Day-by-Day Chronological Reading Plan, a 7-Day IntroductionPrimjer

A lot of people talk about “worldview” these days. This refers to the framework someone has for understanding existence and the nature of reality. We already answered a key question that a worldview must answer: Where did we come from? Now we answer a second: What’s gone wrong with us? Our first parents choose to rebel against their Creator, becoming sinners. They pass down this sinful nature to their children. The image of God is not destroyed by sin, but it is damaged. We humans are fallen creatures, and we have all followed our ancestors’ path of rejecting God’s vision for life. 

Watch for the patterns of human sin depicted in Genesis 3–4:

• Temptation to question God’s Word: “Did God really say . . . ?” (3:1)
• The false promise of desire
• The experience of shame and consequences of sin     

Also notice the attempt to blame others for sin, the refusal to take responsibility for sinful actions. Finally, notice that in chapter 4 the problem was not just with Cain’s offering but with Cain himself; this is a key to understanding the story.

• How do these stories reflect your own battle with temptation?