Forbidden Fruit

Message Listening Guide

Guiding Question: Have you ever made a small decision that ended up having much bigger consequences than you expected?

A Case Study on Temptation (Genesis 2-3)
God’s command wasn’t arbitrary—it was relational. The tree was an invitation to trust, not a trap (Genesis 2:15–17).
Adam and Eve fixated on the one thing God withheld. Sin often begins with distorted vision, not outright rebellion (Genesis 3:1–3; cf. 2:9).
The serpent didn’t lie outright—he twisted the truth just enough to deceive. What they gained wasn’t freedom, but shame and separation (Genesis 3:4–5; cf. 3:22).
The fruit looked good—but so did every other tree. Choosing against God may look appealing, but it always brings deep and lasting consequences (Genesis 3:14–19; cf. 2:8-9).

The Point: When you listen to temptation, you always get more than you bargained for.

Application: Does God Know Better Than I Do?
Is there a command of God I’ve been questioning or resisting?
Do I believe God is generous—or do I live like He’s withholding something good from me?
Have I been more focused on what God says “no” to than all He’s said “yes” to?

Closing Reminder: The story doesn’t end in the garden. In Revelation 22, the tree of life reappears—this time open to all—and its leaves are for the healing of the nations. Jesus, who hung on a tree, has made the way back.