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Reality TV – Naked and Afraid

The first episode of Naked and Afraid took place thousands of years ago in the Garden of Eden. After God created the Earth and everything in it, he created humankind. Adam and Eve started with a PSR (pre-sin rating) of 10. They had everything they needed: the best food, the finest accommodations, the perfect climate, not to mention uninhibited communion with each other and with God—naked and
unashamed! How could anything possibly mess up this perfect reality? Enter Satan, the father of lies, on his mission to kill, steal and destroy. Satan gets Eve to question the boundaries God has established, the garden rules. He causes Eve to doubt God’s goodness and God’s intent. She begins to second-guess God and her understanding of what God said. As she is deceived by Satan’s banter, temptation abounds. She sees the beauty and appeal of the forbidden fruit, desire leads to decision. She eats and gives some to Adam who also eats. They immediately realize their disobedience and hide from God.

Scriptures
Ge 2:16-17, 25, 3:1-10; Lk 15:4-5; Ro 3:23, 5:12; He 4:13

Verse
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Ge 3:1) Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. (Ge 3:7) Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. (He 4:13)

Thought
If hiding from God weren’t so sad, it would be comical…it is God, after all! Yet, just as Adam and Eve hid, we too play the game. Some try to hide behind their guilt and shame feeling that they are not worthy of a relationship with God. They believe that the life they’ve led, the things they’ve done, and the damage they’ve caused have ruined their chance with God. Some try to remedy their guilt by doing good deeds, hoping they can do enough to clear their conscience. Others hide behind excuses blaming anyone and everything for their failings. They assume no fault or responsibility. Some masquerade in plain view pretending that all is well. They do and say the right things trying to convince themselves and everyone else that they are ok. But they are only hiding from the truth. Some use denial to hide from God. If you don’t believe there is a God and don’t believe that the Bible is truth, then you are exempt from any and all of God’s rules. Create your own truth and hide. Whatever the method, it is futile and pointless to try to hide from God. In Genesis 3:9, God calls to Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” He doesn’t tell them he’s finished with them or drag them from their hiding place. He calls to them. He wants them to respond. And likewise God calls to us, waiting for a response. He is relentless and will not give up on us.

Questions
How is Satan using the same old tricks to get us to doubt the truth of God’s Word? Do you believe that because times have changed God has changed the rules? How do Christians get sucked into distorting the truth of God’s Word? How do we keep from being polluted by society’s lack of moral fiber? What fig leaves do people use to cover their shame? Read Hebrews 4:13. How does this Scripture affect you? Share how God’s laws save people from pain. Ex. Do not steal. Do not commit adultery. Honor your father and mother. How has disregard for God’s laws played out in our society? Give an example of a misquoted Scripture.

Response
If you are ignoring God’s call in some area of your life, respond to Him. Pray and bring it into the open. God already knows, he’s just waiting for you to be honest with yourself and with Him.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the boundaries you have set for me in your word. Give me the courage and the strength to live by your rules because I know that you want to protect me and give me the abundant life that only comes through obedience. Imprint your word on my heart that I may live and walk according to your will. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

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