THE FORBIDDEN TREE: A MATTER OF SIMPLE FAITH AND LOYALTY

Let’s pray…

Welcome back once again. Today we shall be reviewing the creation story in light of the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Let’s open our bible to:

Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

From the above:

  1. Did Adam and Eve actually see God create anything? NO, since they didn’t, how could they know for sure that God was really the Creator? Note, Adam and Eve had no absolute empirical proof that God was their Creator. When God told them that He was their Creator, they had to accept His declaration by FAITH because they were not eyewitnesses.
  2. Was there a test of faith in regards to Adam and Eve believing God to be their Creator? YES,

Genesis 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 2:17 BUT of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 

Note: Of all the trees in the garden, God set this particular tree apart and also note the “BUT” in verses 17 we shall come back to it later.

  • In what location was the tree which tested the faith of Adam and Eve? …at the middle of the garden. Genesis  3:2,3 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which [is] in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.(The tree which tested the loyalty of Adam and Eve was located in the very middle of the Garden of Eden.)
  • Who chose the tree Adam and Eve could not eat from? GOD; Note, God created all the trees and gave all to Adam and Eve except one.(Gen. 2:17)
  • Carefully read Genesis 2:15-17. Do we have any observable or external evidence that the tree of knowledge of good and evil was any different than the other trees of the Garden? NO, There is no external evidence that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was any different than the other trees of the Garden. We are not told whether the tree was taller or brighter than the others. Neither did it have a different type of fruit than the other trees(it maybe that the were many apple trees in the garden and it may just another apple tree in the midst of the garden).
  • But what made this particular tree stand out and how is it identified? What made it different was not its external appearance but the fact that God had set it apart. The tree was identified by location, not appearance.
  • To whom did all the trees of the Garden belong? GOD, Psalms 24:1 A Psalm of David. The earth [is] the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
  • So what’s so special about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? God’s Command, you see  all the trees of the Garden were God’s property because He created them. But the tree of knowledge was in a special category—it belonged to God exclusively in a special sense. Even though the other trees of the Garden belonged to God, man was permitted to use them for his own personal pleasure. But this particular tree was not for man’s use. It was off limits.
  • What did Satan tell Eve that she and her husband would become if they ate from the tree? As gods, Genesis 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

        The tree was meant to test Adam and Eve’s faith in the LORD to see if they were willing to recognize Him as their Creator and as the only true God. Satan knew that the only way he could get Adam and Eve to dishonor their Creator was by getting them to use the one tree which God had reserved.

  1. What was the penalty for eating from the tree of knowledge? DEATH! Genesis 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely DIE. 
  2. Now coming to our time, Do we have any empirical proof that our God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth? NO! you see there is proof that there is a Creator but do you have any scientific proof that is the God of the Christians? I don’t think so, you seethe fact is that we can only be certain that God was the Creator because the word of God says so. We must accept this fact by faith(Heb 11:3).
  3. Is there any command that acknowledges God as our Creator? Oh yes! Exodus 20:8-11-Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: BUT the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates: For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.[Like God specified that all the trees of the Garden were for man’s personal use, he also has specified that the first six days of the week are for our own personal use.]
  4. Do you remember that “BUT” that I told you to take note of? … BUT the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work,… COMPARE … BUT of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it:.. [ARE WE CONNECTING?]
  5. Did God create all the days in a week? YES,
  6. Is there any observable evidence that differentiates the seventh day from the remaining six days? NO,{All seven days have 24 hours}
  7. So what makes the seventh day stand out? God’s Word.
  8. Is the Sabbath commandment in the midst of the Ten commandment? “As the tree of knowledge was placed in the midst of the Garden of Eden, so the Sabbath command is placed in the midst of the Decalogue. In regard to the fruit of the tree of knowledge, the restriction was made, “Ye shall not eat of it… lest ye die.” (Genesis 3:3). Of the Sabbath God said: Ye shall not defile it, but keep it holy. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8). As the tree of knowledge was the test of Adam’s obedience, so the fourth command is the test that God has given to prove the loyalty of all His people.” E. G. White, (Our High Calling, p. 343.)
  9. So, of what great fact does the Sabbath remind man? The Sabbath is a memorial of the Creator and by observing it we are recognizing the fact that He alone is God and we are his creatures. We are reminded that the tree of knowledge in the Garden was also meant to test man’s willingness to accept God’s sovereignty as the only Creator God.
  10. When we keep the Sabbath, whom are we recognizing as our God? Ezek. 20:20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be A SIGN between me and you, THAT YE MAY KNOW THAT I [AM] THE LORD YOUR GOD. 
  11. So question for you, is keeping the Sabbath a test of loyalty and faith to God? Oh yes, it is
  12. Will the devil try to deceive us as he deceived Adam and Eve? Yes
  13. Is it important? Yes it is, Rev. 14:6-7 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 
  14. To which commandment does the first angel’s message draw our attention? (Hint: Read Exodus 20:8-11)
  15. Is There any consequence attached to the violation of the Sabbath? YES, comparing with commandment given in Eden. The consequence: … for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…. Must be similar as well.
  16. Then, How do we keep the Sabbath holy? Isaiah 58:13-14 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].
  17. Acts of Mercy and Kindness: (a) Mark 3:4- And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

(b)The sick and suffering require care and attention upon the Sabbath, as well as upon the other six days of the week; and it may be necessary for their comfort to prepare warm food and drinks upon the Sabbath. In such instances, it is no violation of the fourth commandment to make them as comfortable as possible. The great Lawgiver is a God of compassion, as well as of justice.  {1SP 226.1} [Spirit of prophecy vol 1 pp226]

  1. Self-denial: Isa 58:13- If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
  2. Buying and Selling: Nehemiah 13:16-17- There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.[17] Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing [is] this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
  3. Travelling: (a) Matt 24:20- But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:

(b) If we desire the blessing promised to the obedient, we must observe the Sabbath more strictly. I fear that we often travel on this day when it might be avoided. In harmony with the light which the Lord has given in regard to the observance of the Sabbath, we should be more careful about traveling on the boats or cars on this day. In these matters we should set a right example before our children and youth. In order to reach the churches that need our help, and to give them the message that God desires them to hear, it may be necessary for us to travel on the Sabbath; but so far as possible we should secure our tickets and make all necessary arrangements on some other day. When starting on a journey we should make every possible effort to plan so as to avoid reaching our destination on the Sabbath. {CCh 267.7}

  • Cooking: (a) Ex 35: 1-3- These are the words which the LORD hath commanded, that ye should do them. Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death. Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

(b) And let us not come to the camp-meeting to break the Sabbath by cooking on that day. The instructions which God gave to Israel should not be disregarded: “Bake that which ye will bake today, and seethe that ye will seethe;” for “tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord.” God meant what he said; and shall we who are presenting to the people the claims of the divine law, break that law ourselves, merely to please the appetite? {RH, May 8, 1883 par. 10}

(c) While cooking upon the Sabbath should be avoided, it is not necessary to eat cold food. In cold weather let the food prepared the day before be heated. And let the meals, though simple, be palatable and attractive. Provide something that will be regarded as a treat, something the family do not have every day. {CCh 267.6}

  • Sabbath Classes and Examination: (a) Our brethren cannot expect the approval of God while they place their children where it is impossible for them to obey the fourth commandment. They should endeavor to make some arrangement with the authorities whereby the children shall be excused from attendance at school upon the seventh day. If this fails, then their duty is plain, to obey God’s requirements at whatever cost. {CCh 268.4}

Some will urge that the Lord is not so particular in his requirements;that it is not their duty to keep the Sabbath strictly at so great loss, or to place themselves where they will be brought in conflict with the laws of the land. But here is just where the test is coming, whether we will honor the law of God above the requirements of men. This is what will distinguish between those who honor God and those who dishonor him. Here is where we are to prove our loyalty. The history of God’s dealings with his people in all ages shows that he demands exact obedience. {CCh 268.5}

If parents allow their children to receive an education with the world, and make the Sabbath a common day, then the seal of God cannot be placed upon them. They will be destroyed with the world; and will not their blood rest upon the parents? But if we faithfully teach our children God’s commandments, bring them into subjection to parental authority, and then by faith and prayer commit them to God, he will work with our efforts; for he has promised it. And when the overflowing scourge shall pass through the land, they with us may be hidden in the secret of the Lord’s pavilion. {CCh 269.1}

  • Preparation Day: On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all the clothing is in readiness, and that all the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked, and the baths be taken. It is possible to do this. If you make it a rule, you can do it. The Sabbath is not to be given to the repairing of garments, to the cooking of food, to pleasure seeking, or to any other worldly employment. Before the setting of the sun, let all secular work be laid aside, and all secular papers be put out of sight. Parents, explain your work and its purpose to your children, and let them share in your preparation to keep the Sabbath according to the commandment.  {CG 528.2} 
  • Is the Sabbath a gift to man from God?Oh yes,  (a) Mark 2:27-28- And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:  [28] Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. 

(b) The Sabbath–oh!–make it the sweetest, the most blessed day of the week. . . .  {CG 532.4} 

     Parents can and should give attention to their  children, reading to them the most attractive portions of Bible history, educating them to reverence the Sabbath day, keeping it according to the commandment. This cannot be done if the parents feel no burden to interest their children. But they can make the Sabbath a delight if they will take the proper course. The children can be interested in good reading or in conversation about the salvation of their souls. But they will have to be educated and trained. The natural heart does not love to think of God, of heaven, or of heavenly things. There must be a continual pressing back of the current of worldliness and inclination to evil and a letting in of heavenly light.  {CG 532.5} – From this, the carnal heart will always consider the Sabbath a burden, while the spiritual will consider it a delight.

  • Is there a blessing attached to does who keep God’s Sabbath? Yes indeed, Isa. 56:4-7- For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose [the things] that please me, and take hold of my covenant; [5] Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. [6]Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;  [7] EVEN THEM WILL I BRING TO MY HOLY MOUNTAIN, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. 
  • What is this holy Mountain? Joel 2:1- Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for [it is] nigh at hand;– The holy mountain is mount Zion.
  • Hmm, Does this statements sound familiar “…I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off…” and “…EVEN THEM WILL I BRING TO MY HOLY MOUNTAIN…”? Let’s go to Revelation 14:1- And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. {Note: They are on God’s holy mountain and the Father’s name(The everlasting name)} Woaw! Glory to God in the Highest. Amen.

        God has given us the whole of six days in which to do our work, and has reserved only one to Himself. This should be a day of blessing to us–a day when we should lay aside all our secular matters and center our thoughts upon God and heaven.  {CG 529.2}  

     When the Sabbath commences, we should place a guard upon ourselves, upon our acts and our words, lest we rob God by appropriating to our own use that time which is strictly the Lord’s. We should not do ourselves, nor suffer our children to do, any manner of our own work for a livelihood or anything which could have been done on the six working days. Friday is the day of preparation. Time can then be devoted to making the necessary  preparation for the Sabbath and to thinking and conversing about it. Nothing which will in the sight of Heaven be regarded as a violation of the holy Sabbath should be left unsaid or undone, to be said or done upon the Sabbath. God requires not only that we refrain from physical labor upon the Sabbath, but that the mind be disciplined to dwell upon sacred themes. The Fourth Commandment is virtually transgressed by conversing upon worldly things or by engaging in light and trifling conversation. Talking upon anything or everything which may come into the mind is speaking our own words. Every deviation from right brings us into bondage and condemnation.  {CG 529.3} 

May God help us and give us strength to keep His day holy and pass His test of loyalty and faith. Amen. Remember that when we are faced with temptations to violate God’s commandment, we should always know there is a way of escape God has provided for us and there is no excuse for sin.

Let’s pray…