Genesis 1
Theme: Our theme for this week is “Creation”. God is the creator and sustainer of all things and deserves to be known as such. As we read about creation in Genesis 1 there are three things to pick up on: the power of God’s Word, the implications of a creator, and the goodness of God.
Major Points:
((1) The power of God’s word) The world was formless, and then God spoke. In the entire chapter we see God create things simply by speaking. The same word of God that created all things is alive and active today. Notice how the word of God turned chaos and darkness into order in creation. That’s the same effect His word has on our lives. We are chaos apart from the word of God turning our lives into order and purpose.
((2) Implications of a creator) We were created by God for God. The implications of him being the creator are that we have a God-given purpose to fulfil. God had a special plan in mind for humankind, to be fruitful & multiply His glory. As image bearers for God we don’t have to look for our identity or value in anything else. Until we begin to respect the creator for who he is (instead of created things) and fulfill our purpose in creation our lives will be formless chaos.
((3) The goodness of God) God said that his creation was good. We worship a God who is Good. He created us with an identity and a purpose (meaning we have the chance to find joy and satisfaction in life). God’s design for our lives is good even when we don’t realize it. For example, his warning against eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He knew we couldn’t be trusted to choose between the two so in his design it was better for him to know and not us. Culture today seems to teach that instant gratification is what’s “good” for us, but in God’s goodness he created a purpose for us that is far better on a much larger scale.
Question Bank:
How has your week been spiritually? / What is God teaching you?
What sins are you struggling with that you need to confess?
(1) How has the word of God transformed your life in recent times?
(1) What is different about you when you are in the word of God vs. when you aren’t?
(2) What are you doing with your life to fulfil your purpose in creation?
(2) What are the implications of not walking in the design in which you were created?
(3) If God is goodness then why do we struggle to devote everything to him?
(3) When is the last time you chose God’s goodness over instant gratification?