Genesis Part 2

Study Guide / Outline

Purpose: Understanding the Old Testament as foundational for Christian faith.
Divisions: Law, History, Poetry/Wisdom, Prophecy.
Jewish Division: Law (Torah), Prophets, Writings (Psalms).

Meaning: “Pentateuch” literally means “five books”.
Books Included: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
Jewish Perspective: Referred to as the Torah, meaning “instruction” or “revelation”, rather than just “law”.
Content: More than law, it’s a grand storyline from the world’s beginning to the start of Israel.

Focus: Beginning of the redemption story.
Scope:
- Chapters 1-11: Creation to around 2000 BC.
- Chapters 12-50: Four generations, covering about 300 years.
Theology Introduced: Soteriology, anthropology, angelology, pneumatology.
Genesis as History: Not mythology, but historical account as per Jewish tradition.
Key Scripture: Genesis 1-11 (Creation, Fall, Flood, Nations).

God’s Nature in Creation: God as the creator and initiator, Jesus as the speaker, Holy Spirit as the performer.
Humanity’s Place: Made in God’s image, representing the divine nature and authority.

Dignity of Humanity: Being made in God’s image signifies our worth, dignity, and authority.
Literary Structure:
- Primeval History (Genesis 1-11): Universal scope of God’s plan.
- Patriarchal History (Genesis 12-50): Focuses on Israel’s ancestors.
Purpose of Genesis: To offer instruction in God’s ways, revealing His character and intentions.
Theological Themes Introduced: Creation, fall, redemption, covenant.
Image of God in Humans: Represents God’s nature, not just physical likeness, conferring dignity and purpose.

Representation: Humanity as image bearers, pointing creation to God.
Divine Essence in Humanity: Carrying the essence of God’s nature, not just bestowed authority.
Distinguishing Factor: Unlike other creatures, humans represent God’s character and authority.
Humanity’s Purpose: To represent God well, showcasing His wonders and character.

Creation Story: Reveals God’s power, order, and relational nature.
Humanity’s Creation: Distinct from other creation acts, showing special consideration and purpose.
Key Scripture: Genesis 1-4 (Creation, Fall, Cain and Abel).

Impact on Theology: Genesis lays the groundwork for various theological disciplines.
Misinterpretations: Caution against viewing early Genesis chapters as mythology.
Theological Richness: Genesis 1-11 contains fundamental concepts for understanding God and humanity.

Emphasis on Understanding: Encouragement to view Genesis as foundational, enhancing the perception of God and our role as His creation.
Call to Awareness: Recognizing and embracing our identity and purpose as image bearers of God.

Lesson Content