Sermon — God’s Mercy in the Midst of Judgment

Genesis 3:15

INTRODUCTION — Hope Spoken Where It Was Least Expected

Last week, we saw the devastating reality of sin — mistrust, rebellion, shame, and separation. Genesis 3 ends the illusion that humanity can save itself.

But before Adam or Eve speak another word…
Before they repent…
Before they ask for mercy…

God speaks.

And what He speaks is not abandonment — but promise.

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. ”

POINT 1 — God Speaks Mercy in the Moment of Judgment

Genesis 3:15 is spoken in the middle of consequences. God is addressing the serpent, yet His words reach far beyond that moment.

This tells us something crucial about God:

• Judgment does not silence mercy
• Holiness does not eliminate compassion
• God does not react — He acts with purpose

Mercy is not something God discovers later in Scripture.
It is present at the very first moment sin enters the world.

POINT 2 — God Promises a Conflict That Will End in Victory

This verse introduces a long conflict:

• Between the serpent and the woman
• Between their offspring
• Between evil and God’s redemptive plan

God promises that evil will strike — but not win.

The serpent will bruise the heel.
But the offspring will crush the head.

This is not an equal fight.
It is a wounded victory — but a certain one.

God is declaring that sin and evil will not reign forever.

POINT 3 — God’s Promise Comes Before Human Action

Notice what is missing in Genesis 3:15:

• No command to obey
• No condition to meet
• No requirement to earn mercy

God initiates redemption before humanity responds.

Hope does not begin with human effort.
Hope begins with God’s word.

This means:

• Redemption is grace-driven
• Restoration is God-initiated
• Salvation is promised long before it is accomplished

PAUSE FOR REFLECTION

Take a moment to consider:

• Where do you need to trust God’s promise even before you see fulfillment?
• How does knowing God spoke hope in humanity’s darkest moment shape your view of Him?

APPLICATION — Living as People of Promise

Because God is merciful:

• We do not hide in shame
• We do not despair in failure
• We do not lose hope in brokenness

We live as people who trust God’s word — even when the world still feels broken.

CALL TO SALVATION

From the very beginning, God promised that sin would not have the final word.

That promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus — the One who was wounded yet victorious, crushed yet triumphant.

If you have never trusted God’s promise of rescue, today is the day to believe His word, turn from self-reliance, and place your faith in the One God promised long ago.

CLOSING PRAYER

Merciful God, thank You for speaking hope when we least deserve it. Help us trust Your promises, wait patiently for Your work, and live as people shaped by Your mercy. Amen.