Genesis & The Story of Creation: See That It Was Good

Genesis 2:4-15

Joel Miles

September 24, 2023

With a friend, your family or in your small group, discuss the following questions:

1. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of understanding God’s original purpose for humanity? 
2. What does the shift from “the heavens and the earth” to “the earth and the heavens” in Genesis 2:4 signify, and why is it significant in understanding our role in God’s creation? 
3. According to Genesis 1:26-28, what is humanity’s purpose as God’s image bearers, and how does this relate to our role in the world? 
4. Discuss the concept of ruling and subduing the earth as an imitation of God’s rule in Genesis 1. What implications does this have for our responsibility in the world? 

  5.  How does the sermon explain that our call to fulfill God’s commission begins in the small and specific aspects of our lives? How can we        apply this concept to our daily routines, relationships, and workplaces? (Genesis 2:5-8) 

  6.  In light of the sermon, how can we balance our responsibility to care for the world on a larger scale (e.g., societal issues) with our duty           to cultivate the specific places and relationships where God has placed us? 

  7.  How does the concept of “cultivating the soil” in our specific places and relationships connect with the idea of being stewards of God’s        creation? (Genesis 2:5-8)

  8. Reflect on the idea that our work, whether in the home, workplace, or community, is a means of reflecting God’s image and bringing              order, beauty, and goodness into the world. How can we practically apply this concept in our vocations? (Genesis 1:26-28) 

  9.  Discuss specific examples from your life where you have seen the opportunity to fulfill God’s commission by serving and caring for                others in your daily context.

  10. How can we balance the call to cultivate our immediate surroundings with the awareness of broader challenges in the world? What             practical steps can we take as individuals and as a community of believers to fulfill our commission in both contexts?