Practice: Walking through the Text

Set aside some time to read slowly through Genesis 3 and Romans 7-8. It does not have to be in one sitting. You can read a paragraph and step away to reflect, then return and read the next paragraph.

Try to picture yourself in the shoes of each perspective in these texts. In Genesis 3, when God is speaking, imagine how he is feeling given what you know of his nature. When Adam is listening to God, what is he experiencing? Do the same with Eve?

Now imagine you are the person in Romans 7. You want to do the good but cannot because of the power of Sin over your flesh. You find yourself exclaiming with Romans 7:24, “What a wretched person I am! Who will free me from this body of death?”

Then, read on into Romans 8. Rejoice that you have been set free from the power of Sin. Rejoice that the Spirit of God dwells inside you, empowering you to righteousness. Rejoice that you are adopted as a child of God and that you are part of a purpose that will redeem the whole creation when it is finished. 

Write up your reflections on this activity and submit below.