Tag: bsf lesson 4 day 2

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 2: Daniel 3:1-18

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 3:1-18

King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold and summoned everyone to dedicate it. Everyone was to worship the image or face a blazing furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to do so. The King asked them to do so. They said they would not because God would deliver them.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 2: Daniel 3:1-18

3a) King Nebuchadnezzar proclaimed that everyone must worship an image he made. This shows he did not know the One and Only God in heaven. This revealed his heart to be filled with megalomaniacal pride and a desire for absolute control. His taunt—”what god will be able to rescue you?”—showed he believed his own power was supreme over any divine authority.
b) Gods of gold are not to be worshipped. The king’s command was wrong because it was state-enforced idolatry, a direct violation of God’s law. It demanded that people give worship—due only to God—to an object representing human power. This elevated a human king to the status of a god, demanding an ultimate allegiance he did not deserve.
4) The astrologers were jealous of the power of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and would have loved to see them killed and gotten out of the way so that they could have more power.
5a) They would remain loyal to God, even if it meant death. They completely understood the power of God and would not budge.
b) My faith gives me the strength to press on despite the heaviness the world brings.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 2: Daniel 3:1-8

Great passage and example of standing firm in your faith, no matter what.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 2: Daniel 3:1-18

The idol was of considerable size. All of the public officials were to be at the dedication ceremony.

By disobeying the King’s command, the people would face death. This is an example of using religion to strengthen your power.

Despite enormous pressure to bow, they all refused. They had faith that God would rescue them if it was in His will, but if not, they were willing to die for their faith.

They stood firm. They would not “do as the Romans would do.” They would do as God would do.

Fun Fact: Daniel 3 is the only chapter in Daniel that does not mention Daniel by name.

The king’s forced worship foreshadows the End Times, where the church will be persecuted and show reverance to the beast.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 3:1-18 describes a definitive test of faith, where the absolute authority of a human king clashes with the absolute loyalty required by God.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Golden Statue and the Command: King Nebuchadnezzar erects a massive golden statue and commands universal worship of it upon penalty of death in a fiery furnace. This act represents the ultimate demand for state-mandated idolatry, where loyalty to the king and his empire is equated with religious devotion. It is the height of human pride demanding divine honor.
  • The Accusation and Confrontation: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are accused of treason for refusing to comply. When confronted by the furious king, they are given a second chance, which forces their faith into a public crisis. The king’s taunt, “Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” frames the conflict as a direct challenge to God’s power.
  • The Declaration of Absolute Faith: The three men’s response is the theological heart of the passage. They declare that their God is able to save them, but their decision is not based on that outcome. Their statement, “But even if he does not, we will not serve your gods or worship the image,” demonstrates a faith that is absolute. Their loyalty to God is not a transaction for deliverance; it is an unwavering commitment, even unto death.

In essence, this passage showcases a courageous and uncompromising faith that refuses to bow to idolatrous political pressure. It powerfully separates faith in God’s power from submission to God’s sovereign will, defining true faithfulness as obedience regardless of the personal cost.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 2:1-7

To the church in Ephesus: Jesus praises the church for their hard work and perseverance. He knows they have endured many hardships. YET: They have forsaken the love they had at first. He asks them to repent and whoever is victorious (i.e. follows his ways), Jesus will grant them eternal life.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

3) Jesus identified himself as the one who, “holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.” He told them he knows, “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.”

Jesus offers encouragement by telling them that whoever is victorious (i.e. follows his ways), he will grant them eternal life. He holds against them, “You have forsaken the love you had at first.”

The consequences of not repenting/doing what Jesus is asking them to do are, “If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” i.e. remove his blessing from them.

Jesus’ final exhortation or encouragement is, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

4a) The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

b) He walks among the 7 lampstands; he also encourages them and chastizes them. Jesus walks with his church/me is wonderful news! I am not alone, and I can always turn to Jesus for anything: advice, help, praise, and worship!

5) I work hard, and I persevere. I would like to love others more and put Jesus first in my life more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

I love how first Jesus speaks positive things and praises the church before telling them what they are doing wrong. He also is gracious enough to give them directions on what they need to do to do right: repent and return to their old ways. While it sounds simple, we know it is hard, but each day is new, so we try, try again!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

Here, we have the first letter to the first church, Ephesus. They all follow a very similar pattern: Jesus will tell the church what they are doing good and/or bad and then he will offer up a command for reparation. He also promises a reward!

Jesus addresses the church as angel.

The church in Ephesus should be familiar to you. It is mentioned a lot by Paul since he ministered there for 3 years. Aquila, Priscilla, Timothy, and Apollos served there as well. (Acts 18:24-28, Acts 19:1, Acts 19:10, Acts 20:31, 1 Timothy 1:3)

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world was located here, the temple of Diana. It was absolutely massive!

Jesus describes himself as John sees him in Chapter 1. Jesus is central in all of this.

Jesus knows all about the church (as he knows everything).

The church left (not lost) their first love. This is a deliberate choice.

Their first love is most likely God AND the people. You have to love both (Matthew 22:37-39)

Jesus tells them to:

  1. Remember the times when they had their priorities right. You must get back to where you were with Jesus.
  2. Repent
  3. Go back to the basics (pray, read God’s Word, be excited about Jesus).

He says another positive word, by pointing out how they hate the Nicolaitans. Not much is known about the Nicolaitans, but you can be sure they were evil.

We don’t see Jesus use the word “hate” much (after all, he’s a God of love), so this is strong indeed.

All (including us) who hear.

If you overcome your cold hearts, you’ll receive eternal life.

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map courtesy of: https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/library/article/id/1887/truth-revelation-2-3.htm

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 3:1-8

Jesus talks with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who acknowledges he is performing signs that require God to be with him. Jesus responds, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Nicodemus is confused and wonders how someone can be born a second time in their mother’s womb.

Jesus clarifies: “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.  Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.”

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

3a) Nicodemus approaches at night because he is a Pharisee and does not want word to get out that he is questioning Jesus because the Pharisees are against Jesus. I think Nicodemus is curious about Christ.

b) To know him better and to be more like him.

4a) Because Jesus knows that Nicodemus needs to be born again to be saved. Jesus’ primary concern is to bring everyone to him.

b) Nicodemus is not grasping the spiritual/imagery of Jesus. He’s only thinking of the physical and what can be seen.

5) Humanity. The physical body.

6a) They are born of the flesh, not of the spirit. Those born of the Spirit who have accepted Christ as their Savior have eternal life. You mush have a new birth to have eternal life.

b) Yes. If you are born of the spirit, you are born again. Yes.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

Great lesson on how even the religious leaders are drawn to Jesus.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

Jesus wanted to make it known that just because you were of Jewish heritage, descended from Abraham, does not guarantee a place in heaven.

To be born from above (the Hebrew meaning of the word “again”) is to be born again.

Rebirth is a central theme in the Bible. Most Jews thought they had been cleansed for God. No one understood the acceptance of Christ as the rebirth.

Born of the Spirit is the emphasis here.

Born of water has many interpretations: baptism, physical birth, born by the Word of God, born by the Holy Spirit, or the water of cleansing Ezekiel 36:25-28

Nicodemus did not have to understand to have the Spirit; he just needed to accept.

In short, no human effort can save us; only belief in the redeeming blood of Christ.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:25-17:6

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 15:25-17:6

Nadab became king of Israel and he reigned over Israel 2 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Baasha killed Nadab and succeeded him as king. He killed Jeroboam’s whole family. Baasha became king of Israel and he reigned 24 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. The prophet Jehu told Baasha that God was angry with him for his actions and God will destroy him.

Elah succeeded Baasha as king. He ruled 2 years before he was struck down by Zimri, who succeeded him. He killed Baasha’s whole family. He ruled 7 days before Omri was proclaimed king. Omri became king of Israel and he reigned 12 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and sinned more than all those before him. Ahab, Omri’s son, succeeded him as king of Israel. He reigned 22 years and did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any before him. He married Jezebel, daughter of the king of the Sidonians and began to serve Baal.

By rebuilding Jericho, Hiel endured the curse of the Lord as spoken by Joshua in Joshua 6:26.

Elijah the prophet proclaims to Ahab that a famine is coming for a few years. The Lord sent Elijah to live in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. The river and ravens will feed and water him.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:25-17:6

3)

  1. Nadab. He caused Israel to commit sins.
  2. Baasha. Baasha killed Nadab and succeeded him as king. He killed Jeroboam’s whole family
  3. Elah. He got drunk and was struck down.
  4. Zimri. He killed Elah and Baasha’s whole family. He set the royal palace on fire and he died as a result of the fire and of his sins.
  5. Omri. He caused Israel to commit sins and brought worthless idols to the nation.
  6. Ahab. He began to serve Baal and worship him. He set up an altar for Baal and made an Asherah pole.

4a) Elijah the prophet proclaims to Ahab that a famine is coming for a few years

b) The Lord sent Elijah to live in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. The river and ravens fed and watered him during this time.

c) God cares for his people. All it takes is simple faith and obedience and God will provide.

5) My whole life really. He always provides everything I need and blesses me everyday with a wonderful life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:25-17:6

Lots of “doing evil in the eyes of the Lord.” Truly disheartening.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:25-17:6

You must remember that the books of Kings are more concerned with the ruler’s spiritual health than anything else, which is why the books are written like they are, pointing out who did good in the eyes of the Lord and who did bad.

Baasha conspired to murder Nadab. Little did Baasha know, he was the instrument of God’s judgment against the house of Jeroboam. Baasha faces the same judgment in his death, too.

Assassination to get the throne was common in ancient times, as was the assassination of the entire family so that no claims to the throne could be made.

God exterminated every member of the first two dynasties of Israel.

Fun Fact: Zimri is one of only a handful of suicides mentioned in the Bible. Some of the others are: Samson (Judges 16:28-30), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4) and Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23). This is because God does not approve of suicide and therefore does not want to approve of it in any way.

Omri defeated Tibni in a civil war, presumably killing him. He built what would become the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria. He is regarded by historians as one of the strongest kings of Israel. The location he chose for the capital guarded all routes north and south into the city, a perfect defensive position. He was the 6th king of Israel since the split into two kingdoms.

In 41 years, Israel had 7 different kings.

Ahab was worse than all of the other previous kings. This is because he introduced the worship of new, pagan gods and made people worship them. This is why God was so angry. Both Omri and Ahab did this; whereas, Solomon only worshipped pagan gods himself. Marrying Jezebel only took the country further into idolatry.

Who is Elijah?

God brings Elijah up in order to try to bring light into this dark time of Israel’s history. Elijah means “Yahweh is my God.” The nation was headed deeper into idolatry. Israel needed a prophet to bring them back to God. Elijah came from nowhere to appear on the scene.

Elijah prayed for a drought and God answered his prayer. God has granted Elijah great power in order to bring Israel back to Him.

God protects and preserves Elijah during the drought by taking him some place to be alone so He could provide for him. Here, Elijah would learn total dependence on God as God fed and watered him every day like God did the Israelites in the desert.

So must we trust God to provide for us.

God told him the specific place. So must we listen to where God wants us, too.

Fun Fact: Elijah is the most mentioned Old Testament prophet in the New Testament.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 2: Matthew 4:1-11

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 4:1-11

The devil tempts Jesus three times here. First, Jesus goes to the desert and fasts for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus was hungry so the devil attempts to get Jesus to sin by appealing to his hunger. Jesus refuses to make bread out of stone, saying instead you should live on God’s word. The devil dared Jesus to fall from the highest point of the temple, telling him the angels will catch him. Jesus tells him to not test God. Finally, the devil offered Jesus the world if he would worship him (ironic since Jesus/God already had the world). Jesus banished the devil finally, and angels came to Jesus.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 2: MATTHEW 4:1-11

3a ) Jesus was in the desert sent by the Spirit to fast and face temptation by the devil.

b ) John 4:34 tells us that Jesus came to do the will of the Father and to finish God’s work of dying on the cross, cleansing us from sin so that we can be with God. Hebrews 2:14-18 tells us that Jesus suffered temptation so that we can be helped when we experience temptation. Jesus shared in our humanity to give us an example on how to live. It helps me know if Jesus can overcome, then so can I.

4a ) Eve doubted God’s word and His goodness. The serpent used this against her. In addition, the serpent knew that God wouldn’t kill them, and since Eve had no concept of what “death” was since nothing God had created had died, she had no idea. However, she doubted God’s word at the end of the day; Jesus did not.

b )

Differences:

  • Jesus used God’s words as his defense and answer to the devil
  • Eve knew God’s word, but let the devil twist it
  • Eve gave in to her physical needs; Jesus used will power
  • Jesus told Satan to leave him

Similarities:

  • Both were tempted
  • Both were alone

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 2: MATTHEW 4:1-11

Matthew moves from this beautiful picture of Jesus’s baptism where God descends and commends His Son to this horrible picture of Jesus fasting and being tempted by the devil. This illustrates the Christian life perfectly. We can go from the highs of our lives to the next instant horrific lows. It should give us comfort that Jesus experienced this as well.

Check out this map guide for where Jesus walked:

Deluxe Then & Now Bible Maps – Paperback

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 2: MATTHEW 4:1-11

Jesus endured tempation for two main reasons:

  1. To identify with us
  2. To show us you can overcome temptation

Note that the Holy Spirit does not tempt (James 1:13). It led Jesus to temptation so that we can grow spiritually.

Jesus was tempted by the devil; we are usually tempted by the devil’s minions. We find relief when we give in to temptation; Jesus does not. Many Bible scholars argue that is a testing since the propert translation of the Greek verb here means “to test.”

“Luther’s remark stands true that prayer, meditation, and temptation are the three best instructors of the gospel minister.” (Spurgeon)

Jesus does not eat for 40 days and nights. Humans can survive up to two months without food (they need water), Jesus would have been in a state of starvation and desperate for sustenance (which is why we see the angels tending to him at the end). When you are that desperate for food and are at the point of death, you will give in to most temptations for food. Jesus endured it all for us. Amazing!

Jesus depended on God for all things (Hebrews 5:8) as we must, too.

TEMPTATION #1

Satan is asking Jesus to prove his deity by producing bread for himself. This would have been purely selfish if Jesus had given in. We see Jesus making bread in other parts of the Bible when he feeds 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21), so we know he has the power. He refuses to even entertain the devil here. Instead, he quotes Deuteronomy 8:3.

Jesus uses God’s truth to defeat Satan. So must we.

TEMPTATION #2

Satan tries to get Jesus to force God to use His powers to save him. The temple was 200 feet in the air. A jump would mean certain death unless God intervened. False prophets will use these means at the End Times.

Satan has the Bible memorized. He uses this knowledge to tempt us as he always takes the words of the Bible out of context (Psalm 91:11-12) and uses them to deceive us.

We must take the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) , and we must know what the Bible says so that we ourselves are not deceived. The early Christians could not read; in this day and time in our society, we have no excuse.

TEMPTATION #3

Here, Satan offers Jesus the world. In truth, Jesus already had the world. What Satan is really offering Jesus is an escape from the cross. Jesus obeys God’s will here and tells Satan to go jump in a lake. All Satan wants is worship and recognition. We, too, must be careful of this sin.

Note that Satan does have something to give Jesus: the earthly world. When Adam and Eve sinned, humans gave Satan authority here on earth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is what Satan is offering.

TAKE AWAY: It is not a sin to be tempted; we all face that, even Jesus. It’s a sin to give into temptation and commit the act itself.

SATAN’S WEAPONS

The only weapons Satan has against us are lies and deceit. These, however, spark fear, doubt, and unbelief in our hearts, which can ruin our lives.

Our weapons? God’s word. Many mistake Satan’s lies for God’s truth, which is where sin happens.

Obviously, only Jesus knew what happened to him in the desert. He told his story to his disciples so they could share his example with us for all of time.

FUN FACT: All of the passages that Jesus quotes are from the Book of Deuteronomy. So many people today discount the Old Testament as too antiquated and full of laws that do not apply to us. But that is not the point of knowing the Old Testatment. If it’s in the Bible, there is a reason for it to be there. God wants us to know it. That should be sufficient for all of us.

Note how God cares for Jesus by sending angels to attend to his needs after the temptation. God does the same for us. When we feel spiritually attacked, God is there. He cares for us; He picks us up; He cradles us in His loving arms. Keep those images in mind in the midst of temptation. Remember, He doesn’t give us anything we can’t overcome (1 Corinthians 10:12-14).

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BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 4, Day 2: Genesis 3:1-6

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  The crafty serpent asked Eve, “Did God really say not to eat from any tree in the garden?”  Eve tells him they can eat from any tree except from the tree in the middle of the garden or they will die.  The serpent plants doubt, saying surely you won’t die; you will just be like God, knowing good and evil.

So, Eve took some and ate it and gave some to Adam (who was with her the whole time) and ate it as well.

Questions:

3)  the devil or Satan

4a)  Adam was to care for the trees in the garden and he was free to eat from any tree in the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil because if he ate from that, he would die.

b)  Yes.  Why else would God plant it and why would he instruct Adam to eat from any tree (including the tree of life)  Verses 9 & 16.  Everything God does has a purpose.  God gave man Free Will–to choose life or death.  And man chose.

5a)  The serpent planted doubt.  He questioned God’s words by asking, “Are you sure God said that?”  It made Eve wonder if God did indeed say that.  Then he questions God’s word and twists it by saying Eve wouldn’t die if she ate it.  Why would God do such a thing?  Then the serpent does speak some truth by saying their eyes will be opened.  They just wouldn’t be opened how the serpent says.  Finally, he tempted by saying “You will gain knowledge of good and evil” and be equal with God.

b)  First, Eve talked to the serpent.  Then she listened to the serpent.  Then she believed the serpent.  Then she gave in to her desire for wisdom and partook  of the fruit.

c)  God first and foremost.  God’s truths.  God’s words.  God’s goodness.  God himself really.

6a)  Jesus used God’s truths to defeat the devil.  Granted, Eve didn’t have the Bible to use but in a way she had something just as powerful:  a personal relationship with God.  Eve doubted God’s goodness; Jesus never did.  Eve doubted God’s ways; Jesus never did.

Of course, Jesus was God on earth and Eve was merely a human so it’s hard to compare.

But the serpent does use the same methods:  lust of the flesh; lust of the eyes; and pride.

b)  No.  James says after desire (temptation) has conceived (been planted), then it gives birth to sin (one sins) and sin leads to death.

Because Eve coveted the fruit didn’t mean she sinned.  She only sinned when she ate the fruit (disobeyed God’s commands).  At any moment before then she could have walked away.  But she didn’t.

The definition of sin according to Webster’s Dictionary is “a transgression of the law of God”.  Transgression means a violation of a law or command; to go beyond the limits.

According to my bible dictionary (Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary by Douglas and Tenney) sin is “revolt against the holiness and sovereign will of God.  It is a condition of the heart and the outworking of that condition through one’s words and actions.”

We are all tempted (“to entice to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain” says Webster’s).  Satan tempts to undermine our faith.  God tests (not tempts) to strengthen our faith.

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  To quit God’s work and purpose for my life.  Some days it’s just not worth it.  It’s a constant temptation.  I’m also tempted to say mean things or not be giving.  Constant temptation to not do as Jesus would do.  Temptation to do what I want to do and not what God wants me to do.

Conclusions:  We discussed the whole sin versus temptation thing in Acts last year except we were asked if it was okay to doubt (see lesson HERE).  We are human.  We will be tempted.  Constantly by the devil.  But we have Free Will to say no.  God always offers us an out (1 Corinthians 10:13) so we can stand up to the devil.  God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.

From Eve we can learn the common steps the devil uses to make us sin:  he plants doubt in our mind; he makes us question God’s word; he entices with something seemingly better.  This pattern we need to be aware of so we don’t fall into sin.  So we can stand up to the devil and say “NO!” in God’s name.  So we don’t lose sight of God like Eve did.

Interesting Side Notes:  Note that God instructed Adam to not partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge.  Then God created Eve.  Eve must have been told by Adam but she was not instructed by God.  Hence, she was chosen by the serpent to tempt as she was the weaker link.  We don’t know what Adam said to Eve but Adam was standing right there.  He knew it was wrong.  Eve disobeyed God and Adam.

Also, if Adam had been chosen to eat first, Eve might have had an out by saying she was only obeying her husband, the head of the household.  Hence, God allowed Eve to be tested first.

Eve doesn’t even seem to know the name of the tree and exactly what God said since she uses the word “touch” instead of “eat” as God did.  This is not an excuse.  But it does fall upon Adam to communicate to her God’s commands.

Eve was truly deceived by the devil; Adam sinned in full knowledge of what God had said. (Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:22; 1 Timothy 2:14).

I was always told it was Eve’s fault man sinned.  But upon close examination Adam bears most of the burden.  He was right there (Genesis 3:6) the entire time.  At any moment either one could have ran from the serpent.  But neither did.  It just shows how powerful and cunning the devil truly is.  And what we must fight against daily.

If Adam and Eve could be tricked and disobey–those who actually walked with God–then we must be extra vigilant and strong in the Word in order to resist.

Great explanation of Genesis 3 HERE