Monday, January 2, 2017

Designer Clothes

Recently, we looked at the fall of man when Eve and Adam gave into temptation from the serpent. After they had eaten from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, they immediately were aware of their nakedness.  Because their sin caused them shame, they made coverings for themselves out of fig leaves.  We’re going to look at how man deals with his sin and how God handles it in His perfect way.

For our study, let’s look at Genesis 3:21:
"The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.”  

Things to think about:
  • Our sin oftentimes creates a sense of shame and/or embarrassment.  It makes us want to hide from God and cover up what we have done. It also can make us develop compensating behaviors and mind games (see the different models of fig leaves below)
    • We know we ought to have done better but have succumbed to a temptation or weakness. When Adam and Eve gave into their curiosity (tempted by the serpent which led to disobeying God), they were immediately aware of their nakedness and sought to cover it up. Before then they had no idea they were naked and therefore felt no shame. 
  • Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together to cover up their shame.  Like them, we frequently resort to works to cover up our transgressions.
    • God says our works are like filthy rags. Interesting that it is a clothing metaphor He uses.
    • The fig leaves were convenient, temporary, acquired at no price, and represented man’s solution to his problem
  • Here are some of the fig leaves we sew. Which ones of these sound familiar? What else might you add to the list?
    • Rationalization - If you really understood, you’d see the good reason I did this was…
    • Religion - I’ll volunteer at church/ministry, write a check, definitely read the Bible more…
    • Deflection - Well, nobody's perfect and besides, look at all of the good things I do
    • Comparison - In the grand scheme of things, it’s not as bad as what he/she/they are doing
    • Blame - It’s not my fault, they’re really the ones responsible for this
    • Victim - I can’t help it, it’s just my personality, my past, ...
  • God saw them in their utter state of helplessness and showed them mercy by making garments of skin to clothe them
    • The skin used had to come from animals that gave their life in order to provide the solution. They came at great cost and represent God’s answer to the problem.
    • Our sin does have consequences (See verses 14-19)
    • But thanks be to God, mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13)
  • What are the marks of God’s clothes?
    • Made specifically for the purpose. Jesus came that He might die a sinner’s death on the cross so that we could have eternal life with Him.
    • They are really expensive. In fact, they cost so much that they were purchased with the blood of the Lamb of God.
    • One size fits all. No one’s sins are worse or less egregious than another’s.  Therefore, the design fits all of us the same.
    • Made to last. Adam and Eve’s were made of flimsy fig leaves, God’s design is enduring.
    • Once clothed in God’s wardrobe, we don’t have to be ashamed before God or man
  • When you’re tempted to be your own tailor, remember your Designer already has you covered!
    • Psalm 132:9 - Let your priests be clothed in righteousness.


When you notice someone’s clothes today, be they humble or haute couture,  see that as a reminder that Jesus wants to cover them with His love and grace (just as He has done with you).  

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