Adults — Community Group (60 Minutes)

God’s Mercy in the Midst of Judgment

CONNECT — 0–10 Minutes

Purpose: Reorient hearts toward hope after Week 5.

Opening Question (Choose one):

• Where do you tend to look for hope when life feels broken?
• Why do you think people struggle to believe God is merciful after failure?

Keep answers brief and relational.

ENCOUNTER — 10–20 Minutes

Purpose: Let the promise speak clearly.

Scripture Reading

Scripture (BSB): Genesis 3:15

15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel. ”

Observation Questions:

• Who is speaking in this verse?
• Who is the promise directed toward?
• What future outcome does God declare?

Resist interpretation at first — stay with the text.

ANCHOR — 20–40 Minutes

Purpose: Understand mercy within judgment.

Teaching Summary

Genesis 3:15 is spoken in the middle of consequences. God does not deny sin, but He does not abandon humanity. Instead, He announces that evil will ultimately be defeated.

This verse shows us:

• God initiates redemption
• Mercy appears before repentance
• Hope is declared, not earned

This is not the fulfillment of redemption — it is the promise of it.

Discussion Questions

• Why is it significant that God speaks this promise before Adam or Eve respond?
• How does this verse reshape how we understand God’s character?
• Why do we often assume judgment means the absence of mercy?

RESPOND — 40–55 Minutes

Purpose: Personal trust and lived hope.

Reflection Questions

• Where do you need to trust God’s promise rather than your circumstances?
• How does this verse challenge shame or despair in your life?
• What does it look like to live as someone shaped by God’s promise?

Invite (not require) sharing.

SEND — 55–60 Minutes

Weekly Practice

This week, when you are tempted to despair or self-condemnation, return to God’s promise rather than your performance.

Closing Prayer

Merciful God, thank You for speaking hope into brokenness. Help us trust Your promises, wait on Your work, and live with confidence in Your mercy. Amen.