Failing As God-Imagers

Why did God warn Adam and Eve about the passive temptation of the forbidden tree, yet not warn them about the active deception of a serpent that was coming to trick them?

Genesis chapter 3 is the critical turning point where Adam and Eve—created to be "God imagers"—fail in their role. The serpent deceives them, telling them God is holding back the opportunity for them to be "like God, knowing good and evil."  In this message, Pastor Dennis tackles the significant theological question of whether God set them up for failure by warning only about the negative consequences (the passive temptation) and not the active deception itself (the serpent and his lies).   He explains although there may have been various ways God "could have done it differently," the truth remains that God gave Adam & Eve enough information, clear boundaries, and alternatives to do the right thing, proving that His character was (and always is) consistently good and loving.