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god's plans and purposes in scripture - First Presbyterian Church

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I. PLANS THAT CAN BE CHANGED??<br />

Hebrews 6:17 In the same way, when God desired to show even<br />

more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable<br />

character of his purpose, he guaranteed it by an oath,<br />

“It is Written” x 75<br />

Exodus 32:14 And the LORD changed his m<strong>in</strong>d about the disaster<br />

that he planned to br<strong>in</strong>g on his people.<br />

Luke 7:30 But by refus<strong>in</strong>g to be baptized by him, the Pharisees <strong>and</strong><br />

the lawyers rejected God's purpose for themselves<br />

II. GOD’S GENERAL OVER-ARCHING PLAN<br />

Job 14:5 S<strong>in</strong>ce their days are determ<strong>in</strong>ed, <strong>and</strong> the number of their<br />

months is known to you, <strong>and</strong> you have appo<strong>in</strong>ted the bounds that<br />

they cannot pass,<br />

Job 38:5 Who determ<strong>in</strong>ed its measurements--surely you know! Or<br />

who stretched the l<strong>in</strong>e upon it?<br />

Job 42:2 "I know that you can do all th<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>and</strong> that no purpose of<br />

yours can be thwarted.<br />

Psalms 147:4 He determ<strong>in</strong>es the number of the stars; he gives to all<br />

of them their names.<br />

Proverbs 16:4 The LORD has made everyth<strong>in</strong>g for its purpose,<br />

even the wicked for the day of trouble.<br />

Isaiah 5:19 who say, "Let him make haste, let him speed his work<br />

that we may see it; let the plan of the Holy One of Israel hasten<br />

to fulfillment, that we may know it!"<br />

Isaiah 14:24 The LORD of hosts has sworn: As I have designed, so<br />

shall it be; <strong>and</strong> as I have planned, so shall it come to pass:<br />

Isaiah 14:26-27 This is the plan that is planned concern<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

whole earth; <strong>and</strong> this is the h<strong>and</strong> that is stretched out over all the<br />

nations. {27} For the LORD of hosts has planned, <strong>and</strong> who will<br />

annul it? His h<strong>and</strong> is stretched out, <strong>and</strong> who will turn it back?<br />

Isaiah 22:11 You made a reservoir between the two walls for the<br />

God’s Plans And Purposes In Scripture/ D.Renwick Sept 2010<br />

GOD’S PLANS AND PURPOSES IN SCRIPTURE<br />

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water of the old pool. But you did not look to him who did it, or<br />

have regard for him who planned it long ago.<br />

Isaiah 25:1 O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise<br />

your name; for you have done wonderful th<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>plans</strong> formed of<br />

old, faithful <strong>and</strong> sure.<br />

Isaiah 30:1 Oh, rebellious children, says the LORD, who carry out a<br />

plan, but not m<strong>in</strong>e; who make an alliance, but aga<strong>in</strong>st my will,<br />

add<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong> to s<strong>in</strong>;<br />

Isaiah 46:10-11 declar<strong>in</strong>g the end from the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> from<br />

ancient times th<strong>in</strong>gs not yet done, say<strong>in</strong>g, "My purpose shall<br />

st<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> I will fulfill my <strong>in</strong>tention," {11} call<strong>in</strong>g a bird of prey<br />

from the east, the man for my purpose from a far country. I have<br />

spoken, <strong>and</strong> I will br<strong>in</strong>g it to pass; I have planned, <strong>and</strong> I will do<br />

it.<br />

Isaiah 54:16 See it is I who have created the smith who blows the<br />

fire of coals, <strong>and</strong> produces a weapon fit for its purpose; I have<br />

also created the ravager to destroy.<br />

Isaiah 55:11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it<br />

shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I<br />

purpose, <strong>and</strong> succeed <strong>in</strong> the th<strong>in</strong>g for which I sent it.<br />

Zechariah 1:6 But my words <strong>and</strong> my statutes, which I comm<strong>and</strong>ed<br />

my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your ancestors?<br />

So they repented <strong>and</strong> said, "The LORD of hosts has dealt with us<br />

accord<strong>in</strong>g to our ways <strong>and</strong> deeds, just as he planned to do."<br />

Acts 20:27 for I did not shr<strong>in</strong>k from declar<strong>in</strong>g to you the whole<br />

purpose of God.<br />

III. PLANS FOR GOOD & REDEMPTION<br />

2 Samuel 14:14 But God will not take away a life; he will devise<br />

<strong>plans</strong> so as not to keep an outcast banished forever from his<br />

presence.<br />

Isaiah 44:28 who says of Cyrus, "He is my shepherd, <strong>and</strong> he shall<br />

carry out all my purpose"; <strong>and</strong> who says of Jerusalem, "It shall<br />

be rebuilt," <strong>and</strong> of the temple, "Your foundation shall be laid."


Jeremiah 29:11 For surely I know the <strong>plans</strong> I have for you, says the<br />

LORD, <strong>plans</strong> for your welfare <strong>and</strong> not for harm, to give you a<br />

future with hope.<br />

Romans 8:28 We know that all th<strong>in</strong>gs work together for good for<br />

those who love God, who are called accord<strong>in</strong>g to his purpose.<br />

James 5:11 You have heard of the endurance of Job, <strong>and</strong> you have<br />

seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate<br />

<strong>and</strong> merciful.<br />

IV. PLANS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL OR COMMUNITY<br />

Proverbs 16:9 The human m<strong>in</strong>d <strong>plans</strong> the way, but the LORD<br />

directs the steps.<br />

Proverbs 19:21 The human m<strong>in</strong>d may devise many <strong>plans</strong>, but it is<br />

the purpose of the LORD that will be established.<br />

Psalms 57:2 I cry to God Most High, to God who fulfills his<br />

purpose for me.<br />

Psalms 138:8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your<br />

steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the<br />

work of your h<strong>and</strong>s.<br />

Jeremiah 18:11 Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah <strong>and</strong> the<br />

<strong>in</strong>habitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the LORD: Look, I am a<br />

potter shap<strong>in</strong>g evil aga<strong>in</strong>st you <strong>and</strong> devis<strong>in</strong>g a plan aga<strong>in</strong>st you.<br />

Turn now, all of you from your evil way, <strong>and</strong> amend your ways<br />

<strong>and</strong> your do<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

Micah 4:12 But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they<br />

do not underst<strong>and</strong> his plan, that he has gathered them as sheaves<br />

to the thresh<strong>in</strong>g floor.<br />

Acts 13:36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God <strong>in</strong> his<br />

own generation, died, was laid beside his ancestors, <strong>and</strong><br />

experienced corruption;<br />

God’s Plans And Purposes In Scripture/ D.Renwick Sept 2010<br />

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Acts 26:16 (Paul) But get up <strong>and</strong> st<strong>and</strong> on your feet; for I have<br />

appeared to you for this purpose, to appo<strong>in</strong>t you to serve <strong>and</strong><br />

testify to the th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> which you have seen me <strong>and</strong> to those <strong>in</strong><br />

which I will appear to you.<br />

Romans 4:11 (Abraham) He received the sign of circumcision as a<br />

seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still<br />

uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the ancestor of all<br />

who believe without be<strong>in</strong>g circumcised <strong>and</strong> who thus have<br />

righteousness reckoned to them,<br />

Romans 9:11 (Jacob <strong>and</strong> Esau) Even before they had been born or<br />

had done anyth<strong>in</strong>g good or bad (so that God's purpose of<br />

election might cont<strong>in</strong>ue,<br />

Romans 9:17 For the <strong>scripture</strong> says to Pharaoh, "I have raised you<br />

up for the very purpose of show<strong>in</strong>g my power <strong>in</strong> you, so that my<br />

name may be proclaimed <strong>in</strong> all the earth."<br />

2 Thessalonians 2:14 For this purpose he called you through our<br />

proclamation of the good news, so that you may obta<strong>in</strong> the glory<br />

of our Lord Jesus Christ.<br />

2 Timothy 1:9 who saved us <strong>and</strong> called us with a holy call<strong>in</strong>g, not<br />

accord<strong>in</strong>g to our works but accord<strong>in</strong>g to his own purpose <strong>and</strong><br />

grace. This grace was given to us <strong>in</strong> Christ Jesus before the ages<br />

began . . .<br />

James 1:18 In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by<br />

the word of truth, so that we would become a k<strong>in</strong>d of first fruits<br />

of his creatures.


V. PLANS FOR JUDGMENT & THE DESTRUCTION OF<br />

EVIL<br />

Genesis 6:13 And God said to Noah, "I have determ<strong>in</strong>ed to make<br />

an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence because of<br />

them; now I am go<strong>in</strong>g to destroy them along with the earth.<br />

2 Chronicles 25:16 But as he was speak<strong>in</strong>g the k<strong>in</strong>g said to him,<br />

"Have we made you a royal counselor? Stop! Why should you be<br />

put to death?" So the prophet stopped, but said, "I know that God<br />

has determ<strong>in</strong>ed to destroy you, because you have done this <strong>and</strong><br />

have not listened to my advice."<br />

2 K<strong>in</strong>gs 19:25 Have you not heard that I determ<strong>in</strong>ed it long ago? I<br />

planned from days of old what now I br<strong>in</strong>g to pass, that you<br />

should make fortified cities crash <strong>in</strong>to heaps of ru<strong>in</strong>s,<br />

Isaiah 19:12 Where now are your sages? Let them tell you <strong>and</strong> make<br />

known what the LORD of hosts has planned aga<strong>in</strong>st Egypt.<br />

Isaiah 19:17 And the l<strong>and</strong> of Judah will become a terror to the<br />

Egyptians; everyone to whom it is mentioned will fear because<br />

of the plan that the LORD of hosts is plann<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st them.<br />

Isaiah 23:8-9 Who has planned this aga<strong>in</strong>st Tyre, the bestower of<br />

crowns, whose merchants were pr<strong>in</strong>ces, whose traders were the<br />

honored of the earth? {9} The LORD of hosts has planned it-- to<br />

defile the pride of all glory, to shame all the honored of the earth.<br />

Isaiah 37:26 Have you not heard that I determ<strong>in</strong>ed it long ago? I<br />

planned from days of old what now I br<strong>in</strong>g to pass, that you<br />

should make fortified cities crash <strong>in</strong>to heaps of ru<strong>in</strong>s,<br />

Isaiah 48:14 Assemble, all of you, <strong>and</strong> hear! Who among them has<br />

declared these th<strong>in</strong>gs? The LORD loves him; he shall perform<br />

his purpose on Babylon, <strong>and</strong> his arm shall be aga<strong>in</strong>st the<br />

Chaldeans.<br />

Jeremiah 49:20 Therefore hear the plan that the LORD has made<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st Edom <strong>and</strong> the <strong>purposes</strong> that he has formed aga<strong>in</strong>st the<br />

<strong>in</strong>habitants of Teman: Surely the little ones of the flock shall be<br />

dragged away; surely their fold shall be appalled at their fate.<br />

Jeremiah 50:45 Therefore hear the plan that the LORD has made<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st Babylon, <strong>and</strong> the <strong>purposes</strong> that he has formed aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

the l<strong>and</strong> of the Chaldeans: Surely the little ones of the flock shall<br />

God’s Plans And Purposes In Scripture/ D.Renwick Sept 2010<br />

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be dragged away; surely their fold shall be appalled at their fate.<br />

Jeremiah 51:11-12 Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD<br />

has stirred up the spirit of the k<strong>in</strong>gs of the Medes, because his<br />

purpose concern<strong>in</strong>g Babylon is to destroy it, for that is the<br />

vengeance of the LORD, vengeance for his temple. (12) Raise a<br />

st<strong>and</strong>ard aga<strong>in</strong>st the walls of Babylon; make the watch strong;<br />

post sent<strong>in</strong>els; prepare the ambushes; for the LORD has both<br />

planned <strong>and</strong> done what he spoke concern<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>habitants of<br />

Babylon.<br />

Jeremiah 51:29 The l<strong>and</strong> trembles <strong>and</strong> writhes, for the Lord's<br />

<strong>purposes</strong> aga<strong>in</strong>st Babylon st<strong>and</strong>, to make the l<strong>and</strong> of Babylon a<br />

desolation, without <strong>in</strong>habitant.<br />

Daniel 11:36 "The k<strong>in</strong>g shall act as he pleases. He shall exalt<br />

himself <strong>and</strong> consider himself greater than any god, <strong>and</strong> shall<br />

speak horrendous th<strong>in</strong>gs aga<strong>in</strong>st the God of gods. He shall<br />

prosper until the period of wrath is completed, for what is<br />

determ<strong>in</strong>ed shall be done.<br />

1 John 3:8b The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to<br />

destroy the works of the devil.<br />

Revelation 17:17 For God has put it <strong>in</strong>to their hearts to carry out his<br />

purpose by agree<strong>in</strong>g to give their k<strong>in</strong>gdom to the beast, until the<br />

words of God will be fulfilled.<br />

VI. PLANS FOR THE TEMPLE<br />

Exodus 26:30 Then you shall erect the tabernacle accord<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />

plan for it that you were shown on the mounta<strong>in</strong>.<br />

Ezekiel 43:11 When they are ashamed of all that they have done,<br />

make known to them the plan of the temple, its arrangement, its<br />

exits <strong>and</strong> its entrances, <strong>and</strong> its whole form -- all its ord<strong>in</strong>ances<br />

<strong>and</strong> its entire plan <strong>and</strong> all its laws; <strong>and</strong> write it down <strong>in</strong> their<br />

sight, so that they may observe <strong>and</strong> follow the entire plan <strong>and</strong> all<br />

its ord<strong>in</strong>ances.<br />

1 Chronicles 28:18-19 for the altar of <strong>in</strong>cense made of ref<strong>in</strong>ed gold,


<strong>and</strong> its weight; also his plan for the golden chariot of the<br />

cherubim that spread their w<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>and</strong> covered the ark of the<br />

covenant of the LORD. 19. "All this, <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g at the Lord's<br />

direction, he made clear to me -- the plan of all the works."<br />

VII. THE PLAN OF GOD & JESUS<br />

JESUS’ SENSE OF ‘PLAN’<br />

Luke 4:43 But he said to them, "I must proclaim the good news of<br />

the k<strong>in</strong>gdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this<br />

purpose."<br />

JESUS’ DEATH PLANNED<br />

Luke 22:22 For the Son of Man is go<strong>in</strong>g as it has been determ<strong>in</strong>ed,<br />

but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!"<br />

Acts 2:23 this man, h<strong>and</strong>ed over to you accord<strong>in</strong>g to the def<strong>in</strong>ite<br />

plan <strong>and</strong> foreknowledge of God, you crucified <strong>and</strong> killed by the<br />

h<strong>and</strong>s of those outside the law.<br />

Acts 4:27-28 For <strong>in</strong> this city, <strong>in</strong> fact, both Herod <strong>and</strong> Pontius Pilate,<br />

with the Gentiles <strong>and</strong> the peoples of Israel, gathered together<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st your holy servant Jesus, whom you ano<strong>in</strong>ted, to do<br />

whatever your h<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> your plan had predest<strong>in</strong>ed to take place.<br />

God’s Plans And Purposes In Scripture/ D.Renwick Sept 2010<br />

GOD’S PLAN THROUGH JESUS<br />

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Ephesians 1:10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up<br />

all th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> him, th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> heaven <strong>and</strong> th<strong>in</strong>gs on earth.<br />

Ephesians 1:11 In Christ we have also obta<strong>in</strong>ed an<br />

<strong>in</strong>heritance, hav<strong>in</strong>g been dest<strong>in</strong>ed accord<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />

purpose of him who accomplishes all th<strong>in</strong>gs accord<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

his counsel <strong>and</strong> will,<br />

Ephesians 3:9-10 to make everyone see what is the plan of<br />

the mystery hidden for ages <strong>in</strong> God who created all th<strong>in</strong>gs;<br />

10so that through the church the wisdom of God <strong>in</strong> its rich<br />

variety might now be made known to the rulers <strong>and</strong><br />

authorities <strong>in</strong> the heavenly places.<br />

Ephesians 3:11-12 This was <strong>in</strong> accordance with the eternal<br />

purpose that he has carried out <strong>in</strong> Christ Jesus our Lord,<br />

12<strong>in</strong> whom we have access to God <strong>in</strong> boldness <strong>and</strong><br />

confidence through faith <strong>in</strong> him.<br />

James 1:18 In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by<br />

the word of truth, so that we would become a k<strong>in</strong>d of first fruits<br />

of his creatures.


GOD’S PLAN FOR THE WORLD – David Renwick, Sept.2010<br />

Genesis 1<br />

1In the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g when God created the heavens <strong>and</strong> the earth, 2the<br />

earth was a formless void <strong>and</strong> darkness covered the face of the<br />

deep, while a w<strong>in</strong>d from God swept over the face of the waters.<br />

Day 1. 3Then God said, “Let there be light”; <strong>and</strong> there was light.<br />

(= God’s Self Reveal<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> Passion for Order, Time)<br />

4And God saw that the light was good;<br />

<strong>and</strong> God separated the light from the darkness.<br />

5God called the light Day, <strong>and</strong> the darkness he called Night.<br />

And there was even<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> there was morn<strong>in</strong>g, the first day.<br />

Day 2 8God called the dome Sky. And there was even<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> there was morn<strong>in</strong>g, the second<br />

day.<br />

Day 3 12The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yield<strong>in</strong>g seed of every k<strong>in</strong>d, <strong>and</strong> trees of<br />

every k<strong>in</strong>d bear<strong>in</strong>g fruit with the seed <strong>in</strong> it. And God saw that it was good. 13And there<br />

was even<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> there was morn<strong>in</strong>g, the third day.<br />

Day 4 16God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day <strong>and</strong> the lesser light to<br />

rule the night—<strong>and</strong> the stars. 17God set them <strong>in</strong> the dome of the sky to give light upon<br />

the earth, 18to rule over the day <strong>and</strong> over the night, <strong>and</strong> to separate the light from the<br />

darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19And there was even<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> there was<br />

morn<strong>in</strong>g, the fourth day.<br />

Day 5 21So God created the great sea monsters <strong>and</strong> every liv<strong>in</strong>g creature that moves, of every<br />

k<strong>in</strong>d, with which the waters swarm, <strong>and</strong> every w<strong>in</strong>ged bird of every k<strong>in</strong>d. And God saw<br />

that it was good. 22God blessed them, say<strong>in</strong>g, “Be fruitful <strong>and</strong> multiply <strong>and</strong> fill the waters<br />

<strong>in</strong> the seas, <strong>and</strong> let birds multiply on the earth.” 23And there was even<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> there was<br />

morn<strong>in</strong>g, the fifth day.<br />

Day 6 25God made the wild animals of the earth of every k<strong>in</strong>d, <strong>and</strong> the cattle of every k<strong>in</strong>d,<br />

<strong>and</strong> everyth<strong>in</strong>g that creeps upon the ground of every k<strong>in</strong>d. And God saw that it was good.<br />

26Then God said, “Let us make humank<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong> our image,<br />

accord<strong>in</strong>g to our likeness; <strong>and</strong> let them have dom<strong>in</strong>ion<br />

over the fish of the sea, . . . <strong>and</strong> over the birds of the air,<br />

<strong>and</strong> over the cattle, <strong>and</strong> over all the wild animals of the earth,<br />

<strong>and</strong> over every creep<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>g that creeps upon the earth.”<br />

27So God created humank<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong> his image,<br />

<strong>in</strong> the image of God he created them;<br />

male <strong>and</strong> female he created them.<br />

28God blessed them, <strong>and</strong> God said to them, (= The Cultural<br />

M<strong>and</strong>ate)<br />

God’s Plans And Purposes In Scripture/ D.Renwick Sept 2010<br />

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(a) “Be fruitful <strong>and</strong> multiply, <strong>and</strong> fill the earth<br />

(b) <strong>and</strong> subdue it; <strong>and</strong> have dom<strong>in</strong>ion<br />

over the fish of the sea<br />

<strong>and</strong> over the birds of the air<br />

<strong>and</strong> over every liv<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>g that moves upon the earth.”<br />

29God said,<br />

“See, I have given you (=’grace’)<br />

every plant yield<strong>in</strong>g seed that is upon the face of all the earth,<br />

<strong>and</strong> every tree with seed <strong>in</strong> its fruit;<br />

you shall have them for food.<br />

30And to every beast of the earth,<br />

<strong>and</strong> to every bird of the air, <strong>and</strong> to everyth<strong>in</strong>g that creeps on the earth, everyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />

that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was<br />

so.<br />

31God saw everyth<strong>in</strong>g that he had made, <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>deed, it was very good. And there<br />

was even<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> there was morn<strong>in</strong>g, the sixth day.<br />

Genesis 2<br />

1 Thus the heavens <strong>and</strong> the earth were f<strong>in</strong>ished, <strong>and</strong> all their<br />

multitude.<br />

Day 7 2And on the seventh day God f<strong>in</strong>ished the work that he had<br />

done, <strong>and</strong> he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he<br />

had done. 3So God blessed the seventh day <strong>and</strong> hallowed it,<br />

because on it God rested from all the work that he had done <strong>in</strong><br />

creation.<br />

ANOTHER CREATION PERSPECTIVE<br />

4These are the generations of the heavens <strong>and</strong> the earth when they were created. In<br />

the day that the Lord God made the earth <strong>and</strong> the heavens, 5when no plant of<br />

the field was yet <strong>in</strong> the earth <strong>and</strong> no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the<br />

Lord God had not caused it to ra<strong>in</strong> upon the earth, <strong>and</strong> there was no one<br />

to till the ground;<br />

6but a stream would rise from the earth, <strong>and</strong> water the whole face of the ground —<br />

7then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, <strong>and</strong><br />

breathed <strong>in</strong>to his nostrils the breath of life; <strong>and</strong> the man became a<br />

liv<strong>in</strong>g be<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

8And the Lord God planted a garden <strong>in</strong> Eden, <strong>in</strong> the east;


<strong>and</strong> there he put the man whom he had formed.<br />

9Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow (= grace)<br />

every tree that is pleasant to the sight <strong>and</strong> good for food,<br />

the tree of life also <strong>in</strong> the midst of the garden,<br />

<strong>and</strong> the tree of the knowledge of good <strong>and</strong> evil.<br />

10A river flows out of Eden to water the garden, . . .<strong>and</strong> from there it divides <strong>and</strong><br />

becomes four branches. 11The name of the first is Pishon; 13The name of the<br />

second river is Gihon; 14The name of the third river is Tigris; And the fourth<br />

river is the Euphrates.<br />

15The Lord God took the man <strong>and</strong> put him <strong>in</strong> the garden of Eden<br />

to till it <strong>and</strong> keep it. (= The Cultural M<strong>and</strong>ate; Stewardship)<br />

16, 17And the Lord God comm<strong>and</strong>ed the man, (=Moral Be<strong>in</strong>g)<br />

(A) “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden;<br />

(B) but of the tree of the knowledge of good <strong>and</strong> evil you shall not<br />

eat,<br />

. . . for <strong>in</strong> the day that you eat of it you shall die.”<br />

18Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be<br />

alone;<br />

I will make him a helper as his partner.” (=Relational/Social<br />

Be<strong>in</strong>g)<br />

19So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field <strong>and</strong> every<br />

bird of the air, <strong>and</strong> brought them to the man to see what he would call them;<br />

<strong>and</strong> whatever the man called every liv<strong>in</strong>g creature, that was its name.<br />

20The man gave names to all cattle, <strong>and</strong> to the birds of the air, <strong>and</strong><br />

to every animal of the field; (= Scientific Be<strong>in</strong>g)<br />

but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner.<br />

(NB: ‘helper’is not demean<strong>in</strong>g, but used of God, see Psalm 121:1)<br />

21So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, <strong>and</strong> he slept; then he<br />

took one of his ribs <strong>and</strong> closed up its place with flesh. 22And the rib that the<br />

Lord God had taken from the man he made <strong>in</strong>to a woman <strong>and</strong> brought her to<br />

the man. 23Then the man said,<br />

“This at last is bone of my bones <strong>and</strong> flesh of my flesh;<br />

this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.”<br />

24Therefore a man leaves his father <strong>and</strong> his mother<br />

<strong>and</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>gs to his wife, <strong>and</strong> they become one flesh. (= Covenant<br />

Marriage) 25And the man <strong>and</strong> his wife were both naked, <strong>and</strong><br />

were not ashamed.<br />

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Genesis 3<br />

1Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had<br />

made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree <strong>in</strong><br />

the garden’?”<br />

2The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees <strong>in</strong> the garden;<br />

3but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is <strong>in</strong> the middle of the<br />

garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’“<br />

4But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; 5for God knows that when<br />

you eat of it your eyes will be opened, <strong>and</strong> you will be like God, know<strong>in</strong>g good<br />

<strong>and</strong> evil.”<br />

6So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, <strong>and</strong> that it<br />

was a delight to the eyes, <strong>and</strong> that the tree was to be desired to<br />

make one wise, she took of its fruit <strong>and</strong> ate;<br />

<strong>and</strong> she also gave some to her husb<strong>and</strong>, who was with her, <strong>and</strong><br />

he ate.<br />

THE CURSE<br />

Alienation from Self<br />

7Then the eyes of both were opened,<br />

<strong>and</strong> they knew that they were naked;<br />

<strong>and</strong> they sewed fig leaves together <strong>and</strong> made lo<strong>in</strong>cloths for<br />

themselves.<br />

Alienation from God<br />

8They heard the sound of the Lord God walk<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the garden at the<br />

time of the even<strong>in</strong>g breeze, <strong>and</strong> the man <strong>and</strong> his wife hid<br />

themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees<br />

of the garden.<br />

9But the Lord God called to the man,<br />

<strong>and</strong> said to him, “Where are you?”<br />

10He said, “I heard the sound of you <strong>in</strong> the garden,<br />

<strong>and</strong> I was afraid, because I was naked; <strong>and</strong> I hid myself.”<br />

11He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten<br />

from the tree of which I comm<strong>and</strong>ed you not to eat?”<br />

Alienation from One Another<br />

12The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she<br />

gave me fruit from the tree, <strong>and</strong> I ate.”<br />

13Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have<br />

done?”


The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, <strong>and</strong> I ate.”<br />

14The Lord God said to the serpent,<br />

(= the promise of the destruction of evil)<br />

“Because you have done this, cursed are you among all animals<br />

<strong>and</strong> among all wild creatures;<br />

upon your belly you shall go,<br />

<strong>and</strong> dust you shall eat all the days of your life.<br />

15I will put enmity between you <strong>and</strong> the woman,<br />

<strong>and</strong> between your offspr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> hers;<br />

he will strike your head, <strong>and</strong> you will strike his heel.”<br />

The Natural World under a Curse<br />

16To the woman he said,<br />

“I will greatly <strong>in</strong>crease your pangs <strong>in</strong> childbear<strong>in</strong>g;<br />

<strong>in</strong> pa<strong>in</strong> you shall br<strong>in</strong>g forth children,<br />

yet your desire shall be for your husb<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> he shall rule over<br />

you.” (=Temporary? Part of the curse?)<br />

17And to the man he said,<br />

“Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, <strong>and</strong> have eaten<br />

of the tree about which I comm<strong>and</strong>ed you, ‘You shall not eat of<br />

it,’<br />

cursed is the ground because of you;<br />

<strong>in</strong> toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life;<br />

18thorns <strong>and</strong> thistles it shall br<strong>in</strong>g forth for you;<br />

<strong>and</strong> you shall eat the plants of the field.<br />

19By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread<br />

until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken;<br />

you are dust, <strong>and</strong> to dust you shall return.” (Death!)<br />

20The man named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all<br />

liv<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

21And the Lord God made garments of sk<strong>in</strong>s for the man <strong>and</strong> for his<br />

wife, <strong>and</strong> clothed them.<br />

Alienation from Life as God Intended <strong>in</strong> the Beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />

22Then the Lord God said,<br />

“See, the man has become like one of us, know<strong>in</strong>g good <strong>and</strong> evil;<br />

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<strong>and</strong> now, he might reach out his h<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> take also from the tree of<br />

life, <strong>and</strong> eat, <strong>and</strong> live forever”—<br />

23therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden,<br />

to till the ground from which he was taken.<br />

24He drove out the man;<br />

<strong>and</strong> at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim,<br />

<strong>and</strong> a sword flam<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> turn<strong>in</strong>g to guard the way to the tree of life.<br />

Galatians 3:8-14<br />

8And the <strong>scripture</strong>, foresee<strong>in</strong>g that God would justify the Gentiles by<br />

faith, declared the gospel beforeh<strong>and</strong> to Abraham, say<strong>in</strong>g, “All the<br />

Gentiles shall be blessed <strong>in</strong> you.”<br />

9For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who<br />

believed. 10For all who rely on the works of the law are under a<br />

curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe<br />

<strong>and</strong> obey all the th<strong>in</strong>gs written <strong>in</strong> the book of the law.”<br />

11Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law;<br />

for “The one who is righteous will live by faith.” 12But the law does<br />

not rest on faith; on the contrary, “Whoever does the works of the<br />

law will live by them.” 13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the<br />

law by becom<strong>in</strong>g a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is<br />

everyone who hangs on a tree”— 14<strong>in</strong> order that <strong>in</strong> Christ Jesus the<br />

bless<strong>in</strong>g of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might<br />

receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.<br />

Romans 8<br />

1 There is therefore now no condemnation<br />

for those who are <strong>in</strong> Christ Jesus.<br />

2For the law of the Spirit of life <strong>in</strong> Christ Jesus<br />

has set you free from the law of s<strong>in</strong> <strong>and</strong> of death.<br />

3For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not<br />

do:<br />

by send<strong>in</strong>g his own Son <strong>in</strong> the likeness of s<strong>in</strong>ful flesh,<br />

<strong>and</strong> to deal with s<strong>in</strong>, he condemned s<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the flesh,


4so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled<br />

<strong>in</strong> us,<br />

a. who walk not accord<strong>in</strong>g to the flesh but accord<strong>in</strong>g to the Spirit.<br />

• 5. For those who live accord<strong>in</strong>g to the flesh set their<br />

m<strong>in</strong>ds on the th<strong>in</strong>gs of the flesh, but those who live<br />

accord<strong>in</strong>g to the Spirit set their m<strong>in</strong>ds on the th<strong>in</strong>gs of the<br />

Spirit.<br />

b. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.<br />

• 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back<br />

<strong>in</strong>to fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption.<br />

• When we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16it is that very Spirit<br />

bear<strong>in</strong>g witness with our spirit that we are children of<br />

God,<br />

• 17 <strong>and</strong> if children, then heirs, heirs of God <strong>and</strong> jo<strong>in</strong>t heirs<br />

with Christ<br />

c. —if, <strong>in</strong> fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be<br />

glorified with him.<br />

18I consider that the suffer<strong>in</strong>gs of this present time are not worth<br />

compar<strong>in</strong>g with the glory about to be revealed to us.<br />

19For the creation waits with eager long<strong>in</strong>g for the reveal<strong>in</strong>g of the<br />

children of God;<br />

20for the creation was subjected to futility,<br />

• not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected<br />

it,<br />

• <strong>in</strong> hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its<br />

bondage to decay <strong>and</strong> will obta<strong>in</strong> the freedom of the glory of<br />

the children of God.<br />

22We know that the whole creation has been groan<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> labor<br />

pa<strong>in</strong>s . . . until now;<br />

23<strong>and</strong> not only the creation, but we ourselves,<br />

who have the first fruits of the Spirit,<br />

groan <strong>in</strong>wardly while we wait for adoption,<br />

the redemption of our bodies.<br />

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24For <strong>in</strong> hope we were saved.<br />

Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is<br />

seen? 25But if we hope for what we do not see,<br />

we wait for it with patience.<br />

26Likewise the Spirit helps us <strong>in</strong> our weakness;<br />

for we do not know how to pray as we ought,<br />

but that very Spirit <strong>in</strong>tercedes with sighs too deep for words.<br />

27And God, who searches the heart,<br />

knows what is the m<strong>in</strong>d of the Spirit,<br />

because the Spirit <strong>in</strong>tercedes for the sa<strong>in</strong>ts accord<strong>in</strong>g to the will of<br />

God.<br />

28We know that all th<strong>in</strong>gs work together for good for those who love<br />

God, who are called accord<strong>in</strong>g to his purpose.<br />

Matthew 6: 9,10<br />

9“Pray then <strong>in</strong> this way: Our Father <strong>in</strong> heaven, hallowed be your<br />

name. 10Your k<strong>in</strong>gdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is <strong>in</strong><br />

heaven.<br />

Revelation 21:1-4<br />

21Then I saw a new heaven <strong>and</strong> a new earth;<br />

for the first heaven <strong>and</strong> the first earth had passed away,<br />

<strong>and</strong> the sea was no more.<br />

2And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, com<strong>in</strong>g down out of<br />

heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husb<strong>and</strong>.<br />

3And I heard a loud voice from the throne say<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

“See, the home of God is among mortals.<br />

He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples,<br />

<strong>and</strong> God himself will be with them;<br />

4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.<br />

Death will be no more; mourn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> cry<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> pa<strong>in</strong> will be no<br />

more, for the first th<strong>in</strong>gs have passed away.”

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