Week 1: Creation & The Rebel People

Part 1- Creation

Read: Genesis 1:1-2:3; 2:4-25; Psalm 19:1-6; Job 38-39 (Take notes as you read)

The two Creation stories tell the same information in different ways. The first story is a poem of praise to
God. The second story is the older of the two. It was told around campfires, recited from one generation to
another for centuries before it was written down. These two stories, along with the Job reading, help clue us
into Gods character. God spoke & order came into being. He stays close with creation; He stands apart yet
involved.

Answer:
1- What are two big differences, you noticed, in the two Creation stories?

2- What do you think is the meaning of God forming man from the dust of the ground
(Gen.2:7)?

3-Whats so significant about God breathing into Adam's nostrils?

4-What do you think is the significance of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (2:9)?

5- We are created by God, He has a claim on us. How do you show this is the way you live?

6-If God created the world for our benefit, what does that say about the character of God?
(Refer to Job for this & notice Gods sarcasm. We think we know better than God when it comes to
the workings/makings of Earth. But in Job 38-39, God proves we know very little)

Why did God give us the story of man & woman? To show us that marriage is rooted in Creation; God's
plan, one flesh (Genesis 2:18-25).
Part 2- The Rebel People

Read: Genesis 3-4; 11:1-9; & 2 Samuel 11:1-12:7 (Take notes as you read)

These passages are about sin. Think about your sin, and try to place yourself in these passages. Sin isnt
just a topic, it's the human condition. We have a will so that we can make choices. We are not totally
determined by forces inside us or outside us. God wants children, not puppets. When God told Adam & Eve
not to eat from that special tree, He was appealing to their freedom of choice. They should be held
accountable. And so will we. Sin scrambles our inner self so that we experience shame & guilt. Sometimes
you hear people say, The devil made me do it. But that attitude sidesteps responsibility. When Adam &
Eve realized their disobedience, they immediately felt shame, guilt & alienation. Then they went to hide &
cover themselves. David also tried to hide his adultery & murder.

Answer:
1-When you are tempted, what words does the devil use to speak to you? (Example:
Everyone does it!)

2- In what ways and for what are you being held accountable to God? (Example: the way I
treat others; my finances)

3- What are some signs of your anger, guilt & alienation?

4- What do you do to hide your sins?

Adam & Eves punishment was a form of grace. The man would earn bread by sweat; yet work is one of
life's greatest blessings. The woman would bear children with pain, but that is often soon forgotten with the
joy of a baby. When the woman and the man rebelled, innocence died, a relationship was broken. But God
still loved them and still cared for them (Genesis 3:21). God reveals His will to the obedient, not the curious.
Blessings come from trust & obedience.

5- We are part of the collective wickedness of the world, we can even destroy ourselves.
What, in your view, are our chances for survival?

6-How have you sabotaged/destroyed yourself?