Winning Before Beginning
Today, we’re continuing a new series on prophecy that will lead us into our Christmas day service. And today we’re looking at the most beautiful scripture which is so appropriate for us right now. Not just because of Christmas, but because of what’s happening in the world around us. It speaks of another kind of match, a deathmatch battle between good and evil that’s been raging since the dawn of time, but one which was also won before it even began.
Scripture
Genesis 3:14-15 ESV The LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. (Gen 3:14)
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (Gen 3:15)
Bible Study Questions
In verse 14, God is addressing the serpent in the garden of Eden. What led to God’s address? (Gen 3: 6, 14)
God deals His punishment to the serpent in the garden. He tells the serpent that on His belly He shall go. What is the significance of going on his belly? (Gen 3:14; Mic 7:17)
What is the significance of the serpent eating dust all the days of its life? (Gen 3:14; Isa 65:25)
Verse 15 is known as protoevangelium, which means the first good news. What other significant part of the Bible is known as the good news? (Gen 3:15)
In verse 15, God puts enmity between Eve and the serpent. Enmity can be translated as hatred. This was a curse to Satan and a blessing to us. Why was it a curse for Satan and a blessing for us? (Gen 3:14; Psa 11:5; Jas 2:23)
Moses, the author of Genesis tells us that the enmity will be between Satan’s offspring and Eve’s offspring. What does this signify, and who are Satan’s offspring and Eve’s offspring? (Gen 3:15; Gal 4:3; 1 Jn 3:8-10)
Satan’s offspring will bruise the heel of Eve’s offspring and Eve’s offspring will crush the head of Satan’s offspring. Who is the offspring of Eve? How did this prophesy come true? (Gen 3:15; Heb 2:14)
Prayer
Almighty God, living King of the universe, thank you for your Devine word! You made it clear from the beginning of time that there would be a great battle between good and evil, that will span millennia. But at the same time, you made it clear that the victory is yours and belongs also to all those who follow you. Because you sent your son to the earth to crush the head of the enemy, we are free. We give all honour and glory to you, Father, for this immense gift. Help us this festive season to remember amid the noise of the battle what Jesus means to us, and hold on to your truth and celebrate those truths with all joy and fervour. May we bring honour and glory to your name through the gifts and talents you have given us. In Jesus’s victorious name we pray. Amen.
Worship
When all I see is the battle
You see my victory
When all I see is a mountain
You see a mountain moved
And as I walk through the shadow
Your love surrounds me
There's nothing to fear now
For I am safe with You
So when I fight I'll fight on my knees
With my hands lifted high
O God the battle belongs to You
And every fear I lay at Your feet
I'll sing through the night
O God the battle belongs to You
And if You are for me
Who can be against me
For Jesus there's nothing
Impossible for You
When all I see are the ashes
You see the beauty
When all I see is a cross
God You see the empty tomb
(An) Almighty Fortress You go before us
Nothing can stand against
The power of our God
You shine in the shadows
You win every battle
Nothing can stand against
The power of our God
Service
This scripture is the first prophecy fulfilled. It is a reminder to us all that God is in control and that His word is indeed His word. The prophesy He made came true and He has promised much more for those of us who believe. This is an immense encouragement in the times we are living in. How has this message comforted you in your battle against sin? How do you know of that is struggling in their battle? With what you have learned from today, what can you do or pray for, to help those in need?