My second lesson, “Some things we learn about God in Genesis 1,” was a delight to teach to our Youth Seminary students. Their ideas, questions, and insights clearly show that they are deep thinkers and committed Jesus followers. Following are my notes for the talk.
Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Genesis
MCA Church Youth Seminary
Lesson 2
Welcome to MCA Church Youth Seminary! All of our study is anchored in the Bible.
“The entrance of thy words giveth light, giving understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130
Class Guidelines
1. Bring a great attitude each week.
2. Bring a Bible each week.
3. Memorize the Bible verses.
4. Never talk while someone else is speaking.
5. Have fun learning God’s word.
Verses to Memorize
1. Psalm 119:130
2. Genesis 1:1
3. John 1:1-3
4. Colossians 1:16
5. Proverbs 9:10
6. Genesis 2:7
Week One’s teaching was that all of life, everything we know, wisdom, and time, space, and matter all find God as their starting point. Last week we emphasized the creativity and importance of your Genesis 1 projects. Today’s talk is about what we can learn about this ‘starting point’ God?
God’s Name
o The word “God” is used 34 times in Genesis 1:1-2:3
o In Genesis 1 and 2 we learn about God through what He did and said.
o Elohim is the name of God in Genesis 1:1-2:3. In Genesis 2:4 YHWY or LORD is used.
o Elohim is used in the singular but it is a plural word. This may be because of a
concept called the “plurality of majesty.”
o God is SO AMAZING that He is referred to in plural form.
God’s Word
o God is separate from creation. The Creator and the creation are not the same.
o God’s nature, character, purpose, and design can be seen in creation.
o God existed before creation.
o God’s word created creation. 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26
o “Then God said, Let…” Eight times.
o “God said…” Ten times
o God’s commands created creation
God’s Thoughts
o Five times we see “God called.” Genesis 1:5, 8, 10
o Naming is a very crucial part of Genesis 1. It is in naming that things make sense.
God is helping us through naming to make sense of His creation.
o In Genesis 2:19 God gives the authority of naming to people. Now we make sense of God’s
creation by naming.
God’s Power
o God is fully able to do as He says. He has the power to do anything and everything He
determines to do.
o Two words are used in Genesis 1 for this creative power, 1. Create, and 2. Made. 1:1,
21, 27 and 1:7, 16, 25, 31
God’s Goodness
o Seven times the phrase, “God saw that it was good.” 1: 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31
o Since creation is a reflection of the Creator, God is clearly good.
o Creation is NOT mother-nature! Creation is the visible reality of the goodness of God.
God’s Wisdom
o God’s wisdom knew that His creative actions were completed.
o God’s wisdom is reflected in God’s rest. Genesis 2:1-3
o You and I must rest in God’s wisdom.