The Genesis 1 Account of Creation

This week will provide an overview of the two creation accounts, with particular attention to the Genesis 1 account. This week will make a case for the big-picture, cosmological perspective of Genesis 1, exploring the parallels between the days of creation and some attention to the creation of humanity. There will also be some attention to sabbath. (Genesis 1:1-2:3)

Sermon Outline

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3)

Approaching Genesis 1:1-2:3

• The relationship between faith and science
• The limitations of human understanding
• Openness to receive Genesis on its own terms

The Flow and Structure of Genesis 1:1-2:3

• God’s ordering of creation through separation
• God creates domains and then the entities which exist within them
• The structure and variety within God’s creation
• The “10” of creation and the “7” of God’s creation
• The supremacy of God over all creation and all others

Genesis 1:1-2:3 and God

• God the Kingly Priest
• God the Author of Delight

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What aspects of the world speak to you most powerfully about the creativity and power of God?
2. This weekend we continue our preaching series, “In the Beginning,” drawn from Genesis 1-3. This week we look at the account of creation in Genesis 1:1-2:3. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then, whether you’re on your own or with a group, read Genesis 1:1-2:3 aloud.
3. What does 1:1-2 tell you about who God is? Why do you think the creation account starts here?
4. In the first three days of creation (1:3-13), the domains of creation are brought to be. What do you notice about the way God separates things to create these domains?
5. In days four through six of creation (1:14-31), the entities that inhabit these domains are brought about. The mention of the sun, moon, and stars as “lights” on the fourth day (1:14-19) appears to be a direct attack on the pagan worship of the heavenly bodies. Why would this be important for the Israelites?
6. What stands out to you about the creation of the beings who inhabit the sky, sea, and land in 1:20-25?
7. When God creates humanity on the latter part of the sixth day, it is clear that human life is both connected to the rest of creation yet also distinct from the rest of creation. What captures your attention about the creation of human life in 1:26-31?
8. Throughout this creation account, there are repetitions. Look at each of these and reflect on why they are important:
   1. “God said” (10 times in 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, 28, 29)
   2. “It was good” (7 times in 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31)\
9. What would you say is important about the seventh day when God rested from work (2:1-3)?
10. What does this entire account tell us about God and His power over creation?
11. Why might this have been important to ancient Israelites and why might this be important still for us today?
12. What is one thing God is revealing to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.

DIG DEEPER

• Memorize Genesis 1:1-2 or Psalm 19:1