Genesis 3:8–19 reveals the far-reaching consequences of sin. Pastor Ben Smith explains how sin breaks fellowship, disrupts cooperation, and distorts purpose, bringing guilt, pain, and death. Yet even in this dark moment, God gives a promise of hope through Christ, who conquers sin and restores what was lost.

Genesis 3 is a pivotal moment in Scripture when Adam and Eve chose to believe the lies of Satan rather than trust the will of God. Satan's work has always been to draw us away from God—through doubt, half-truths, and deception. Adam and Eve's choice in the garden was not just their story; it's ours too. As Romans 3:23 reminds us, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

To understand our own sin, we must first understand the first sin. What does their rebellion teach us about the danger of Satan's lies? At the heart of every temptation is an invitation to reject God and trust the deceiver instead of the Creator. This text teaches three vital lessons: the need to trust God's wisdom, trust His word, and trust His design.

In this passage, Paul encourages the church to rid itself of sinful rebellious members. I think this passage is instructive to us as individuals as well. Each of us must constantly work to rid our lives of the corruption of sin. As we begin 2022 let us consider how we can make a fresh start towards righteousness.

There are two basic principles to any trap or snare - appear safe and inviting then once the prey is totally committed the trap springs

When a trap is deployed anything that might make it seem dangerous and threatening is hidden or covered. With animal traps, the mechanism of the trap might be covered with leaves or straw.

The most important part of making the trap inviting is putting out bait that will be hard to resist. A good trapper knows what best attracts the animals he desires to ensnare. The bait is positioned so as to be seen or smelled and appears free for the taking but the only way for the animal to get to the bait is to enter the trap. The bait is presented as though it is free. It looks as though it is left unattended. The allusion is that the bait, that is so desired, can be had without any cost or consequence.

Once the prey is totally committed the trap springs. This is where the second principle of any trap comes into play. An effective trap only springs once the animal is completely committed. The bait is placed deep in the trap so once the trap springs there is no opportunity for the animal to escape. With any trap – when the danger has been recognized the opportunity for escape is no more.

There is one more principle about traps that is important to understand. An animal may willingly enter a trap in hopes to consume the bait but once trapped it loses any autonomy and is at the mercy of the trapper. All traps lead to the loss of freedom and most traps lead to the loss of life.