5-10-2026: The First Rebellion in Eden

Sermon Title: The First Rebellion in Eden 

Scripture Reading: Genesis 3; Ezekiel 28:12-17; Isaiah 14:12-14; Revelation 12:9 

Sermon Focus: Genesis 3 is more than the story of humanity’s first sin—it is the beginning of a cosmic rebellion that fractures creation and introduces spiritual warfare into the human story. The serpent in Eden is not merely a talking snake, but a supernatural rebel who tempts humanity to distrust God. In the second message of our series, Pastor David explores the deeper meaning of the garden scene, and how God responds with judgment and with the first promise of redemption and victory over evil. 

Thank you for going deeper in conversation with your small group. Use the following questions to help guide your small group discussion:  

1. Begin by having a person(s) read aloud all of Genesis 3. This story may sound strange to modern readers, but the original audience understood that it depicted a real event: a rebel in the divine council deceived humankind and led them into sin and death. What do you find most interesting about this story? 

2. In the ancient world, serpent imagery was commonly associated with supernatural beings—connected to divine wisdom, chaos, and sacred space. Read Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:12-17. How does understanding the serpent as a supernatural rebel—not merely a snake or a metaphor—change the way you read this story?  

3. What stands out to you about the serpent’s strategy? Why is deception such a powerful spiritual weapon? How does the unseen enemy seek to deceive us today?  In what ways are we still tempted to distrust God and his goodness?  

4. Evil is both a human and spiritual problem. The Bible teaches that evil comes from our own sinful human desires/actions but also from unseen spiritual forces. Take time to read James 1:14, James 4:7, and 1 Peter 5:8-9. Why is it so important that we recognize both the internal war and the outward attacks of the evil one? 

5. According to Genesis 3:15, even after humanity’s rebellion, God promises that the serpent will ultimately be defeated. Evil will not get the last word. What does this teach us about God’s character? How does this promise point forward to Jesus? Where do you need hope that God is still working redemption in your life? 

6. WEEKLY PRACTICE: Repentance – “Close the Doors You’ve Opened”  • Challenge: Ask the Spirit to reveal one area of hidden sin or compromise.   Confess it and repent—stay in the light!  • Invitation: Pray daily: “God, I choose your Word (truth) over the serpent’s lies. Help me to trust you above my feelings.”  • Goal: Align your life with God and his will—resist your flesh (inner rebellious desires) and resist the serpent, the devil. 

What is God saying to you through this second message in our series? Also, share one specific thing you will do this week to be more mindful of the serpent’s ways, to stay in the light of God’s love, and to close any doors you’ve opened to evil. 

7. Finally, close in prayer together. We invite you to pray that God will help you, your small group, and our congregation to stay alert to our real enemy—the devil—and resist him in thought, word, and deed. May the Lord deliver us from the evil one.