Jan 1-7: Four Significant Events  (Genesis 1-11:26)

Overview of Section

As you begin reading this week, focus your attention on the four significant events found in this first section of Genesis.

1. Creation by the Word…(Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 11:3; 2 Pet. 3:5-7)

The Bible begins, In the beginning God.  This statement is the way in which we should look at everything; God is the source of all things.  God spoke and the universe came into being.  He said Let there be and it was done.  God had no beginning but the universe did.  Therefore, it was made from nothing, a fact that is often expressed by the Latin words, ex nihilo (from nothing) –Graham Goldsworthy[1]

2. The Fall of Man…(Lk. 4:3-4; Rom. 5:12; Heb. 4:15)

In this section we are exposed to the devil and his tactics.  In Genesis, the wiles of the devil are exposed (Eph. 6:11).  Here there is a clear indication of how the Evil One operates.  Studying Genesis should mean that we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11).  He calls into question the Word of God: Has God indeed said…? (3:1).  He casts doubt on its trustworthiness, denies its truth: You will not surely die.  For God knows that in the day you eat it your eyes will be open, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (3:4-5)—Crossley[2]

3. The Universal Flood…(Hebrews 11:7)

Two main words are to be highlighted in this section (Gen. 6-9), grace (6:8) and covenant (6:18).  Look for these words and look for God’s care of Noah and his family.

4. The Tower of Babel…

The Tower of Babel was built so that man could reach the heavens or so they thought.  God had commanded mankind to scatter and repopulate the earth; instead man tried to make a name for himself and stayed together in one place.  This building project was part of what was keeping them together.  God confuses their language so they can no longer work together but be dispersed as He had already commanded.

Main Theological Theme(s)

Genesis is the Book of Beginnings.  We are shown from the beginning that all this came about by God’s initiative.  He is the Author of creation and He is the Restorer of creation.

It is also a book about God’s grace to undeserving mankind.

Approaching the New Testament

In Romans 5:14, we read that Adam is a type of Christ.  In Romans 5:12-21 we learn that Jesus is the Second Adam.  The first Adam fell into sin and took all humanity with him.  The Second Adam triumphed over sin and all who are in Him are reconciled to God.

Application Questions

What are some important lessons we learn in this beginning section?

Do you see that mankind has often believed the “lies of the devil” before the “truths of God”?

Why do you think this is so?

How are you better equipped to spot the tactics of Satan after reading his encounter with Adam and Eve?

How did Noah express his faith and how does that help yours?

Noah listened to God, believed Him and acted on that belief by building the ark.  How does that differ from Adam and Eve?