.
5
Further
Commentary
The members of the
congregation singing these
verses invite one another
to the great privilege of
worshiping the Lord, the
great God, the great King
above all godsGod is King
over creation: it is his, he
made it, and he rules over
it all (it is in his hand, i.e.,
under his authority). The
marvel of being Israel is
that such a majestic King
has pledged himself to
his people, making them
the sheep of his hand
It is no surprise, then, that
worship offered to him
would be both exuberant
(sing, make a joyful noise,
thanksgiving, songs of
praise) with astonished
wonder, and humble (bow
down, kneel) before such
majesty. The whole person,
body and soul, must offer
this worship.14
C. John Collins,
ESV Study Bible
This psalm is organized into two roughly equal parts, each beginning
with Come, let us (vv.1,6). In both cases, these words are an
exhortation to praise Yahweh for His greatness, specifically as Creator and
loving Ruler.
First, in each part, we see how we are to praise God. Verses1-2 tell
us that praise is verbalwe are to shout triumphantly and sing with
thanksgiving. Verse6 shows us that praise involves our whole selvesto
bow down and kneel in worship. Genuine praise to God includes our
words and our literal posture.
Second, we see why we are to praise God. The exhortation of each part
of Psalm95 continues by extolling Gods greatness. This great King is
the Creator of all thingsthe depths of the earth, the mountain peaks in
the sky, the sea, and the land, God created them all (vv.3-5). Our God
is also a loving Ruler for His peopleshepherding and caring for the
people of His pasture (v.7).
How would you describe your perspective of worship? Why
do you participate in worship of the Creator God?
Though Gods loving rule over creation has been evident from the
beginning, the last few verses of Psalm95 remind us that sin has indeed
entered the world, and there have been terrible consequences. Adam and
Eve in the garden could not have sensed the sorrow of these verses, but we
most certainly can, and so can the world around us, though they may not
know why.
40
In verses7b-11, the psalmist was recalling incidents of the Israelites

grumbling in the wilderness (see Ex.17:1-7; Num.20:2-13) and
ultimately where they rebelled against Gods loving rule and faced tragic
consequences for 40 years (Num.14:21-35). The writer of the Letter to
the Hebrews, quite strikingly, picked up this passage as a challenge to the
Christians to whom he was writing (Heb.3:74:13). Believers of today
are likewise to heed this reminder that sin always has consequences.
As we will see in the next session, access to the tree of life in Gods
royal place was barred once the man and the woman sinned: He [and
she] must not reach out, and also take from the tree of life, and eat, and
live forever (Gen.3:22). But this was not the end of Gods loving rule.
The story of the Bible from the curse forward to the new heavens and new
earth is the story of the Kings redeeming love. We live between the curse
and the final reversal foretold in Revelation22:2-3: The tree of life was
on both sides of the riverand there will no longer be any curse. Then,
indeed, we will experience perfectly Gods people in Gods place under
Gods loving rule.
What does the connection between Genesis3:22 and
Revelation22:2-3 communicate about the Bible as a
whole? In what ways does Jesus fulfill the reality of Gods
people, Gods place, and Gods rule?
Voices from
Church History
[Psalm 95] is in its
original a truly Hebrew
song, directed both in its
exhortation and warning
to the Jewish people, but
we have the warrant of the
Holy Spirit in the epistle
to the Hebrews [3:74:13]
for using its appeals and
entreaties when pleading
with Gentile believers. It
is a psalm of invitation to
worship. It has about it
a ring like that of church
bells, and like the bells it
sounds both merrily and
solemnly, at first ringing
out a lively peal, and then
dropping into a funeral
knell as if tolling at the
funeral of the generation
which perished in
the wilderness.15
Charles Spurgeon
(1834-1892)
Conclusion
The ideal of Once upon a time in human history came to a crashing
end in the garden of Eden. But that did not put an end to Gods plan for
His kingdom on earth. Human kings and kingdoms come and go. Who
can say whether the British child Prince George will ever sit on the throne
of his ancestors? But there is One who will rule His Fathers throne forever
and ever.
Jesus came for the express purpose of moving the story of Gods
kingdom forward. His first message after His baptism was The time is
fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near (Mark1:15). As the
King of Gods kingdom, He has established the church. Believers are
already the people of God and comprise the temple of God under the rule
of the Christ of God (1Pet.2:5,10,21). Our purpose is to point people to
the Christ that they too may glorify God on the day of visitation (v.12).
In what ways is the church already Gods people in Gods
place under Gods rule? In what ways is the church waiting
for this to become a reality?
Session 3
41
The Kingdom on Earth

References
1.J. R. R. Tolkien, in The Letters
of J. R. R Tolkien, ed. Humphrey
Carpenter (Boston: Houghton
Mifflin, 2000, 110.
3.Graeme Goldsworthy, Gospel
and Kingdom (Milton Keynes, UK:
Paternoster, 1981), 53-54.
4.T. Desmond Alexander, ESV
Study Bible (Wheaton: Crossway,
2008), 53, n.2:8-9.
5.Adapted from Tree of Life, by
Billy K. Smith, in Holman Illustrated
Bible Dictionary, gen. eds. Chad
Brand, Charles Draper, Archie
England (Nashville: B&H, 2003), 1619.
6.Vaughan Roberts, Gods Big Picture
(Downers Grove: IVP, 2002), 23.
7.Urban Dictionary, Spitting
Image [online; cited 28 January
2014]. Available from the Internet:
www.urbandictionary.com.
8.Martin Luther, Lectures on
Genesis, 2:9, in Genesis 111,
ed. John L. Thompson, vol. I in
Reformation Commentary on
Scripture: Old Testament (Downers
Grove: IVP, 2012), 80.
9.Adapted from Dominion, in
Draper, and Archie England, 438.
10.Jerry Johnson, Image of God, in
Draper, Archie England, 807.
11.Robert D. Bergen, HCSB Study
Bible (Nashville: B&H, 2010), 11, n.2:15.
12.Peter Martyr Vermigli,
Commentary on Genesis, 2:16, in
Genesis 111, ed. John L. Thompson,
vol. I in Reformation Commentary
on Scripture: Old Testament, 92.
13.Dirk Philips, Concerning Spiritual
Restitution, in Early Anabaptist
Spirituality: Selected Writings, trans.
and ed. Daniel Liechty (New York:
Paulist, 1994), 221.
14.C. John Collins, ESV Study Bible,
1059, n.95:1-7a.
15.Charles H. Spurgeon,
Psalm95, in The Treasury of
David, The Spurgeon Archive
[online; cited 12 December 2013].
Available from the Internet:
www.spurgeon.org.
42

Study Material
-- The Pattern of the KingdomChapter 1 from Gods Big Picture by
Vaughan Roberts
-- The Story BeginsEpisode 1, Act 1 from Telling Gods Story by
PrebenVang and Terry G. Carter
-- God Establishes His Kingdom: CreationAct 1 from The Drama of
Scripture by Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen
-- Psalm 95From The Treasury of David by Charles H. Spurgeon; find a
link to this exposition at gospelproject.com/additionalresources
-- Previous Biblical Illustrator articles, including To Have Dominion: The
Meaning, can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at
Sermon Podcasts
Ted Traylor: Open on Thanksgiving
Juan Sanchez: What Is Man That You Are Mindful of Him?
Find links to these at gospelproject.com/additionalresources
Tip of the Week

Arrive Early
Its always a good idea to arrive earlynot just to prepare the room before
the first member or guest arrives but to pray. Picture a leader standing in
an empty room, arranged for people who have yet to arrive, asking God to
provide direction for leading the group experience. The leader envisions the
faces of the men or women who will be engaged in Bible study and prays
about the needs they will carry into that room. The teacher also asks for
clarity and the ability to communicate in a way that honors God. People can
easily be impressed when we present a thoughtful lesson. But those same
people can be transformed when we teach through the power ofprayer.
SESSION 4
The Rebellion on Earth
Rejection of Gods Good Rule Throws All of Creation into Turmoil
Summary and Goal

Paradise is lost when human beings rebel against God. Because of their rejection of Gods good rule,
the first humans are exiled from the garden of Eden. The good relationship between the King, His
people, and the rest of creation is thrown into turmoil because of Adam and Eves attempt to dethrone
God. But God promises to reestablish His kingdom through a future King who will undo the curse
that came as a result of sin.
Steps to Prepare
1. Read the main passage for this lesson, recording your insights and questions:
-- Genesis 3
Lesson Outline
1. The royal couple refuses Gods loving rule (Gen. 3:1-6).
2. The royal couples rebellion causes a rupture in their relationship (Gen. 3:7-13).
3. God exiles the royal couple from His kingdom (Gen. 3:14-24).
Session 4
43
Teaching Plan
The Rebellion
on Earth
Session 4
For Further
Discussion
What words would you
use to describe sin? How
are these descriptions on
display in the story of Adam
and Eve?
For Further
Discussion
How does it help us resist
temptation to see that
Jesus succeeded against
Satan even though Adam
and Evefailed?
For Further
Discussion
What are some ways we
distort Gods Word? Whats
the difference between
distorting Gods Word and
denying Gods Word?

Begin with the image of a clenched fist and its symbol of revolution. Discuss
the difference between just and unjust revolutions; then make a connection
to the rebellion described at the beginning of the Bible (leaderp.46;
personalstudy guide[PSG]p.35).
What examples of rebellionjust or unjusthave you
witnessed? When have you ever participated openly in an
act of rebellion?
Summarize the lesson (leaderp.47; PSGp.36).
1. T
he royal couple refuses Gods loving rule.
Briefly summarize the previous session, and then introduce Genesis3:1-6,
where Adam and Eve reject Gods instruction (leaderp.47).
Walk through the progression of the temptation scene, showing how
Eve was deceived by the serpents denial of Gods word. Highlight how
the first humans betrayed the true King and chose to go their own way
(leaderpp.47-48; PSGpp.36-37).
Why is this story of rebellion against God so important for
understanding the rest of the Bible? What are some ways
you and I reject Gods rule and dethrone Him in our lives?
Divide the group into threes or fours to work through the chart comparing the original
temptation and Jesus, filling in the blanks (answers bolded in the leader). Emphasize
that Jesus succeeded where Adam and Eve failed (leaderp.48; PSGp.37).
2. The royal couples rebellion causes a rupture in

their relationship.
As you read Genesis3:7-13, encourage your group to look for signs of
ruptured relationships. Explain how Adam and Eves sin resulted in the
following (leaderpp.49-50; PSGpp.38-39):
Personal dysfunction (they felt shame)
Relational dysfunction (they blamed each other)
A broken relationship with God (they hid and used fig leaves as acovering)
44
What fig leaves have you used to cover whats lacking in

your personal spiritual life? To where have you run trying to
hide from God or from other persons?
Discuss the meaning of the four questions God asked Adam and Eve
(leaderp.50):
Where are you?
Who told you that you were naked?
Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?
What is this you have done?
Connect this story to our own experience of sinful turning from God
What are the signs that our relationship with God has been
broken? What brokenness in the world causes you tomourn?
3. God exiles the royal couple from His kingdom.

As you read Genesis3:14-19, encourage your group to underline all the
consequences of sin that are mentioned in this passage. Walk through the
specific curses placed on the serpent, the woman, and the man. Death is the
final result of sin (leaderpp.51-52; PSGpp.40-41).
What current examples show Gods judgment on sin still
continues? Why must we recognize God as the Judge who
does what is right, even when this means punishment
onpeople?
Read Genesis3:20-24, and highlight the grace shown to Adam and Eve as
they were exiled from the garden (leaderp.53; PSGpp.41-42).
How do the last verses in Genesis3 give us hope? How does
Genesis3 serve as an introduction to the rest of theBible?
Conclusion
Recap the session and point to the coming King who will crush the head of
the serpent (leaderp.53; PSGp.42).
For Further
Discussion
Discuss the Voices from
the Church quote from
Billy Graham (leaderp.50;
PSGp.39). Do you tend to
think of sin as a revolt or in
other terms?
For Further
Discussion
How is our understanding
of salvation affected by
our view of sin and Gods
judgment? What are some
ways we may be tempted
to soften or minimize the
reality of our sin?
For Further
Discussion
What are some examples
of times in your life when
you were forced to answer
the question Did God
really say? How did you
respond to the temptation
not to trust God?
His Mission,
Your Mission
Live on Mission
(PSGp.43).
.........................................................
How is our mission in the world connected to the story

of Adam and Eves sin? What happens when we fail to
understand the seriousness of sin in our lives and its
implications for our mission?
Optional: Read the quote by

Dirk Phillips (leaderp.52;
PSGp.43), and ask the
What effects of the fall do
you see on a regular basis
in the lives of others?
How does the appearing
of Jesus give hope for
reversing those effects?
Session 4
45
The Rebellion
on Earth
Session 4
Voices from
Church History
It is when man through
selfish ambition seeks
to be God in his own life
and will that he sins. Sin
is dethroning God and
enthroning self.1
Herschel Hobbs
(1907-1995)
and Introduction
A raised, clenched fist. Its
become a universal symbol of
rebellion against the status quo.
Recall political rebellions youve
heard about. For example, in
2011, the Arab Spring launched
revolutions in a number of Arab
countries, forcing many rulers
from power. A bit further back
were the Revolutions of 1989,
overthrowing communist dictatorships in Central and Eastern Europe. Even
the once-mighty USSR dissolved in 1991. Of course, the story of the United
States includes the American Revolution, a rebellion against rule by England.
Although we usually think of rebellions in a military or political sense,
there are rebellions of other kinds as well. For example, the Protestant
Reformation of the 16th century may be seen as a religious rebellion against
the authority of the papacy. Martin Luther, in essence, raised his fist against
the injustice (and religious errors) that he perceived in his day. Even today,
the term Protestant necessarily includes the notion of protest.
Sometimes we learn about rebellions that later history deems unjust,
such as the Civil War in the United States in the 1860s or Jeroboams
revolt against King Rehoboam (2Chron.10). Or to speak individually,
teenagers often rebel against the best of parents.
The earliest unjustified rebellion occurred at the beginning of human
historythe revolt of Adam and Eve against their righteous, loving God.
Our first parents raised their fists against Him, and their descendants have
proven to be like their ancestors. We too live as rebels against God, until
He graciously overcomes our hostility against Him.
What examples of rebellionjust or unjusthave you
witnessed? When have you ever participated openly in an
act of rebellion?
46
Lesson Summary
In this session, we will see how paradise is lost when human beings
rebel against God. Because of their rejection of Gods good rule, the
first humans are exiled from the garden of Eden. The good relationship
between the King, His people, and the rest of creation is thrown into
turmoil because of Adam and Eves attempt to dethrone God. But God
promises to reestablish His kingdom through a future King who will undo
the curse that came as a result of sin.
1.The royal couple refuses Gods loving rule

(Gen.3:1-6).
In the previous session, we saw Gods people in Gods place under
Gods loving rule. The Genesis account of the fall of humanity into sin is
terse. It does not answer all our questions, but it gives us enough to know
that Adam and Eve brought guilt and shame on themselves because of
their willful disobedience against God. Heres the account in Genesis3:
Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that
the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, Did God really say,
You cant eat from any tree in the garden?
2
The woman said to the serpent, We may eat the fruit from the trees
in the garden. 3But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden,
God said, You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.
4
No! You will not die, the serpent said to the woman. 5In fact,
God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be
like God, knowing good and evil. 6Then the woman saw that the tree
was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for
obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; she also gave
some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
1
Lets look at how this scene played out. Notice the progression:
The serpents initial question to Eve. Genesis is silent as to how the
serpent allowed Satan access to the garden. We are not told whether Eve
was surprised by a talking animal nor why Adam was silent. (We should
assume Adam was present; see v.6.) We are given a bare-bones scenario.
The serpents question was to cause doubt about what Gods word and
intention had been. The question implied God was being harsh: Here you
are in a garden full of luscious fruit trees, and Hes trying to deny you the
benefit of them. Of course, God had done no such thing.
Eves distortion of Gods word. Eve had it partially right. God had
commanded them not to eat fruit from one particular tree: You are free to
eat from any tree of the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly
die (Gen.2:16-17). But God never said anything about touching the fruit.
John Milton (1608-1674),

one of the great poets
of the English language,
rose to prominence
because of his profound
poem about the fall of
the human race. Paradise
Lost (first published in
1667, a few decades after
the King James Version
of the Bible) shows
insightful understanding
of the nature of God,
Satan, humankind, and
salvation. Milton has
helped many people grasp
the seriousness of sin
and understand what our
first parents lost by their
rebellion. Heres the famous
beginning of Paradise Lost.
Note that even in the first
lines he highlighted the role
of Christ the Redeemer:
Of Mans first disobedience,
and the fruit Of that
forbidden tree, whose mortal
taste Brought death into the
world, and all our woe, With
loss of Eden, till one greater
Man Restore us, and regain
the blissful seat.2
Further
Commentary
There is irony in the serpents
temptation. Of all the
created order, only humanity
was created in the image of
God (Gen.1:27). Neither the
serpent (an earthly animals)
nor Satan (a heavenly
creature) bore Gods image.
Thus, the man and woman
were already like God. The
serpents promise is akin
to promising a star football
quarterback that he will
become an athlete. Second,
God had meant for humans
in His image to rule the
earth (Gen.1:28); instead,
they became traitors.
They decided to submit to
a creature rather than to
the Creator.
Session 4
47
Voices from
the Church
The serpent declares, You
will not certainly die. The
first doctrine to be denied,
according to the Bible, is
the doctrine of judgment.
In many disputes about
God and religion, this
pattern often repeats itself,
because if you can get rid
of that one teaching, then
rebellion has no adverse
consequences, and so you
are free to do anything.3
D. A. Carson
The serpents denial of Gods word. Next, the serpent flat out
contradicted God, and the woman should have fled its presence at that point.
You will not die was a big lie indeed, and every human death proves the
serpent was a liar. The pattern is inescapable: questioning Gods Word can
lead to distorting Gods Word, which in turn can lead to denial of His Word.
The serpents maligning Gods motives. What reason could the woman
have had to suppose that God was withholding something good from her,
that she had been forcibly kept from a desirable experience? How could she
possibly think that knowing evil (by personal experience) was desirable? The
serpents biggest hook was the falsehood, You will be like God. In many
ways, that is the essence of every sinwe want to be little gods rather than
submit to the one true God. Sadly, Satans lie worked the first time, and he has
enjoyed limitless success with the same lie ever since. We still fall for it today.
The serpent was twisting Gods loving, royal decree in order to usurp
His rule. Satan wanted other creatures of God to join in his earlier rebellion.
We see in Adam and Eves eating of the forbidden fruit a betrayal of
the true King and choosing another, a false king. In their betrayal, they
lost their own place in Gods kingdom as royal subjects under Him. Adam
forfeited many aspects of his reign (as the curse makes clear). Satan gained
a measure of rule over the affairs of humankind. (See the apostle Pauls
statement in 2Cor.4:4: The god of this age has blinded the minds of the
unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel.)
Verse6 marks the sad turning point. Temptation gave way to sin; the
woman succumbed. Her husband succumbed as well, apparently more
readily than the woman. His act was conscious rebellion against God, and
at that point he rejected his responsibility as both keeper of the garden and
protector of his wife.
Why is this story of rebellion against God so important for
understanding the rest of the Bible? What are some ways
you and I reject Gods rule and dethrone Him in our lives?
Note the striking parallel suggested between the original temptation in Genesis3:1-6 and the temptation of
Jesus in Matthew4:1-11:
The Original Temptation
Jesus Temptation
Person tempted
Adam and Eve
Jesus, the last Adam
Place of temptation
Eden, a perfect garden
The wilderness of Judea
Temptation of the eyes
Fruit was delightful
The kingdoms were glorious
Temptation of the appetite
Fruit was good for food
Stones to bread
Temptation of reputation
Fruit would make one wise
He could leap unharmed
Resource used in temptation
Human reasoning
Gods Word: It is written
Result of temptation
Succumbed: sin & death
Resisted: obedience to God
The royal couple refused Gods loving rule; the Messiah King refused to abandon Gods lovingrule.
48
2.The royal couples rebellion causes a rupture in

their relationship (Gen.3:7-13).
The passage immediately following the temptation and the fall is as
sparse as the account of the temptation itself. Yet it is highly suggestive of
the way sin splits person from self, person from person, and person from
God. Heres Genesis3:7-13:
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were
naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
8
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking
in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid themselves
from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9So the Lord God
called out to the man and said to him, Where are you?
10
And he said, I heard You in the garden and I was afraid because
Iwas naked, so I hid.
11
Then He asked, Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat
from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?
12
Then the man replied, The woman You gave to be with meshe
gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate.
13
So the Lord God asked the woman, What is this you have done?
And the woman said, It was the serpent. He deceived me, and I ate.
7
Note first how sin results in personal dysfunction. Previously, both the
man and his wife were naked, yet felt no shame (Gen.2:25). They had
been at complete peace with who they were. Once they rebelled against
God, shame entered their awareness. The serpent had promised eyes
opened to good and evil. That had come true in the most terrible way.
Before, they had experienced wholeness and no lack; now they experienced
fragmentation and lack, a lack they instantly tried to remedy with fig-leaf
cover-ups. Of course, their fig leaves might cover their physical lack, but as
an attempt to hide from God or each other, this was a failure.
Adam also experienced fear for the first time: I heard You in the
garden and I was afraid because I was naked. This suggests an awareness
of personal guilt. Shame and guilt had entered the world of humanity, and
we have all (rightly) suffered from these evil twins.
Note also how sin results in relational dysfunction. Previously, Adam
and Eve had enjoyed complete harmony with each other. Now selfishness
took over their interpersonal relationship.
Adam was quick to blame both God and Eve for what had happened:
The woman You gave to be with me. Eve was quick to pass the blame
as well: It was the serpent. Here is the first blame game in human
history, and we have all learned to play the game quite well. When we are
personally threatened (whether due to some fault in ourselves or not), we
usually try to shift responsibility from ourselves.
Further
Commentary
God took the initiative
in reaching out to sinful
humanity. This pattern
humanity sinning, then
God seeking out sinners
becomes the primary
theme of the rest of
the Bible. Its ultimate
expression is found in
Jesus Christ, who came
to seek and to save
people alienated from
God because of their sin
(Luke19:10); in Him God
once again walked on the
earth in search of sinners.
The all-knowing God
asked Adam, Where are
you? for Adams benefit, to
encourage Adam to face
his sin.
When Adam heard God,
he was afraid. Rather
than walking with God
as righteous men of later
generations would do
(Enoch, 5:22; Noah, 6:9),
Adam hid from Him.4
Robert D. Bergen,
HCSB Study Bible
Session 4
49
Voices from
the Church
Sin is a revolt against God.5
Billy Graham
Voices from
Church History
[Adam,] you have forsaken
eternal life. You have
entombed yourself in the
ways of sin anddeath.6
Ambrose (circa 340-397)
Now, most importantly, watch how sin results in a broken relationship

with God. We saw in Adam and Eves rebellion a choice to follow a
creatures wishes rather than the Creators command (3:6). This choice led
to an unraveling of their relationship with God. Whatever else their shame
and guilt involved, it was treason against the King.
Their first attempt at hiding from God was a pathetic fig-leaf garment
(3:7). Their second attempt was to run and hide from God when He
approached them. Their third attempt was to shift blame to others.
What fig leaves have you used to cover whats lacking in
your personal spiritual life? To where have you run trying to
hide from God or from other persons?
God unveiled His character by asking hard questions; He also

asked questions to reveal just how far the humans had strayed. For each
question, God knew the answer, of course. He was using questions both to
display His righteousness and to get the humans to acknowledge their sins.
Here are His questions, along with a few thoughts about each:
Where are you? Gods main concern was not where they were literally but
spiritually. He was prompting them to acknowledge that they were not
where they were supposed to be in relationship with Him. For each of us,
recognition that we are not where we should be in reference to God is an
important first step back to Him. Adams answer revealed fear and therefore
a breach in his previously unspotted relationship with God.
Who told you that you were naked? Adam had no answer. For us, the
question might be paraphrased, How did you come to know you had a
lack? As we diagnose our own sins, we need to be sure we are basing our
insights on God and His Word, not our own impressions or what others
tell us about ourselves.
Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from? Adam
could have said, Yes, Lord, and then shut up. God meant for him to
admit his sinful action; instead, he played the blame game. In the end,
he did admit that he had disobeyed God.
What is this you have done? This is the only question directed to Eve.
Like the previous question, it was meant to prompt confession of sin.
And Eve too admitted her sin.
Adam and Eves story is historical, and it is also the story of every
human. We have all seen too many instances in which sin causes human
dignity to turn into shame. We all know that rebellion against the true
King has ruptured our relationship with Him. We, like Adam and Eve,
hide from God as well as from each other.
What are the signs that our relationship with God has been
broken? What brokenness in the world causes you tomourn?
50
3.God exiles the royal couple from His kingdom

(Gen.3:14-24).
The rest of Genesis3 declares Gods curse on the serpent, the woman,
and the man. Then they are banished from the garden. Yet a note of hope
is included amid the judgmentGod promises the coming of the seed
(descendant) of the woman, who will at last crush the serpent. Here is
Genesis3:14-19:
Then the Lord God said to the serpent:
Because you have done this,
you are cursed more than any livestock
and more than any wild animal.
You will move on your belly
and eat dust all the days of your life.
15
I will put hostility between you and the woman,
and between your seed and her seed.
He will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel.
16
He said to the woman:
I will intensify your labor pains;
you will bear children in anguish.
Your desire will be for your husband,
yet he will rule over you.
17
And He said to Adam, Because you listened to your wifes voice and
ate from the tree about which I commanded you, Do not eat from it:
The ground is cursed because of you.
You will eat from it by means of painful labor
all the days of your life.
18
It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
and you will eat the plants of the field.
19
You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow
until you return to the ground,
since you were taken from it.
For you are dust,
and you will return to dust.
14
The serpents curse. The serpent was the most cunning of all the wild
animals (Gen.3:1); now God declared it cursedmore than any wild
animal. Verse14 is a curse on this specific beast rather than on all snakes or
reptiles. In verse15, however, the reference is not to a wild animal but a specific
future judgment against Satan. Satan would continue for a season to inflict his
poison: you will strike his heel. But in the end, a descendant of the woman
would strike [Satans] head. The judgment on Satan would result in his final
demise; the judgment on humanity, however, would play out differently.
Further
Commentary
Though accountability
began with Gods
confrontation of Adam,
judgment began with the
serpent. Because of the
serpents key role (being
used of Satan) in bringing sin
into the human experience,
it would be permanently
consigned to the position
of ultimate shame, under
the foot. Just as conquered
kings were made to lie on the
ground under the foot of their
conquerors (Josh.10:24), so
now the serpent would live
under the feet of humanity.7
Robert D. Bergen,
HCSB Study Bible
Further
Commentary
The Protoevangelium
(Latin, First Gospel,
Gen.3:15)
Bible students have long
recognized Genesis3:15 as
the first divine prophecy of
deliverance from sin. The
respected commentator
Matthew Henry, in his
Commentary on the Whole
Bible, put it this way:
A gracious promise is
here made of Christ, as
the deliverer of fallen man
from the power of Satan.
Though what was said was
addressed to the serpent,
yet it was said in the hearing
of our first parents, who,
doubtless, took the hints of
grace here given them, and
saw a door of hope opened
to them, else the following
sentence upon themselves
would have overwhelmed
them. Here was the
dawning of the gospel day.
No sooner was the wound
given than the remedy was
provided and revealed.8
Session 4
51
Voices from
Church History
The world given to us to
be our garden becomes a
wilderness with which we
have to fight.9
Lesslie Newbigin
(1909-1998)
Voices from
Church History
Because human beings
did not remain in this
original state of creation
and lost the image of God
through their disobedience,
human beings had to be
recreated by God through
Jesus Christ. That is
why the son of God was
promised to Adam. This
son appeared to all people
and destroyed the work of
the devil.10
Dirk Philips (1504-1568)
The womans curse. Eveand all her female descendantswere

judged by God. The female role as a mother begins with painful labor
and delivery. Her role as a wife will be difficult. Whereas Adam and Eve
had previously enjoyed perfect relational harmony, now there would be
ongoing stress. Yes, the woman (and women in general) will continue to
have strong desires for her husband. In some cases, these desires may even
include domineering over the man. Marriage will not be easy. In the end,
the man (and husbands in general) will tend to dominate his wife rather
than nurture, protect, and serve her, as Gods intention had been. In other
words, sin damages marriage. Left in their self-centeredness, a husband
and wife will experience ongoing conflict.
The mans curse. Work had been Gods intention for humankind
before sin entered the world (Gen.2:15). The rule over the earth that
God had given to humanity, both over the plants and over the animals
(Gen.1:28-30), was now damaged. Now work would be painful labor.
Instead of a pleasant garden with fruit trees to tend, Adam would find
uncooperative ground. Weeds and thorns would proliferate. Work would
be exhausting. There would be no choice except to toil to produce enough
food to live.
We might call this the final dysfunctionAdam and Eves
relationship with the rest of creation was thrown into disarray. (I have
imagined Adams fear and grief the first time a previously docile tiger
viciously snapped at Eve. Now he would have to protect her from the
wild animals.)
Perhaps Adam and Eve felt they had avoided death, the worst
punishment God had threatened if they disobeyed Him. They were still
alive. But no, God pronounced that death would come. Adam would
eventually be returned to the ground from which he had come (Gen.5:5).
So it remains true today. The death rate has not changed from
Adam till usfor every birth, there is a death. (Yet in the coming of the
last Adam, death has been reversed by His resurrection, which will be
extended to all who are in Him.)
What current examples show Gods judgment on sin still
continues? Why must we recognize God as the Judge who
does what is right, even when this means punishment
onpeople?
God had pronounced sentence on the serpent, the woman, and the
man. Now the text goes on to show Gods exile of His royal people from
His kingdom. Here is Genesis3:20-24:
52
Adam named his wife Eve because she was the mother of all the
living. 21The Lord God made clothing out of skins for Adam and his wife,
and He clothed them.
22
The Lord God said, Since man has become like one of Us, knowing
good and evil, he must not reach out, take from the tree of life, eat, and
live forever. 23So the Lord God sent him away from the garden of Eden
to work the ground from which he was taken. 24He drove man out and
stationed the cherubim and the flaming, whirling sword east of the garden
of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life.
20
These verses show that all of Adams descendants are born outside of
Eden. We were born outside the kingdom of God. The text is clear that all
living humans have descended from them.
Thankfully, in this judgment account, there is mercy. God did not
strike Adam and Eve dead that day. Instead of killing them, He killed
animals in their place, providing a divine covering for their lack. (This
provides a hint of the importance of blood-offerings that would be
prescribed in the sacrificial system in the law of Moses.)
God banished our first parents from access to the tree of life. He did
not destroy the tree. He knew that one day the tree of life would become
available to the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve once again.
How do the last verses in Genesis3 give us hope? How does
Genesis3 serve as an introduction to the rest of theBible?
Conclusion
Adam and Eve raised their fists in rebellion against their true King. As
a result, paradise was lost. Because of their rejection of Gods good rule,
the first humans were exiled from the garden of Eden. All their perfect
relationships were turned into turmoil: their relationship with their King,
their relationship with each other, and their relationship with the rest of
creationall were spoiled.
However, even as God cursed the serpent, the woman, the man, and
the ground, He promised to reestablish His kingdom. There would come a
King who would undo the curse that came as a result of sin. This promise
points the way forward to the rest of the biblical story line. Abraham and
Sarah. Moses and the exodus. David and his coming Son. These are the
story of Gods kingdom moving forward toward its final expression. This
story is our story. And the story continues in and through what God is
doing in us today.
Further
Commentary
Gods words of judgment
on the serpent, woman,
and man are immediately
followed by two
observations that possibly
convey a sense of hope.
First, the man names his
wife Eve (v.20), which
means life-giverSecond,
God clothes the couple
(v.21). While this final action
recognizes that the human
couple is now ashamed of
their nakedness in Gods
presence, as a gesture it
suggests that God still cares
for these, his creatures.
Because God provides
garments to clothe Adam
and Eve, thus requiring the
death of an animal to cover
their nakedness, many see
a parallel here related to
(1) the system of animal
sacrifices to atone for sin
later instituted by God
through the leadership of
Moses in Israel, and (2) the
eventual sacrificial death
of Christ as an atonement
forsin.11
T. Desmond Alexander,
ESV Study Bible
Voices from
the Church
Human rebellion against
God disrupts the natural
order of everything. This is
why a whole gospel must
be explicitly about the
restoration of Gods image
bearers and also about the
restoration of the entire
theater of his glory, the
entire cosmos.12
Matt Chandler
How is our mission in the world connected to the story

of Adam and Eves sin? What happens when we fail to
understand the seriousness of sin in our lives and its
implications for our mission?
Session 4
53
The Rebellion on Earth

References
1.Herschel Hobbs, The Baptist
Faith and Message (Nashville:
Convention Press, 1971, revised
1996), 45.
2.John Milton, Paradise Lost, in
Oxford World Classics (New York:
Oxford University Press, reissue
2008), 3.
3.D. A. Carson, The God Who Is There
(Grand Rapids: Baker, 2010), 32.
Bible (Nashville: B&H, 2010), 12-13,
n.3:9; n.3:10.
6.Ambrose, Paradise, 14.70,
quoted in Genesis 111, ed. Andrew
Loueth, vol. I in Ancient Christian
Commentary on Scripture: Old
Testament (Downers Grove: IVP,
2001), 84.
Bible, 13, n.3:14.
8.Matthew Henry, A Commentary
on the Whole Bible, vol. 1 (Old
Tappan, NJ: Revell), 30.
9.Lesslie Newbigin, A Walk
Through the Bible (Louisville:
Westminster John Knox Press,
1999), 17.
10.Dirk Philips, Concerning Spiritual
Restitution, in Early Anabaptist
Spirituality: Selected Writings, trans.
and ed. Daniel Liechty (New York:
Paulist Press, 1994), 221.
11.T. Desmond Alexander, ESV
Study Bible (Wheaton: Crossway,
2008), 57, n.3:20-21.
12.Matt Chandler and Jared Wilson,
The Explicit Gospel (Wheaton:
Crossway, 2012), 111.

Study Material
-- The Perished KingdomChapter 2 from Gods Big Picture by
Vaughan Roberts
-- Humans Reject Gods PlanEpisode 1, Act 2 from Telling Gods Story
by Preben Vang and Terry G. Carter
-- Rebellion in the Kingdom: FallAct 2 from The Drama of Scripture
by Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen
-- Sin and EvilQuotations compiled by Richard A. Kauffman; find a
link to this article at gospelproject.com/additionalresources
-- Previous Biblical Illustrator articles, including The First Evangel,
can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at
Sermon Podcasts
David Landrith: The Gospel According to Genesis
David Platt: Gods Story, Our Story
Find links to these at gospelproject.com/additionalresources
Tip of the Week

How Do I Organize Care Groups? (Part 1)
Keep care groups small. Limit them to no more than six members and
the ministry leader. Include a mix of active and inactive members in each
group. Dont give someone all the inactive members to contact.
If care groups are part of a coed class, organize the care groups by gender.
Relationships need to be built with every individual in the class. If groups
are organized by couples, all too often one spouse is neglected.
Include members-in-service. These are members who teach or work in
another Bible study group. Dont forget anyone.
54

TGP For Adults

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FALL 2014:

Leader Guide HCSB

Ed Stetzer General Editor

A Word from the Editors

General EditorThe Gospel Project

Managing EditorThe Gospel Project

About the Writers

Vice President, Church Resources

Union University, in Memphis, Tennessee, and is the director

Content and Production Editor

live in Austin, Texas, where he is pastor of teaching and theology

Director, Adult Ministry Publishing

Director, Adult Ministry

Unit 3: Jason C Dukes is married to Jen, and they have

six children. He helped start WestpointChurch.org and

Printed in the United States of America

Unit 1: The King and His Kingdom

Session 1 The King of All: God, the King of Heaven

Session 2 The Rebellion of Heaven:

Session 3 The Kingdom on Earth: God Planned for People

Session 4 The Rebellion on Earth: Rejection of Gods

Unit 2: Longing for the King

Session 5 And There Was No King:

Session 6 Looking for a King: We Are Inclined

Session 7 A Glimpse of the King: We Need a Chosen King

Session 8 The Promise of the King: We Must

Unit 3: The Kingdom Comes

Session 9 The Kings Presence: The Upside-Down

Session 10 Kingdom Power: The Power of the

Session 11 Kingdom Proclamation: The Message of the

Session 12 Kingdom People: The Church Is a Sign

Session 13 Kingdom Perfection: Jesus Will Return as

How to Use The Gospel Project

Tips from Trevin on how to best use this Leader Guide

Leader Guide | Fall 2014

The King of All

God, the King of Heaven and Earth, Is Worthy to Be Praised

Summary and Goal

The King of All

Connect our desire to worship to the purpose for our existencepraising

Highlight the power of Gods word in creating the heavens (leaderp.13).

2. God is to be praised by everything on earth.

Leader Guide | Fall 2014

3. God was praised by angels as He created the world.

What images come to mind when you think of angels?

Highlight the scriptural understanding of angelic beings by working through

Expanded Lesson Content

The King of All

Leader Guide | Fall 2014

1.God is to be praised in the highest heavens

This psalm follows the pattern of the Genesis1 account of creation by

Leader Guide | Fall 2014

First Heaven (Sky)

2.God is to be praised by everything on earth

Leader Guide | Fall 2014

Verses11-12 describe a kaleidoscope of human diversityhumans

3.God was praised by angels as He created the

Leader Guide | Fall 2014

Scripture provides significant information about angels:

What difference would it make in your life if you acted fully

The King of All

For helps on how to get started using The Gospel

Tip of the Week

Session 1 The King of All: God, the King of Heaven

Session 2 The Rebellion of Heaven:

Session 3 The Kingdom on Earth: God Planned for People

Session 4 The Rebellion on Earth: Rejection of Gods

Session 5 And There Was No King:

Session 6 Looking for a King: We Are Inclined

Session 7 A Glimpse of the King: We Need a Chosen King

Session 8 The Promise of the King: We Must

Session 9 The Kings Presence: The Upside-Down

Session 10 Kingdom Power: The Power of the

Session 11 Kingdom Proclamation: The Message of the

Session 12 Kingdom People: The Church Is a Sign

Session 13 Kingdom Perfection: Jesus Will Return as

2. God is to be praised by everything on earth.

3. God was praised by angels as He created the world.

1.God is to be praised in the highest heavens

2.God is to be praised by everything on earth

3.God was praised by angels as He created the

2. Satan grew proud and rebelled against God.

3. Satan was judged by God and cast out of Godspresence.

1.Satan was an angel created to bring glory to

2.Satan grew proud and rebelled against God

I will ascend. Instead of humbling himself before God, he exalted himself.

3.Satan was judged by God and cast out of

2. Gods Royal People

3. Gods Loving Rule

1.Gods Royal Place (Gen.2:8-15)

2.Gods Royal People (Gen.1:27-31; 2:15-17)

3.Gods Loving Rule (Ps.95)

2. The royal couples rebellion causes a rupture in

3. God exiles the royal couple from His kingdom.