The Early History of God & Man
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Genesis is about beginnings: the beginning of creation, humanity, nations, and God’s interaction with man.
Understanding Genesis helps us understand the basis for all of God’s dealings with us. While many people see the first few chapters of Genesis as portraying God’s judgment, in reality, Genesis tells us more about God’s love, mercy, and His desire to ensure that we are in a right relationship with Him.
Even more important in its pages are the first indications that God desires a personal, close, and intimate relationship with us, and He wants to build that relationship in a way that we can understand.
Ultimately, Genesis provides a unique look at God’s character. It presents the first hints that He intended to do something unique, remarkable, and wonderful – by sending a Savior to Earth in the person of Jesus Christ, God’s One and Only Son.
As you examine the first few chapters of this amazing, historical look at God’s first interaction with man, you will discover the most important elements of God’s character and His plan for you.
Genesis
Read: Genesis 1:1 – 3:24
The First Man
(Gen. 3:6, I John 2:16)
God created man in harmony with Him, but man’s rebellion severed that relationship. Why do you think man chose sin over God?
The Beginning of Sin
(Gen. 3:14-19, Isaiah 14:12-14)
What is Sin? Sin is disobedience to the Law, or Word of God.
Adam and Eve refused to take responsibility for their own sin. What were some of the consequences? What are some of the consequences if we do not take responsibility for our sin?
Who does the snake in this story represent? Why did Satan want Adam and Eve to disobey God?
A Promise Made
(Gen. 3:15)
Many Christians believe that Jesus is the “seed of the woman” promised in this passage. What do you think? What promises did God make?
Discuss or Write your personal reflections
- God gave Adam and Eve a “law” to keep in Gen. 2:16-17. Why was it important?
- Compare Gen. 2:17 with 3:22-24 and define the term: “Spiritual Death.”
Jesus as the New Genesis
Read: Romans 5:12-21.
The New Man
(Hebrews 12:2-3, I Peter 2:21-22, Ephesians 2:4-9)
Jesus was in perfect harmony with God and had no sin, yet man rejected God and became sinful. Why do you think God chose to love us, and become like us (in the person of Jesus), instead of rejecting us?
The End of Sin
(Hebrews 2:14, 10:26-31)
God took the punishment for the sin we committed by sending Jesus. What were some of the consequences of God’s generosity? What are the consequences if we refuse His free gift?
A Promise Fulfilled
(Galatians 4:4-5, John 1:14)
Jesus Christ is the “seed” of the woman, Eve. How did God fulfill His promise to Eve?
Discuss or write your personal reflections:
- Adam and Eve disobeyed the “law,” or “Word of God;” but Jesus fulfilled it. How does that help us?
Compare John 6:26-29 with John 4:14. Define the term, “Spiritual Life.”
Perpetual Genesis
Read: II Corinthians 5:17-21
Living as a New Man
(II Corinthians 5:19)
Jesus took our punishment in our place, reconciling us to God. What does this mean to us?
Ending our Sin
(Romans 6:1-4, 11-18)
Knowing that Jesus ended the punishment for our sin on the cross, how should we regard our sin?
Living in The Promise
(Colossians 1:24, II Corinthians 5:19-6:1)
God’s promise was to send someone (Jesus) on our behalf to rescue us from our sin. Do you want to be forgiven of your sin?
A.C.T.
A – Action Point
What will I do in light of what I have learned?
C – Commune (prayer)
What will I commit to God and ask Him for to help me put what I have learned into action?
T – Tell Others
What kinds of things can I say or do to others to demonstrate the biblical truth I have learned?
