Genesis
Scripture
Genesis 1:1
Digging Deeper
Genesis is important because it is a meta-narrative and the foundation for understanding the rest of Scripture. Here are some reasons why Genesis is so important:
Origins of Creation. Genesis Chapters 1-2 explain the beginning of the universe, life, humanity, and the nature of God as the Creator.
God’s Nature and Character. Genesis introduces God’s power, sovereignty, justice, and mercy.
The Fall and Human Sinfulness. Genesis Chapter 3 describes the origin of sin and its consequences, explaining why the world is broken.
God’s Plan for Redemption. In Genesis 3:15, the first promise of salvation foreshadows Jesus Christ.
Covenants and God’s Promises. Genesis Chapters 9, 12, and 15 establish major covenants, such as those with Noah and Abraham, showing God’s faithfulness and everlasting promises.
Faith and Obedience. The lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph demonstrate faith, obedience, and God’s plan for human history.
The Foundation for Israel. Genesis traces the origins of the Israelites, whom God chose to bring salvation to the world.
Understanding the New Testament. Many themes in Genesis, like sin, sacrifice, and faith, are expanded in the New Testament.
As we study Genesis, we gain insights into God’s character and His intentions for humanity from the beginning of time. It teaches about the history of the Israelite people and God’s plan for saving the world after humans chose to disobey Him and bring sin into the world. We also see how God magnificently guides us in our daily lives and our spiritual journey as we glorify Him and praise Him for all He has done throughout the ages.
What Not To Miss
Genesis was written for people with big questions about life.
Main Point:
Our little stories should be “IN” a BIG STORY if we want to make sense of life.
Definition of a Big Story:
Meta-narrative.
Grand narrative.
Focus on Genesis 1:1
1) Why do you need to be “IN” a Big Story?
Context of Genesis
Who wrote Genesis? Moses.
When was it written? During Israel’s wilderness period.
The need for a Meta-Narrative. (A big, larger, overarching story and framework that gives meaning and purpose to life.)
Israel needed a Big Story to make sense of their history, identity, and purpose.
Israel isn’t the only people that has needed a meta-narrative. Every single human being who has ever lived needs one.
Principle:
People want to know what Big Story they are “IN” because they have BIG QUESTIONS about life they need answered.
2) How many BIG STORY choices are there to choose from for you to be “IN”?
Ancient Big Stories
Egyptian Mythology
Mesopotamian/Sumerian/Babylonian Creation Myth
Modern Big Stories
Modernity (Evolution)
Postmodernity (Rejection of anything definitive)
Theism (Broadly); Creationism (Specifically)
3) How Do You Choose the Right BIG STORY to be “IN”?
You’ll Choose the ONE who existed before anything was.
You’ll Choose the ONE who brought everything into existence.
You’ll Choose the ONE who created/chose you.
Takeaways
Your “IN” story determines your END story.
Your “IN” story should take guesses out of life and put CONFIDENCE into your life.
The “IN” story of the Bible might be hard to RECEIVE, but it does make sense to BELIEVE.
Genesis wasn’t written to answer all the science questions the Israelites had; it was written to answer their life questions.
The Bible’s overarching, grand/meta-narrative makes sense of our life when you put it all together.
This series helps us make sense of life. What BIG STORY is your LITTLE STORY IN?
Life Application
This week, our challenge is to be “IN” God’s story. Consider how you are living your life and if you are a passive observer or if you are stepping into your God-given place in His meta-narrative. Think about your talents, passions, gifts, and experiences as they fit into God’s mission, and take a step of faith into the exciting story God has planned for you. This week, for example, share the Gospel with someone, serve at Northland, invite someone to go to worship at Northland with you, or help someone with a need.
Small Group Discussion Questions
What is your favorite movie with a great beginning, middle, and ending?
What does Genesis Chapter 1:1 reveal about God?
What big stories exist in our current culture that people can believe in?
How do we choose the right story to be a part of?
What is a life question you are seeking answers about?
Daily Devotional Bible Passages
Day 1: Creation-Genesis1:1; Genesis 1:26; Genesis 2:3
Day 2: The Fall-Genesis 3:6; Genesis 3:15; Genesis 6:5
Day 3: God’s Promises-Genesis 9:13; Genesis 12:2-3; Genesis 17:7
Day 4: Obedience-Genesis 15:6; Genesis 22:12; Genesis 50:20
Day 5: God’s Plan-Genesis 45:7; Genesis 28:15; Genesis 50:24
Prayer
Dear Lord, I thank You for being the author of all creation and for inviting me into Your great story. I acknowledge that You are writing a meta-narrative far more significant than I can comprehend, and I am excited to be a small part of it. Help my heart to align with Your will. Let my thoughts, words, and actions reflect the story of redemption and love that You are telling and want the world to know. Teach me to walk closely with you, knowing that every chapter of my life is part of something eternal and beautiful. Fill me with gratitude for each moment, acknowledging that I was created by Your hands to glorify you and show light in a world that needs to know how to fit into Your grand story.
