Choosing Life: The Power of Faith and Obedience
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we explored the profound narrative of Genesis 2, focusing on the tale of two trees: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. These trees, placed in the middle of the Garden of Eden, symbolize the choices and consequences that define our spiritual journey. God, in His infinite wisdom, created a garden filled with every tree that was pleasant to the sight and good for food, yet He placed a restriction on one tree to teach us about obedience, trust, and the exercise of free will.
We delved into the significance of Eden, not just as a physical location but as a spiritual allocation where God's presence, grace, and provision are ever-present. Eden, in Hebrew, is depicted through five strokes representing a spot, a moment, presence, an open door, and a delightful place. This illustrates that Eden is a state of being in God's presence, where we can experience His grace and provision.
The sermon also touched on the real-life struggles and the power of prayer, exemplified by a family facing a dire medical diagnosis for their two-year-old daughter. This underscores the importance of prayer and faith in God's ability to intervene and transform our circumstances.
We reflected on personal stories, including my own journey from a life of sin to redemption through Christ. The tale of two trees in my life—one leading to premature death and the other to eternal life—mirrors the choices we all face. The first tree represents our sinful nature and the consequences of disobedience, while the second tree, the cross of Christ, offers redemption and eternal life.
In conclusion, the message emphasized the importance of making the right choices, embracing God's presence, and living a life of obedience and trust in Him. The invitation was extended to all to partake in the fruit of the Tree of Life, symbolizing acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Tale of Two Trees: The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil symbolize the choices we face in life. The Tree of Life represents eternal life and communion with God, while the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil represents disobedience and the consequences of sin. Our choices determine our spiritual destiny. [04:12]
2. Eden as a Spiritual State: Eden is not just a physical location but a spiritual state where we experience God's presence, grace, and provision. The Hebrew strokes for Eden—spot, moment, presence, open door, and delightful place—illustrate that Eden is about being in God's presence and receiving His blessings. [28:54]
3. The Power of Prayer: The story of the two-year-old girl with stage four cancer highlights the importance of prayer and faith in God's ability to perform miracles. Prayer is not just a ritual but a powerful means to invite God's intervention in our lives. [06:13]
4. Personal Transformation: My personal journey from a life of sin to redemption through Christ underscores the transformative power of accepting Jesus. The first tree in my life led to premature death, but the second tree, the cross, brought eternal life. This transformation is available to all who choose to follow Christ. [42:39]
5. Obedience and Trust: Genesis 2 teaches us about the importance of obedience and trust in God. The restriction on the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was not about the tree itself but about teaching us to trust God's wisdom and make choices that align with His will. [22:12]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:12] - The Tale of Two Trees
[06:13] - The Power of Prayer
[09:36] - Childhood Memories and Lessons
[18:25] - The Significance of the Forbidden Tree
[22:12] - Obedience and Trust
[28:54] - Understanding Eden
[35:00] - The Serpent and the Fall
[42:39] - Personal Transformation
[48:02] - The Cross and Redemption
[50:17] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[55:26] - Prayer of Salvation
[57:11] - Celebrating New Believers
[01:00:02] - Discipleship and New Beginnings
[01:04:51] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17 (NKJV)
> "The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil... Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, 'Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.'"
2. Luke 23:39-43 (NKJV)
> "Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, 'If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.' But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.' Then he said to Jesus, 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.' And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What were the two specific trees mentioned in the Garden of Eden, and where were they located? ([04:12])
2. According to Genesis 2, what was the command God gave to Adam regarding the trees in the garden? ([18:25])
3. In Luke 23, what were the differing responses of the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus? ([48:53])
4. How did the pastor describe his personal transformation from a life of sin to redemption through Christ? ([42:39])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What do the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil symbolize in our spiritual journey? How do these trees represent the choices we face in life? ([04:12])
2. How does the concept of Eden as a spiritual state, rather than a physical location, change our understanding of experiencing God's presence and grace? ([28:54])
3. What role does prayer play in inviting God's intervention in our lives, as illustrated by the story of the two-year-old girl with stage four cancer? ([06:13])
4. How does the pastor's personal story of transformation illustrate the broader message of redemption and the choices we make in life? ([42:39])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant choice. How did you discern which path to take, and what was the outcome? How can the story of the two trees in Genesis 2 guide you in future decisions? ([04:12])
2. In what ways can you cultivate a spiritual "Eden" in your daily life, where you experience God's presence, grace, and provision? What practical steps can you take to create this environment? ([28:54])
3. Think about a situation in your life that requires divine intervention. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your routine to invite God's power and presence into that situation? ([06:13])
4. The pastor shared his journey from sin to redemption. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. What are some areas in your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and transformation? ([42:39])
5. How can you practice obedience and trust in God in your daily life, especially when faced with temptations or difficult decisions? Share a specific example where you struggled with obedience and how you can approach it differently in the future. ([22:12])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of making the right choices. Identify a current decision you are facing. How can you ensure that your choice aligns with God's will and wisdom? ([22:12])
7. How can you support others in their spiritual journeys, especially those who are facing significant challenges or decisions? Share a specific way you can offer encouragement or assistance to someone in your small group or community. ([06:13])
Devotional
Day 1: The Tale of Two Trees
The narrative of Genesis 2 presents us with two significant trees: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. These trees symbolize the choices we face in life and the consequences that follow. The Tree of Life represents eternal life and communion with God, while the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil represents disobedience and the consequences of sin. Our choices determine our spiritual destiny. The presence of these trees in the Garden of Eden serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and the exercise of free will. God’s restriction on the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was not arbitrary but a means to teach us about trust and the importance of making choices that align with His will. [04:12]
Genesis 2:16-17 (ESV): "And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, 'You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.'"
Reflection: Think about a recent decision you made. Did it align with God's will? How can you ensure your future choices reflect obedience and trust in God?
Day 2: Eden as a Spiritual State
Eden is more than just a physical location; it is a spiritual state where we experience God's presence, grace, and provision. The Hebrew strokes for Eden—spot, moment, presence, open door, and delightful place—illustrate that Eden is about being in God's presence and receiving His blessings. This understanding of Eden invites us to seek a deeper relationship with God, where we can experience His grace and provision in our daily lives. It is a reminder that God's presence is not confined to a specific place but is available to us wherever we are. [28:54]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: How can you create moments in your day to be more aware of God's presence and experience His grace and provision?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer
The story of the two-year-old girl with stage four cancer highlights the importance of prayer and faith in God's ability to perform miracles. Prayer is not just a ritual but a powerful means to invite God's intervention in our lives. It is through prayer that we can express our deepest concerns and trust in God's ability to transform our circumstances. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of prayer and the importance of maintaining a strong faith, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. [06:13]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to seek God's intervention and guidance?
Day 4: Personal Transformation
The journey from a life of sin to redemption through Christ underscores the transformative power of accepting Jesus. The first tree in one's life may lead to premature death, but the second tree, the cross, brings eternal life. This transformation is available to all who choose to follow Christ. It is a powerful testimony of how accepting Jesus can lead to a complete change in one's life, offering hope, redemption, and eternal life. This transformation is not just a one-time event but a continuous journey of growing in faith and living a life that reflects Christ's love and grace. [42:39]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Reflect on your own journey of faith. How has accepting Jesus transformed your life, and what steps can you take to continue growing in your relationship with Him?
Day 5: Obedience and Trust
Genesis 2 teaches us about the importance of obedience and trust in God. The restriction on the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was not about the tree itself but about teaching us to trust God's wisdom and make choices that align with His will. Obedience to God is a demonstration of our trust in His wisdom and love for us. It is through obedience that we can experience the fullness of God's blessings and live a life that is pleasing to Him. This lesson from Genesis 2 is a timeless reminder of the importance of trusting God and making choices that reflect our faith in Him. [22:12]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you struggle with obedience and trust in God. What steps can you take to surrender this area to Him and trust in His wisdom?
Quotes
1. "The reason you hear such emphasis on prayer has nothing to do with how many footsteps hit this carpet five times a week. It is because there is a family with a two-year-old daughter who has stage four rabo-descarma. And the reason you hear from this platform, this pulpit, so much on stage four cancer, with little to no chance of life, unless, unless. If God doesn't intervene, this child will be dead in a matter of days, months, maybe a year, I don't know. But if he moves in that little girl's body, and when he moves in that little girl's body, that little girl and her family will have a testimony that no other, they will have a testimony for the rest." [06:13] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Genesis 2 has nothing to do with the tree. Nothing. It has nothing to do with the fruit on that tree. It's got everything to do with obedience, lordship, trust, and choices. What kind of God, would create puppets on a string and dictate every day of our lives, go here, do this, don't do that, da-da-da, da-da-da, ba-ba-ba. No, he gave you a free will and choices every day of your life, choices that you and I can make. He's setting a precedence early on about lordship, obedience, honor, trust, and choices." [22:12] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There are some things you and I were never meant to dabble in. There are certain things you and I were never supposed to eat the fruit thereof. But when we do, and when we did, Adam, death comes. But it's not death like you and I think. When it said, don't eat of that fruit, for in the day you eat of it, you shall surely die. Now, we know it can't mean immediate death because Adam did not drop dead. Eve did not drop dead when they ate the fruit. That's not the word. Death there does not mean die instantaneously. The actual word means it's a premature death." [26:04] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The voices you allow into your life typically determine the choices in your life. She engages in a conversation with serpent. In Genesis 3, he's called the serpent. In Revelation, he's addressed and called the dragon. I've said this multiple times from this pulpit. In Genesis, he's the serpent. In Revelation, he's the dragon. Somebody's been feeding him." [36:50] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The punishment for the serpent was to eat dust the rest of your life. You know what the enemy is eating? Our fleshly desires. Every time you and I give in to our flesh. So from a serpent to a dragon, he's been eating a lot of flesh. But there was a moment in time, nine hours roughly, there was no need to work. Y'all should be shouting that one down. No need to work. No arguing, no gossip, no drama, no need for health insurance, no disease, no cancer, no tooth decay, no organ failure, no cheating on your spouses. Lasted nine hours." [38:25] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "One tree allowed me forbidden fruit that I was not supposed to eat of. But in December of 1993, I was introduced to another tree. The Bible says in Galatians, everything that hangs upon a tree is cursed. Jesus became the curse for me. He became premature death for me. He became cancerous for me. He became a diabetic for me. He became sin. Who knew no sin? He became sin on my behalf. The innocent became guilty so the guilty could become innocent." [42:39] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The tale of two trees. One tree brings death. One tree brings life. And today, as he's breathing, he's This is the last. He says, today, you have bitten from a fruit. Ooh. It took Jesus back thousands of years to a place where he said, I remember this moment. I remember the moment when my father provided a way. He provided a spot where there was a moment where my presence would come and provide an open door. You could experience the delightful place, heaven, at any moment. Jesus remembered." [52:01] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The Bible says if you prayed that prayer and meant it with all your heart for the very first time, the Bible says that your name has been written in a book in heaven and now you have an open door freely to access presence of God in a delightful place. If you just prayed that prayer and meant it with all your heart in just a moment I'm going to invite you to come down we're going to erupt in applause for you not trying to embarrass anybody but we are trying to say the Bible says if you confess me before men I'll confess you before my Father in heaven if you deny me before men I'll deny you that's what it says he just gave you life." [56:04] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The Bible says your name is written in the Lamb's book of life. The Bible says that when you said yes to Jesus and you ate that fruit of that tree the Bible says all of heaven stopped to rejoice. Hey worship team can we come real quick can we finish can we come real quick worship team the Bible says all of heaven rejoiced so we want to engage with heaven we want to help rejoice come on can somebody get this out of my way I feel like I'm going to kick it over in just a moment because three people just said I choose life I choose Jesus." [01:00:27] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The only problem is you can't find Eden because Eden was not a spot or a place of location. It was a place of allocation where resources would be delivered to you freely. It's not latitude and longitude. You cannot find Eden. You cannot go. To this day, men and women are frustrated because they cannot find Eden. They're looking for something they will never find in the earth. It's only found in his presence. Where is presence in that list? Where is presence? Right in the middle. God's always right in the middle." [33:30] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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