The Bible for Grown-Ups | Week 2
Week 2 The Bible for Grown-Ups
INTRODUCTION
“In the beginning” can be a loaded phrase that forces us into debate and doubt. But maybe we’re missing the point of Genesis 1:1—a point Moses made to a world where the violence and injustice of the gods justified and legitimized the violence and injustice of human rulers. Moses introduced a radically different, unparalleled, and untested worldview.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Read Genesis 1:1.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
What do you think about when you read this sentence?
Have you or someone you know tried to explore faith by using “In the beginning” as a starting point?
What obstacles come with that approach?
In Genesis, Moses is not trying to explain how God created the heavens and the earth. Moses makes the case that God (not the gods) created the universe. How does this distinction change the way someone can approach reading Genesis?
Do you see anything in nature or life that supports the idea that God created the universe with purpose and intent?
What would change if you embraced the idea that everyone is here on purpose for a purpose?
Many civilizations had creation stories that supported the idea that the human race was an afterthought of the gods. Consequently, individuals had no rights, hope, or intrinsic value.
How did those beliefs shape the cultures of that time? Do you see evidence of that kind of view now?
How would you define the word “dignity”?
In the beginning, God decided every man, woman, and child would be born with dignity because they were made in his image.
If you took this perspective on the purpose of Genesis, what would change about:
How you view the Bible.
Your faith or your willingness to explore faith.
How you view yourself.
How you see and treat others.
MOVING FORWARD
You’re here on purpose for a purpose. You are not the result of a cosmic conflict between the gods. You were not created by the universe. God wanted image-bearers who could know him and one another. And in the beginning, we are introduced to the God who saves, redeems, delivers, and never gives up on us. He gave us the freedom to choose, and he honors our choices.
This week, read Genesis 1. This time, though, ask God to help you see this Scripture not as an introduction to how the world was created but as an introduction to the one who created it.