Genesis 1: The Power, Order, and Purpose of Creation | Who is Elohim?
Scripture
Genesis 1
Digging Deeper
Genesis 1 is foundational, revealing key truths about God's (Elohim’s) nature and His relationship to creation and human beings. Here are some facets of who God is and what He does, as described in Genesis 1.
God Is Eternal and Preexistent
Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
God exists before time, space, and matter.
He has no beginning and no end—He is eternal.
God Is the Creator of Everything
He speaks, and things come into existence (“Let there be light” – Genesis 1:3).
God creates the universe out of nothing (ex nihilo).
Everything that exists—light, water, land, plants, animals, and humans—owes its existence to Him.
God Is Powerful and Sovereign
God creates simply by speaking (“And God said… and it was so” – Genesis 1:6-7).
His word has authority—He commands, and it happens.
He controls all aspects of creation, establishing order and purpose.
God Is a God of Order and Wisdom
Creation follows a structured pattern:
Days 1-3: He forms the world (light, sky, land, seas).
Days 4-6: He fills it with life (sun, moon, stars, animals, humans).
This order reflects God’s wisdom and intentional design—everything has its place and purpose.
God Is Good and His Creation Is Good
After each act of creation, God declares it “good” (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25).
The world was made perfect, free from sin, suffering, or death.
Humans, created in His image, are declared “very good” (Genesis 1:31), showing that human life has special value.
God Creates Humanity in His Image
Genesis 1:26-27 – “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness.”
Being made in God’s image means:
We reflect His attributes (intellect, morality, creativity, relational capacity).
We have dominion over creation (Genesis 1:28).
We are created for relationship with Him.
God Blesses and Provides
Genesis 1:28-30 – God blesses humans and provides food and resources.
His first command is to “Be fruitful and multiply,” showing that He desires human flourishing.
He is a provider who ensures all living things have what they need.
As Genesis 1 sets the foundation for understanding God’s sovereignty, goodness, and purpose in creation, we know that God’s power is not only immense, but it works in and through each of us to accomplish great things for His glory.
What Not To Miss
Main Idea:
The first week of creation provides a good first impression of the Creator and a good first response of what we should do as the created.
I. What Do We Learn About Elohim the Creator?
Elohim’s nature and characteristics are revealed in creation.
A. Elohim’s Nature (Who He Is)
He is Eternal – Always existed, no beginning or end.
He is Supernatural – Beyond the natural and what we perceive, and does the unexplainable.
He is Transcendent – He is out of this world.
He is Infinite – No boundaries, limitless vastness.
He is Omnipotent – All-powerful, almighty.
He is Omniscient – All-wise, all-knowing.
He is Holy – Perfect, distinct, separate.
He is Triune – One in three and exists in community.
He is Mysterious – Beyond full human understanding.
He is Sovereign – Creator, ruler, sustainer with supreme authority.
B. Elohim’s Characteristics (How He Acts)
He is Life-Giving – Creates and sustains life.
He is Ordered – Intentional, logical, structured, methodical.
He is Patient – Works through a process, like sanctification.
He is Communicative – Uses words to shape reality.
He is Creative – Beautiful, brilliant, diverse in creation.
He is Collaborative – Works within the Godhead and with humanity.
He is Relational – Speaks to and engages with creation.
He is Benevolent – Generous, kind, good, abundant in giving.
He is Dedicated/Determined – Finishes what He starts with discipline and purpose.
He is Celebratory – Declares creation “good” and rejoices in His work.
C. Elohim’s Supremacy Over All Other Gods
Israel recognized that Elohim was supreme over all false gods of Egypt.
The 10 plagues revealed Elohim’s dominion over creation and judgment on Egyptian deities.
Elohim is not just a regional god—He is the cosmic God.
II. How Should We Respond to Elohim?
We should W.O.R.S.H.I.P. Him.
W – Work with Elohim Passionately
Join in His work of creation, redemption, and blessing the world.
We are created for good works.
O – Obey Elohim Completely
Adam and Eve, Israel, and the Church are called to full obedience.
Obedience is not selective, but total.
R – Rely on Elohim Totally
Trust in His power, wisdom, and provision rather than self-reliance.
S – Serve Elohim Faithfully
Serve Him alone with undivided devotion.
H – Honor Elohim Humbly
Reverence, respect, praise, and submission to His authority.
I – Image Elohim Holistically
Reflect His attributes in relationships, work, and stewardship.
Display His life-giving, orderly, patient, creative, and benevolent nature.
P – Proclaim Elohim Globally
Creation declares His glory, and we are to proclaim His name to the nations.
Adam and Eve, Israel, and the Church are called to make His name known.
III. Jesus as Elohim Revealed
John 1:1–3 – Jesus is the Word through whom all things were made.
Colossians 1:15–16 – Christ is the image of the invisible God, Creator of all.
Revelation 4:10–11 – Christ is worthy of worship as the Creator for His supreme authority.
Life Application
This week, reflect on the nature and characteristics of Elohim as revealed in creation. Spend some time sitting or walking in a beautiful location. Pause for a minute or two to think about the intricacy, complexity, and uniqueness of God’s handiwork. Ask yourself if you trust God to be all-powerful, sovereign, and loving in your daily life. Make notes on your cell phone or bring paper and a pen to note your observations and reflections on what you learned about how creation shows God’s attributes, image, character, and creativity.
Small Group Discussion
If you could have one of God’s attributes for a day, such as wisdom, power, creativity, generosity, or patience, which would you choose, and why?
What does Genesis 1 reveal about God’s character and nature?
How does knowing that God is the Creator affect how we view ourselves and our purpose in life?
How can the truth of Genesis 1 encourage us when facing chaos or uncertainty in life?
Which part of our response to God as W.O.R.S.H.I.P (Work, Obey, Rely, Serve, Honor, Image, Proclaim) do you find the easiest? Which is the most challenging for you?
Daily Devotional Bible Passages
Day 1: God-Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 40:28; Psalm 145:9
Day 2: God’s Power-Jeremiah 32:17; Psalm 147:5; Ephesians 3:20
Day 3: God’s Order-1 Corinthians 14:33; Genesis 1:2-3; Colossians 1:16-17
Day 4: God’s Purpose-Proverbs 19:21; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:11
Day 5: God’s Relationship with Us-James 4:8; Isaiah 41:10; John 15:15
Prayer
Dear Lord, I come before You in awe of who You are. You are the Almighty Creator, the One who spoke the universe into existence. By Your word, light pierced the darkness, and order replaced chaos. Your power is a humbling reminder of Your sovereignty and the wisdom in all You do.
Thank You for revealing Your nature and character through creation, showing me Your order, creativity, and goodness. Help me to respond in worship by loving You, obeying You completely, and relying on You fully. May my life reflect Your love, holiness, and generosity so that others may see and know You. May my life reflect Your goodness, and may my heart always remain humble and in awe of You, reflecting Your glory.
