Across the United States
Welcome to Part Two of our series, God is Asking.
Last time, we explored God’s question to Adam and Eve: “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9).
Today, we focus on another crucial question God asked them:
“Who told you that?”
This question exposes how shame, guilt, and deception entered the world and continue to shape our identity today.
I. The Fall: The First Lie We Believed
Before the Fall
Adam and Eve lived in perfect innocence. They were naked, yet felt no shame (Genesis 2:25).
After the Fall
Everything changed when they ate from the forbidden tree (Genesis 3:1-7). Suddenly, they saw their nakedness and felt the need to hide (Genesis 3:7).
Why? Because sin distorts how we see ourselves, others, and God.
When we lie, we assume others lie. When we fail, we believe we are failures. When we sin, we feel unworthy of God’s love.
God’s Question: “Who Told You That?” (Genesis 3:8-11)
God wasn’t asking for information—He was exposing their source of deception. Adam and Eve had listened to the wrong voice, and the same thing happens to us today.
II. The Voices That Shape Us
God’s question is still relevant:
- Who told you that you’re not enough?
- Who told you that your past defines you?
- Who told you that God won’t forgive you?
- Who told you that you have to hide?
Let’s examine three common voices that deceive us:
A. The Voice of the Enemy
Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). He deceived Eve into doubting God’s goodness, and he still whispers lies today:
- “You’re unworthy.” (Past sin, rejection, abuse, comparison…)
- “You’re a failure.” (Broken relationships, financial struggles, addiction…)
- “You’re too broken for God to love you.”
B. The Voice of Shame and Guilt
Shame makes us hide from God.
- Guilt says, “I made a mistake.”
- Shame says, “I am a mistake.”
But God asks, “Who told you that?”—because He never said it!
C. The Voice of the World
Society measures worth by performance, appearance, and approval.
It tells us:
- “Your success defines you.”
- “You must be perfect to be loved.”
- “If you fail, you are a failure.”
But only God defines us.
III. The Truth: What Does God Say?
Instead of listening to the wrong voices, we must tune in to God’s voice.
A. You Are Loved
- “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)
- “Nothing can separate us from the love of God.” (Romans 8:38-39)
B. You Are Forgiven
- “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9)
- “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins.” (Psalm 103:12)
C. You Are Made New
- “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- “He has clothed me with garments of salvation.” (Isaiah 61:10)
IV. Application: Replacing Lies with Truth
To silence the wrong voices, we must replace lies with God’s truth.
- Identify the Lie – What voice are you listening to?
- Reject the Lie – Call out deception for what it is.
- Replace It with God’s Word – Speak God’s truth over your life.
Example:
- Lie: “I am worthless.”
- Truth: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)
Conclusion: Answering God’s Question
When God asked, “Who told you that you were naked?” He was calling Adam and Eve back to Himself.
Today, He asks us the same question:
Are you listening to the wrong voices, or are you listening to God’s truth?
Call to Action:
- Surrender your shame to Jesus.
- Replace the enemy’s lies with God’s truth.
- Step into the freedom of God’s love and grace.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, help us to hear Your voice above all others. We renounce the lies of the enemy and embrace the truth of Your Word. Thank You for clothing us in righteousness and calling us Your own. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let’s walk in the truth of who God says we are!
