To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Download “The Big Problem” puzzle here. Make copies for every class member. Give each class member a copy and access to a pen. Allow class members to work together to find the words in the grid and reveal the hidden message. That message is, “Sin corrupts everything every time.”
Read through the lesson text together, a paragraph at a time. Have class members point out how the sin of Adam and Eve corrupted specific aspects of the perfectly good world God created.
To encourage personal application:
Write these four headings across the top of the board:
Person vs. God Person vs. Person Person vs. Self Person vs. Nature
Say, “All stories in books, movies or television, or in real life deal with one or more of these four conflicts. Let’s name some conflicts that would fit under each category.”
As class members brainstorm, place their responses under one of these four categories. Point out how each conflict relates in some way to conflicts first noted in our lesson text.
To close the class session, have class members prayerfully consider an example of one of those conflicts in their lives. Allow a time of silent, individual prayer in which class members confess personal sin and ask God for strength and direction in resolving these conflicts.