Genesis Part 1

Study Guide / Outline

Purpose: To understand the Old Testament as foundational to Christian beliefs.
Approach: Informational, focusing on the history and background of Scripture.
Goal: Transformative understanding of the Word of God.

Duration: Six months, across four sessions.
Objective: To grasp the main message of each Old Testament book and its contribution to the Bible’s overall message.
Focus: The redemptive flow of history in the Old Testament up to the intertestamental period.
Key Aspects:
- Articulation of the Old Testament’s significance for Christians.
- Understanding of key biblical passages and their fit in the redemptive storyline.
- Comprehension of the central message of each Old Testament book.

Division: 39 books, divided into four major collections (Protestant perspective).
- Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
- Historical Books.
- Poetic and Wisdom Books.
- Prophets: Minor and Major Prophets.

Definition: ‘Bible’ means ‘books’.
Composition: 66 books, including 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
Canonical Formation: Process of canonization, involving discernment by early Christians.

Relevance: Essential for understanding the full context of Christian faith.
Misconceptions: Often overshadowed by the New Testament; not just a collection of stories and moral guidelines.
Connection to Jesus: The Old Testament points to and is fulfilled by Jesus Christ.
- Scriptures: Romans 15:4 (importance of Old Testament teachings), 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (scriptural inspiration and purpose).

Usage: The Old Testament was the Bible during Jesus’ time and early Christian teachings.
Fulfillment: Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and teachings.
- Scriptures: Luke

24:25-27 (Jesus interpreting scriptures about Himself), 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 (understanding the Old Testament through Christ).

Definition: Study of God emphasizing the progressive nature of biblical revelation.
Approach: Understanding the relationships between different eras of God’s activity as recorded in the Bible.
Contrast with Systematic Theology: Biblical theology focuses on the progressive unfolding of truth, rather than just the endpoint.

Theories: Various themes proposed by scholars, but a common understanding of an intentional, structured message by God.
Personal Interpretation: Encouragement to develop a personal understanding of the Bible’s central theme.
- Instructor’s View: The Bible as a love story centered around redemption.

Definition and Importance: Covenant as a key biblical concept, representing God’s commitment to a relationship with humanity.
Old Testament Covenants:
- Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:11)
- Abrahamic Covenant
- Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19:5-6)
- Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-15)
New Covenant:
- Description: The final covenant through Jesus Christ.
- Characteristics: Change of heart, forgiveness of sins, a personal relationship with God.
- Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34 (clear description of the New Covenant).

Significance: Essential for a comprehensive understanding of God’s character and plan.
Misinterpretation Risks: Misunderstanding God’s actions and intentions can lead to weakened faith.
Integration with New Testament: Both Testaments work together to reveal God’s love and plan for redemption.

Encouragement: To approach the Old Testament with an understanding of God’s love and the redemptive work of Jesus.
Prayer: For openness and insight into the richness of the Old Testament.

Lesson Content