“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” —Genesis 1:27 (NKJV)

Today we begin the journey in the story of Scripture. Remember to approach the Bible with an open heart, allowing it to speak to your own life.

Choose a tier (some are the same this week) and listen to the Scripture for the day. Take notes on what you hear about God’s nature, human nature, and themes then fill in the following study questions.

Bible Engagement: Week 1, Genesis

Author: Moses
Audience: Israelites
Genre: historical narrative
When: around 1446 BC to 1406 BC probably between their exit from Egypt and entry to Canaan while they are wandering in the wilderness
Why: to remind the Israelites that their God is supreme and loves His people by recounting the history of beginnings of the world, God’s plan of salvation, and the nation of Israel. Fun fact: Genesis means “beginnings or origin” in Greek, the language early Christians used to translate the book from its original Hebrew. It is the first of the five books of the law written by Moses.

Tier 1: Genesis 1-2
Tier 2: Genesis 1-2
Tier 3: Genesis 1-2

1. How do Genesis chapters 1 and 2 describe the way the skies, earth, and living things including humans came to be? (for more insight, look up the Hebrew word bārā’, “to create” in Genesis 1:1, etc., and ʿāśâ, “to make” in Genesis 1:16, etc., in blueletterbible.org)
   
   • How does this message compare to other religions or secular teachings about how the earth, living things, and humans came to be? (see“Quick Answers on Creation with Dr. Jason Lisle” in RightNow Media to watch several short videos addressing questions from the creation/evolution debate)

2. Moses emphasizes the word “image” by repeating it three times in Genesis 1:26-27. The word means “resemblance” or “a representative.” What does this concept say about the purpose of human life and where people should anchor their identity?
   

3. Chapter 2 introduces the

   Reveal Answer
   of Eden. Who and what did God put there?

   Note in Genesis 2:15 that God wanted the man to do two things. The first is translated “tend” or “work it” which means to till the land. The second is usually translated “keep it” or “watch over it,” but the word also means to “keep guard” or “protect.”

4. What model does God establish for gender, marriage, and family in chapters 1 and 2?

   • How does this compare to the current cultural definition of gender, marriage, and family?
   

Application

1. Take a few moments to think about the many elements of creation God made and respond with praise or worship.
2. Genesis 1-2 reveals how God made humans to live in relationship to him and others. How does it impact you that God created you to have relationship with Him and resemble Him? Ask God to show you how He wants you to bear His image in your friendships, family, and workplace. Record His answer to you here.