The Failures of Blame

Genesis 3:9-19

INTRODUCTION: One of the first actions of fallen man was to assign blame for his own wrongdoing to others. Since that moment we have grown increasingly comfortable with blaming others. Instead, we ought to learn to take personal responsibility.

I. IT IS OFTEN MISDIRECTED (Genesis 3:11-13)

A. At Others – Eve (Genesis 3:12)

1. Though Adam finally got around to the phrase, “I did eat”
2. It is obvious that he put the burden upon Eve

B. At God (Genesis 3:12)

1. Before Adam can get to the point of personal accountability
2. He first reminds God that it was Him who gave the woman to Adam

C. At Self

1. Adam did not face this problem
2. But many others do

II. IT IS COMMONLY MISTIMED (Genesis 3:12)

A. Elements of Truth May Exist

1. It was true that God had given Eve to Adam
2. But Adam was now her husband

B. The Statutes of Limitations Pass

1. In other cases, there may have been others who initially bore part of the blame
2. However, one has to move past blaming others and accept personal responsibility

III. IT AVOIDS ACCOUNTABILITY (Genesis 3:9-13)

A. Personally Avoiding Accountability

1. The Lord’s efforts to get Adam to accept accountability (Genesis 3:9, 11)
2. Adam’s efforts to avoid accountability (Genesis 3:10, 12)

B. Wrongfully Assigning Accountability (Genesis 3:13)

1. Though Eve joined in the transgression, she did not deserve the blame for Adam’s wrongdoing.
2. God certainly did not deserve the accountability for Adam’s choice.

IV. IT CANNOT AVOID CONSEQUENCES (Genesis 3:14-19)

A. The Serpent’s Consequences (Genesis 3:14-15)

B. The Woman’s Consequences (Genesis 3:16)

C. The Man’s Consequences (Genesis 3:17-19)

CONCLUSION: The sooner we accept personal responsibility the better. The Lord certainly has no use for blame.