"WHO TOLD THEE..." Genesis 3:11 I. Introduction. A. The source of instruction should be very important to a person--whatever may be the subject. B. Adam learned this lesson early: background. C. The question: Genesis 3:11. D. Adam gained a knowledge he did not need--that, in fact, had serious consequences. E. One's knowledge, reactions, answers, etc. indicate the state/condition of that person. F. Who one listens to indexes his interests: Adam heard the woman--the woman heard the devil. II. Body. A. Always consider the person who told you something. 1. Who is the source? What has he/she done? 2. Think about how that person thinks. 3. Weigh the person's interest/concerns. 4. What is indicated about the person's beliefs? 5. To whom does the person listen? 6. What is it the person chooses to remember? B. Do not be quick to believe everything you are told. 1. While Adam knew what he was doing((I Timothy 2:14), the woman was beguiled. a. Sometimes one knows about the consequences of heeding someone. b. At other times, one is deceived(willingly or unwittingly). 2. And...do not believe everyone you hear(or what read!). C. Consider also what one is telling. 1. There are things that should not be told. a. Ham should have kept quiet: Genesis 9:22. b. Sometimes difficult to discern: Genesis 37:5. c. But Solomon, in his wisdom, should have been more discerning: I Kings 10:3. 2. Some things should be ignored. a. Samson's parents should have not only ig- nored, but refused to assist: Judges 14:2. b. Later--Samson should have ignored Delilah and her request: Judges 16:17(see 16). 3. Some things should be forgotten before they are told(repeated). D. Who told you... 1. God will ignore the sins I committ but punish the ones others committ. 2. God will overlook a disregard for his law/ commandments? 3. God will tolerate disregard of his laws on such items as marriage and divorce? 4. God will allow additions to his worship and his church? E. There are some things that God wants to be told. 1. The gospel of Christ: to everyone. a. To Paul: Acts 9:6. b. And when one asks...who told thee-- 2. The truth: under all circumstances. a. Adam did! b. Excellent example: Mark 5:33. 3. Proper feelings toward others. 4. Accomplishments of good/righteous people. 5. When someone needs help/assistance. a. Jonathon told David: I Samuel 19:2. b. And when Nathan told David! 6. Words of encouragement to those who need them. a. They will not be soon forgotten: II Thessalonians 2:5. b. Tend to remember "the discouraging." F. Many things need to be told over and over(Matthew 24:25. III. Conclusion. A. Who told thee that "he that believeth and is baptized should be saved?" Jesus did. B. Who told thee "be faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life?" Jesus did. C. Consider this interesting passage: Psalm 90:9.-jy