1. To work the garden and take care of it (15)

God created man for mission. He put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. He must subdue and rule over the earth by being the steward and shepherd of one garden.

2. The Sovereign God's command (16-17)

God's command has two parts: first, 'You are free...' God owns the garden; he gave mankind freedom to enjoy it to the fullest. A man who knows that everything he has is God's gift, and who is thankful, is happy. Second, God put limits on freedom: 'You must not eat...' This limit makes man truly free, for he is free under God. If he does not acknowledge God's sovereignty, he becomes a slave to his animal nature, to other men and to the material world. When mankind freely chooses to obey God's command, creation order is established in the world and in his own life. God warned mankind about the dire consequences of disobedience.

Application: Father, thank you for the Bible, your word. It tells me about your love for me; it tells me how to live a happy life in your world.
One Word: Love God; obey his word