Bible Studies

The Book of Genesis

by Henry Jaegers
03/09/19
Free to Share
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

GENESIS

The book of Genesis is, as its name declares, the book of beginnings. It begins by telling us how the creation of the world began. In the first five days, God created the world and declared that "it was good." On the sixth day, God completed his work by the creation of man. God's declaration when this work was completed as described in the words as "very good". Man is God's greatest work and as we view the acts of creation, we discover that God did all of that with the creation of man in view. Thus, man is seen to be God's greatest work in creation.

It would have been great if everything continued that way, but God gave to man a free will and an opportunity to exercise it. Because Adam failed to obey God, then a new phase in the book of Genesis begins. The first three chapters deal with the subject of the generation of life. But in this new section, after Adam fell, there began a progression of evil that lasted up until the time of Noah. We call this period from Genesis 3 through Genesis 6, the Period of Degeneration.  The sin of men progressed so badly that God in order to fulfill his purpose, had to destroy that society, sparing only Noah and his family.

After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah and promise that what had happened during the flood would never happen again, and God confirmed his promise through a rainbow. The third phase in the book of Genesis begins with Noah’s family and progresses to chapter 49. This. We call regeneration and we do so because, in spite of the wickedness of the world and its destruction, God still had a plan for the continuance of life and its purpose.

In Genesis chapter 12, we find God calling a man named Abraham and God promised him that he would become a great nation, the owner of abundant land and that he would be a blessing throughout the ages.

The book of Genesis contains three great prophecies concerning the coming of Christ. It is important that we familiarize ourselves with these: They are found in Genesis 3:15, Genesis 12:1-3, and in Genesis 49:10.

The remainder of the book deals with the promise fulfilled to Abraham to the establishment of the people of God and it begins with Isaac's firstborn and continues to Joseph who becomes the savior of his people and Israel is protected in the land of Egypt.

 QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. In verse two the words “and the world was void and without form”. Discuss what you think that these words describe.

2. From Chapter one, describe what is meant by Heaven of Heavens? (Three Dimensions)

3. Why do you think that God said, “it is not good for the man to be alone?” (Be careful to read the verses surrounding this.)

4. Describe the methods used by Satan in causing a man to take from the tree

5. Discuss the substance of Genesis 3:15. What important events does this describe? How does verse 21 describe Adam’s new covering?

6. Discuss the covenant God made with Noah in 8:11, 21, 22.

7. Discuss the covenant and promises made to Abraham in 12: 1-3, 22: 18. How do they differ?

8, How did the covenant with Isaac differ from that of Abraham? (26:3-5.) Notice the circumstance when it was given

9. Describe the two experiences of Jacob, (28:13-15, 32: 28. What major prophecy is found in 49:10?

10. Consider how the life of Joseph reflects the character of Christ (50:20)