Day 1 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Procedure for study. Introduction to Genesis. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Genesis 1–3
Answers to Some of Life's Most Challenging Questions
Happy New Year to those who are starting on January 1! Welcome to all others who are starting on a different date. We are thrilled to have you join us!
What better place to start our chronological journey through the Bible than to study the book of Genesis—the book of beginnings! In Genesis 1-3, we get answers to some of life’s most challenging questions:
• Is there a God? What is he like?
• How did life begin?
• Who are we, and where did we come from?
• Why are we here, and what is our purpose?
• Where did evil come from? What can be done about it?
• Is it possible to know God personally? How?
Today's study in Genesis will answer these questions in a brief format.
Is there a God? What is he like and how did life begin?
Have you ever asked yourself, even as a child, who made the birds, reptiles, animals, plants, trees, insects, the sea, and the creatures within it, the sky, and even the sun, moon, and stars? Genesis 1 and 2 reveal that the Almighty God, who is above and beyond all in power, wisdom, and comprehension, created the universe. He spoke words, and things came into being. That is more might, knowledge, and understanding than we can ever imagine. He is transcendent in every way, that’s true, but God is also personal, and he cares about all of his creation.
Who are we and where did we come from?
In Genesis 1 God declares we are his unique creation.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:26-27, NIV).
Like all of God's creation, we were once created and assessed as very good (Genesis 1:31). Unlike the rest of God’s creation, however, we are the highest order; we are made in his image. He has given us intelligence, will, emotions, and an eternal soul.
What is our purpose in this world?
God created us for his pleasure (Genesis 1:31; Ephesians 1:3-14). Although he transcends all power, majesty, wisdom, and understanding; yet, from the very beginning, he desired to have a personal relationship with people, his unique creation. He wants us to have an abundant life that only he can give.
Where did evil come from?
Evil comes from sin. Sin is disobedience, rebellion, and any wrongdoing or failure to do what is right (1John 3:4-8; 1Samuel 15:23; James 4:17).
One day God walks in the cool of the evening to fellowship with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8), but something is different. He expects to find them, but they are concealing themselves.
Why are they hiding? They have listened to the deceptive lies of a sly serpent creature. They have disobeyed their Almighty and kind-hearted God, eating of the only tree in the garden from which God said they mustn’t eat. Now they are ashamed, filled with guilt, and hiding.
Because we are all the descendants of Adam and Eve, we are sinners by nature. But, lest we blame our first parents for everything, we should remember that like them, we are also sinners by choice. Their sins and ours lead us to physical and spiritual death, and we commit all kinds of evil (Genesis 2:16-17; 1Corinthians 15:22; Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:8).What can be done about evil?
God punishes Adam and Eve for their disobedience. He places curses on the man, the woman, and the serpent. Then God sacrifices animals and uses their hides to cover the shame and nakedness of our first parents. In doing so, he punishes them for sin, but with the punishment, God offers mercy. Later, the LORD will institute governments to punish wrongdoers.
We will learn more about what can be done about evil in other Bible studies, but for now, we can pray with confidence that God will eventually deal with it.
Is it possible to know God personally? How?
Animals are no longer sacrificed in our place to cover our shame and guilt. Today, God provides us a better sacrifice through his Son Jesus (Hebrews 10:10). Through our faith in Christ’s sacrifice for us, God cleanses us from all our sins and guilt (1John 1:7, more...). After he restores our relationship with him, we have eternal spiritual life and peace. This spiritual relationship with God makes it possible to fulfill our purpose in this world—to give God glory and pleasure.
Discussion
Who is God, and what is he like?
How does the Bible say that life began?
Where did evil come from?
What is the purpose of my life?
Focus Verse
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Watch a video of God's creation here
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study
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A Look Ahead: God creates everything good, but when things go bad he exercises Judgment and Grace. Find out more in our Next Lesson.
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