STEPPING INTO THE LIGHT
BIBLE STUDY: CREATION
GENESIS 1:1-2:3
1. How do you feel when you have created something or when you complete a big project?
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2. What instructions did God give the first man and woman after he created them? ( 1:28 )
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3. What does the creation story teach us about humankind?
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4. What have you learned from this passage about your worth?
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5. What do you want to remember from this text the next time you are feeling worthless or useless?
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Life Application Bible Notes - Gen 1:1-2:7
How long did it take God to create the world? There are two basic views about the days of creation: (1) each day was a literal 24-hour period; (2) each day represents an indefinite period of time (even millions of years).
The Bible does not say how long these time periods were. The real question, however, is not how long God took, but how he did it. God created the earth in an orderly fashion (he did not make plants before light), and he created men and women as unique beings capable of communication with him. No other part of creation can claim that remarkable privilege. It is not important how long it took God to create the world, whether a few days or a few billion years, but that he created it just the way he wanted it.
Days of Creation
First Day | Light (so there was light and darkness) |
Second Day | Sky and water (waters separated) |
Third Day | Land and seas (waters gathered); vegetation |
Fourth Day | Sun, moon, and stars (to govern the day and the night and to mark seasons, days, and years) |
Fifth Day | Fish and birds (to fill the waters and the sky) |
Sixth Day | Animals (to fill the earth) Man and woman (to care for the earth and to commune with God) |
Seventh Day | God rested and declared all he had made to be very good |
Notes for 1:25
God saw that his work was good. People sometimes feel guilty for having a good time or for feeling good about an accomplishment. This need not be so. Just as God felt good about his work, we can be pleased with ours. However, we should not feel good about our work if God would not be pleased with it. What are you doing that pleases both you and God?
Notes for 1:26
Why does God use the plural form, "Let us make man in our image"? One view says this is a reference to the Trinity — God the Father, Jesus Christ his Son, and the Holy Spirit — all of whom are God. Another view is that the plural wording is used to denote majesty. Kings traditionally use the plural form in speaking of themselves. From Job 33:4 and Psalm 104:30 , we do know that God's Spirit was present in the creation. From Colossians 1:16 we know that Christ, God's Son, was at work in the creation.
In what ways are we made in God's image? God obviously did not create us to look like himself because God has no physical body. However, we reflect God's glory. Some feel that our reason, creativity, speech, or self-determination is the image of God. We will never be totally like God because he is our supreme Creator. But we do have the ability to reflect his character in our love, patience, forgiveness, kindness, and faithfulness.
Knowing that we are made in God's image and thus share many of his characteristics provides a solid basis for self-worth. Human worth is not based on possessions, achievements, physical attractiveness, or public acclaim. Instead it is based on being made in God's image. Because we bear God's image, we can feel positive about ourselves. Criticizing or downgrading ourselves is criticizing what God has made and the abilities he has given us. Knowing that you are a person of worth helps you love God, know him personally, and make a valuable contribution to those around you.
Notes for 1:31
God saw that all he had created was very good. You are part of God's creation, and he is pleased with how he made you. If at times you feel worthless or of little value, remember that God made you for a good reason. You are valuable to him.