Genesis: Making Sense of Life
Scripture
Genesis 1:1-31
Digging Deeper
God continually teaches and encourages us as we walk through life’s journey. Each moment holds the potential to teach us something new about God, ourselves, and the world around us. The beauty of these lessons is that they are not only meant to shape our character but also to draw us closer to Him.
God has perfect timing. Sometimes, we want to rush ahead, thinking we know the best way or time. But God teaches us that His timing is perfect, even when we can’t see it. As we are waiting, He builds our faith, perseverance, and patience. The lessons He teaches during these times can often prepare us for the blessings that lie ahead.
God desires for us to develop biblical wisdom. Life isn’t always easy, and we face challenges that seem overwhelming. But God promises to give us wisdom concerning decisions, relationships, and struggles when we ask for it (James 1:5). God is faithful to guide us and provide insight when we seek it earnestly.
God encourages us to embrace the process. Life's journey is not just about the destination. God teaches us through small, everyday moments. From the simple act of showing kindness, to the patience we learn when things don’t go as planned, each day holds the opportunity to grow in character, love, and dependence on God.
We are grateful for the lessons God teaches us through each season of life. Our goal should be to trust God’s timing, seek His wisdom, and embrace the process of becoming more like King Jesus. Let us see the beauty in every moment, whether it’s a challenge or a blessing, as we are guided and shaped into what God has created us to be.
What Not To Miss
The Main Main Point:
Embedded in Creation are Life Lessons from the Creator.
Life is a Process, Pursue it and Enjoy the Journey
Genesis 1:2—The earth was formless and empty; creation unfolded in stages.
God could have created everything instantly, but He chose to engage in a process.
Life is a process filled with stages—growth, learning, and change.
Examples: Human growth, school, maturity, marriage, parenting, spiritual growth. (sanctification, discipleship).
If you are going to succeed, you will need to know these three things:
What life is all about.
What life, in an area, is supposed to look like, so you know if you're doing it right.
Where you are ultimately aiming to arrive.
Know the season you are in now, so that you have perspective and can manage expectations.
Be patient with the process. It takes time.
Embrace resistance because it will make you stronger.
Pursue life and enjoy the journey!
If You Want Fruit, You Need Frameworks
Genesis 1:3-25—Systems and structures (days 1-3) came before life (days 4-6).
Day 1-3: Systems and Structures. (Framework/Realms)
Day 4-6: Life. (Filling/Residents)
When thinking about systems and structures, keep in mind:
What. (Model/Paradigm)
Where. (Space)
Who. (Person/People with roles and responsibilities)
How. (Values)
Systems and structures create a foundation for growth.
Examples: Solar systems, atmosphere, ecosystems, and biological systems.
Healthy frameworks of systems and structures produce healthy fruit.
Healthy systems and structures in life lead to healthier fruit.
Balance the "spiritual" with the practical.
Creation is a Clock to Help You Create Healthy Rhythms
Genesis 1:14-18—Lights to give a cadence and daily rhythm.
God created time to help us measure and steward our days.
Creation was Israel’s clock. The sky was their watch. The sky was their calendar. It governed their life and how they stewarded their time.
Creation is your clock to plan out your rhythms.
Prioritize your rhythms to maximize your life.
Don’t neglect the GREAT for the GOOD.
God should prioritize your rhythms so that you maximize your life.
If you fail to prioritize, you will minimize your effectiveness and fruitfulness for the glory of God.
If You Want to Be Good, You Need God
Genesis 1:31—God saw all He made, and it was good.
Creation's goodness is marked by its intended function in which the Creator created and designed it.
Purpose and meaning are found in function, and functioning according to God’s intention and purpose is good.
In the Big Story, human beings detached themselves from God and rebelled against God’s function and intention for them.
When we function in accordance with God’s design, it not only is good, but it moves us and our lives toward SHALOM, which is wholeness, well-being, and flourishing.
If you need a fresh start, put your faith in God.
Genesis 1:1—God started it all and is the God of new beginnings.
1/1/1 is the dawn of creation.
God is the fresh start, clean slate, and new mercy.
Jesus takes on flesh, and is the dawn of new creation.The light has come into the world and shone into the darkness.
Thirty-three years later, Jesus observes and transitions the Passover. He will be the Passover lamb so that God’s punishment will pass over the individuals who believe in Jesus.
If anyone is in Jesus they are a new creation, a new creature, a new beginning, and have a new slate. With Jesus, there is a clean slate every day.
Life Application
Choose one of these applications this week to recognize that life is a process as you pursue and enjoy life as a journey.
Embrace the process, not just the outcome, as you focus on the daily steps toward a goal, rather than only looking ahead to the end result. This week, set small, achievable goals and celebrate the progress that is made. Reflect on how each step shapes you, knowing God is ordering your steps.
Pay attention to your routine and rhythms as you take moments throughout the week to be fully present in whatever you’re doing, whether working, spending time with loved ones, or even just walking. Enjoy your journey by appreciating even the small, seemingly mundane moments God is giving you.
Practice patience as you remind yourself that good things take time. If you feel impatient or frustrated with the pace of your journey, take a deep breath and trust the process. This week, when you feel the urge to rush, take a moment to slow down and let things unfold naturally and in God’s timing.
Reflect on lessons learned along the way as you set aside time each day to journal or pray about the lessons you’re learning in your journey. Reflect on how God uses these experiences to shape your character, faith, and purpose, even if the results aren’t immediately visible.
Small Group Questions
If your spiritual journey were a season (spring, summer, fall, winter), which season would it be right now and why?
What are examples of embracing life as a process and enjoying the journey?
What are some areas where frameworks, systems, or structures are beneficial for developing our spiritual and personal lives?
Share some time management principles that might be helpful relating to biblical principles.
What are some areas and times when it is healthy to make a fresh start in life?
Daily Devotional Bible Passages
Day 1: Process-Philippians 1:6; Ecclesiastes 3:1; James 1:4
Day 2: Framework-1 Corinthians 14:40; Proverbs 24:3-4; Ephesians 2:10
Day 3: Rhythm-Exodus 20:8-10; Psalm 90:12; Mark 1:35
Day 4: Goodness-Psalm 34:8; Romans 12:2; John 15:5
Day 5: Purpose-Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 8:28
Prayer
Lord, I come before You today, grateful that You are a God who works in seasons, processes, and frameworks. Help me to trust that You are always at work in my life, even when I can't see the whole picture. When I grow impatient or discouraged, remind me that Your timing is perfect and Your plans for me are good. In the busy rhythms of my days, help me to find rest in You. Teach me to pause, to seek Your presence, and to find refreshment in quiet moments. Protect me from burnout and striving, and help me trust You as I seek clarity and purpose. Show me how to use the gifts and abilities you have given me to give glory to You, serve others, and advance Your Kingdom.
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