1. The secret of flourishing Gen 2:4-17

2. 1.We owe everything to God – Gen.2:5-8 a. He “formed” us – v.7 cf. Ps.139:13-16 a. He “formed” us – v.7 cf. Ps.139:13-16 “Adam” - man “Adam” - man “Adamah” – ground “Adamah” – ground b. He breathed life into us - cf.John 20:22 b. He breathed life into us - cf.John 20:22 Gen.1 – God – Elohim Creator Gen.1 – God – Elohim Creator Gen.2 – LORD God – Yahweh Elohim Creator & Covenant Saviour Ex.3 Gen.2 – LORD God – Yahweh Elohim Creator & Covenant Saviour Ex.3 c. He gave us our world – v.5-8 c. He gave us our world – v.5-8

3. 2. The incredible generosity of God – v.8-15 Eden – “delight”. God fills garden/world:- Eden – “delight”. God fills garden/world:- - beautiful & fruitful trees –v.9 - beautiful & fruitful trees –v.9 - the “Tree of Life” – central – v.9 - the “Tree of Life” – central – v.9 - plenty of water – v.10-14 - plenty of water – v.10-14 - rich resources – v.11,12 - rich resources – v.11,12 - work – v.15 - work – v.15

4. 3. The wisdom of God –v.16,17 v.16 – Fullness & freedom v.16 – Fullness & freedom v.17 – wise restriction v.17 – wise restriction Choose – Life or Death - Tree of Life or knowledge of good & evil - Tree of Life or knowledge of good & evil - Live under God’s rule or be your own god - Live under God’s rule or be your own god cf. 10 commandments – Ex.20 cf. 10 commandments – Ex.20

5. 4. Living joyfully & wisely When God is at the centre we find:- When God is at the centre we find:- a. Our joy is full – 1 Tim.6:17; Phil.4:4-7 a. Our joy is full – 1 Tim.6:17; Phil.4:4-7 Tree of Life – Gen.2; Rev.22:1,2; Ez.47 Tree of Life – Gen.2; Rev.22:1,2; Ez.47 b. We live life wisely – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” b. We live life wisely – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” - make Jesus Lord of your life - make Jesus Lord of your life - begin the day with God & live each day in his presence - begin the day with God & live each day in his presence - trust & obey God - trust & obey God