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

Genesis 1:1-2:3

Trish Haq

September 17, 2023

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

1. As we’ve been looking at Genesis Chapter 1 over the past few weeks, have you been inspired to take time to marvel and enjoy God’s creation? Share a time when you remember experiencing a sense of wonder at God’s creation. What wows you when you look at or think about the world that God created?
2. Read Genesis1:26-2:4 together. What do you notice? What stands out?
3. Compare this moment of creation with the rest of the story. In what ways is God’s creation of humanity different from his creation of light, sky, land, vegetation, stars, sun and moon, fish and bird, and animals? Notice changes to the structure of this section, repeated phrases, literary style, and dialogue.
4. In our culture, it is common to hear people talk about self-worth. But what determines our worth? What are some common ways that people try to find a sense of value and worth? Where does our true value and worth come from? What does this text in Genesis tell us about the source of our value?

  5.  Reflect together on what it means to ‘be like’ someone. Think about all aspects of ourselves, from our physical features, to our

       thoughts, attitudes, and behaviours.

  6.  Now, what meaning do you make of the idea that humanity was made in God’s image? What does it mean that we have been made           in His image?

  7.  On the 7^th day God rested, and in Exodus, when the law was given to the people, they were instructed to also rest by keeping the                     Sabbath day holy. Why is this holy rest important? Do we maintain our inherent value as ones created by God, in His image, when we             stop and rest? What does this tell us about our worth?

  8. Having a sense of purpose is also an important part of being human. Read through Genesis 1:26-2:4 again. What purpose does this text       suggest we have, as God’s image bearer’s to the world?

  9.  In what ways do you think you are called to participate creatively in God’s redemptive Kingdom work in the world?

Prayer and Action Item

Pray for one another out of the key points that were discussed. As you pray, take time to stop and be still, and understand your inherent value as one who has been created in God’s image with great purpose. Pray for one another, asking for wisdom and understanding about what it looks like for each of you to uniquely live out this purpose, to rule and reign as God’s representative in the world. Ask God to guide you as you seek to participate meaningfully in the work of expanding God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. Give thanks for the hope that we have in knowing that the unfinished story of God and the world is moving towards a good and beautiful finish as the fullness of God’s intended purpose for creation will one day be realized.