Understanding Genesis 1. What was the author wanting to teach us? (What form of literature is the...

Understanding Genesis Understanding Genesis

1. What was the author wanting to teach us?1. What was the author wanting to teach us?

(What form of literature is the author using?)(What form of literature is the author using?)

2. How does this apply to us today?2. How does this apply to us today?

Understanding Genesis Understanding Genesis 1. What was the author wanting to teach us?1. What was the author wanting to teach us?

God designed, purposed and created the world God designed, purposed and created the world

Nature was goodNature was good

Man is uniquely in God's imageMan is uniquely in God's image

6 Days of work 1 day of rest6 Days of work 1 day of rest

Who made the world?Who made the world?

What was the world like morally/spiritually?What was the world like morally/spiritually?

What is man’s place in creation?What is man’s place in creation?

How then should we live?How then should we live?



God designed, purposed and created the world God designed, purposed and created the world

Challenge to the philosophy of Evolution not the science of EvolutionChallenge to the philosophy of Evolution not the science of Evolution

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the

ground." 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created

them.

Man in God’s imageMan in God’s image



them.


Us =Us = Other gods? Other gods?

- inconsistent with rest of Genesis - inconsistent with rest of Genesis



them.


Us =Us =

Heavenly court - angels?Heavenly court - angels?

Other gods? Other gods?

Genesis 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. 22 And the LORD God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever




them.


Us =Us =

Heavenly court - angels?Heavenly court - angels?

Other gods? Other gods?

Trinity / Jesus?Trinity / Jesus?

“Royal we” - “Royal we” -

Colossians 1 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether

thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and

for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.


Trinity / Jesus?Trinity / Jesus?

Us =Us =

26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let

them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock,

over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the

ground." 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he

created them.

Man in God’s imageMan in God’s imageDifferent to animalsDifferent to animals

Yet same in ...Yet same in ...

Eating - plants (1:29-30)Eating - plants (1:29-30)

Blessing to reproduce (1:22,28)Blessing to reproduce (1:22,28)

Formed from dust (2:7,19)Formed from dust (2:7,19)




ground." 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he

created them.

Man in God’s imageMan in God’s imageDifferent to animalsDifferent to animals




ground." 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he

created him; male and female he created them.


Not appearanceNot appearance

Not PowersNot Powers

Different to animalsDifferent to animals









RepresentativeRepresentative


RationalRational

CaringCaring

FreeFree







Free to ...Free to ...


LoveLove

EmpathiseEmpathise

SacrificeSacrifice

CreateCreate

LaughLaugh

WorshipWorship

Feel guiltFeel guilt

Feel wonderFeel wonder










Continues after fall


Genesis 96 Whoever sheds human blood, by human beings shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made humankind.

Genesis 96 Whoever sheds human blood, by human beings shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made humankind.











James 39 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.

James 39 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.




Responsibility Responsibility

“The real problem is not that God is dead,but that we are supposed to reflect God and stand as symbols of God especially for the young, and that he is dead in us because we have never understood him.”John Powell





Colossians 39... since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.





ValueValue

Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds human blood, by human beings shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made humankind.

Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds human blood, by human beings shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made humankind.



6 Days of work 1 day of rest6 Days of work 1 day of rest

The importance of restExodus 20

8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labour and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Exodus 208 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labour and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

The importance of restMark 2

27 Then Jesus said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man,

not man for the Sabbath.

Mark 227 Then Jesus said to them,

"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

Rest ...Rest ...

For usFor us

More important than ...More important than ...

MoneyMoney

Job securityJob security

Identity Identity

The importance of rest

When we rest we acknowledge that all our striving will, of itself, do nothing…Genuine rest requires acknowledgement that God, and our brothers and sisters can survive without us. It requires a recognition of our own insufficiency and a handling over of responsibility… That is why it requires faith.Paul Marshall Third Way July August 1990 p33

When we rest we acknowledge that all our striving will, of itself, do nothing…Genuine rest requires acknowledgement that God, and our brothers and sisters can survive without us. It requires a recognition of our own insufficiency and a handling over of responsibility… That is why it requires faith.Paul Marshall Third Way July August 1990 p33

The importance of restExodus 34

21"Six days you shall labour, but on the seventh day you shall rest;

even during the ploughing season and harvest you must

rest.

Exodus 3421"Six days you shall labour, but

on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the ploughing

season and harvest you must rest.

Rest ...Rest ...

A priorityA priority

Sign of ...Sign of ...

RelationshipRelationship

TrustTrust

Faith Faith

The importance of rest

When we rest we accept God’s grace: we do not seek to earn, we receive; we do not justify, we are justified. This is why salvation can be pictured as rest.

Paul Marshall Third Way July August 1990 p33

When we rest we accept God’s grace: we do not seek to earn, we receive; we do not justify, we are justified. This is why salvation can be pictured as rest.

Paul Marshall Third Way July August 1990 p33




Given to mankind to look afterGiven to mankind to look after

Important that we understand nature’s preciousness to GodImportant that we understand nature’s preciousness to God

Important we look after the worldImportant we look after the world

Genesis 2

4 This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens--

New storyNew story

New account of creation of manNew account of creation of man

New description of GodNew description of God

To contradict?To contradict?

To teach different truthsTo teach different truths

Genesis 2

4 This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens--5 and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth and no plant of the field had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no man to work the ground,

Genesis 2

4 This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens--5 and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth and no plant of the field had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no man to work the ground,

Man’s role to look after the planetMan’s role to look after the planet

Genesis 2

6 but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground-- 7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

Life of man from GodLife of man from God

Genesis 2

6 but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground-- 7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

Life of man from GodLife of man from God

Adam = ground = ManAdam = ground = Man

Genesis 2

8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9

And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground --trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Man lives in EdenMan lives in Eden

Eden = delightEden = delight

Genesis 2



Where the sun rises?Where the sun rises?

EdenEden


Genesis 2



EdenEden


Nature pleasing to the eyeNature pleasing to the eye

Genesis 2



Two treesTwo trees

Eternal lifeEternal life

EdenEden


Genesis 2



Two treesTwo trees

Eternal lifeEternal life

Awareness of EvilAwareness of Evil

EdenEden


Genesis 2



Two treesTwo trees

Metaphors/parables?Metaphors/parables?

EdenEden


Genesis 2



Two treesTwo trees


EdenEden


Tree of lifeTree of life

Genesis 2

Tree of lifeTree of life

Revelation 222 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations...14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city...19 And if any one of you takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from you your share in the tree of life

Revelation 222 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations...14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city...19 And if any one of you takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from you your share in the tree of life

Genesis 2



Two treesTwo trees


EdenEden


Does eternal life come from God or a tree?Does eternal life come from God or a tree?

Genesis 2



Two treesTwo trees


EdenEden


Experience of sin/disobedienceExperience of sin/disobedience

Genesis 29 ... In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

The tree of the knowledge of good and evilThe tree of the knowledge of good and evil

16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."

“Knowledge of good and evil”“Knowledge of good and evil”

Awareness of temptation and evilAwareness of temptation and evil

The ability to decide what is good and evil, (like God) or to declare evil is good

The ability to decide what is good and evil, (like God) or to declare evil is good

Considering self wiser than GodConsidering self wiser than God




“Eating”“Eating” ConsumingConsuming

DisobeyingDisobeying


Eating the fruit brings knowledge of evil? (literal)Eating the fruit brings knowledge of evil? (literal)


Disobeying the command creates experience of evil (Metaphor)Disobeying the command creates experience of evil (Metaphor)


Experience of sin/disobedienceExperience of sin/disobedience

Deciding what is good and evil, (like God)Deciding what is good and evil, (like God) Considering self

wiser than GodConsidering self wiser than God

Genesis 2

10 A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters.

Four rivers - 2 known - 2 unknown

Four rivers - 2 known - 2 unknown

Iraq

Saudi Arabia

Syria

Turkey

Iran

Jordan

EdenEden

Genesis 2


11 The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.)

11 The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.)

Unknown riverUnknown river

Pishon = LeapPishon = Leap

Havilah - Arabia?Havilah - Arabia?

Iraq

Saudi Arabia

Syria

Turkey

Iran

Jordan

Genesis 2


Unknown river - but same name as spring in JerusalemUnknown river - but same name as spring in Jerusalem

Cush not Ethiopia but northern Iran c.f. Gen 10:8Cush not Ethiopia but northern Iran c.f. Gen 10:8

Iraq

Saudi Arabia

Syria

Turkey

Iran

Jordan

13 The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush.

13 The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush.

Genesis 2


Iraq

Saudi Arabia

Syria

Turkey

Iran

Jordan

14 The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates

14 The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates

Genesis 2


Iraq

Saudi Arabia

Syria

Turkey

Iran

Jordan

Location;Location;

Real but unknowableReal but unknowable

Genesis 2

15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Role of man to work and take care of earthRole of man to work and take care of earth

Genesis 2:4 When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens--5 and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth and no plant of the field had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no man to work the ground,

Genesis 2



Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our

likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures

that move along the ground.”

Genesis 2



Genesis 128 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air

and over every living creature that moves on the ground." 29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-

bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for

food.

Genesis 2



Rule -Rule -

Genesis 2



EffortEffort

Rule -Rule -

CareCare

Not harm or destroyNot harm or destroy

Genesis 2


Freedom with responsibilityFreedom with responsibility

Genesis 2

18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Concern for man not to be aloneConcern for man not to be alone

Genesis 2

19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.

Animals named - part of rule - responsibility given by God

Animals named - part of rule - responsibility given by God

Genesis 2

20 ... But for Adam no suitable helper was found. 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

Woman createdWoman created

Genesis 2



Helper - same word/idea as Holy Spirit in JohnHelper - same word/idea as Holy Spirit in John

John 14: 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth

John 14: 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth

One who comes alongside to helpOne who comes alongside to help

Not inferior but partner and companionNot inferior but partner and companion

Genesis 2



Created out of manCreated out of man

Rib not ...Rib not ...

Genesis 2

23 The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called `woman, ' for she was taken out of man." 24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. 25 The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.


Partnership of unityPartnership of unity

Loyal commitmentLoyal commitment

Genesis 2





Sexual unionSexual union

Genesis 2





Sexual unionSexual union

Sexuality pure and goodSexuality pure and good


1. What was the author wanting to teach us?1. What was the author wanting to teach us?

(What form of literature is the author using?)(What form of literature is the author using?)


Understanding Genesis 2 Understanding Genesis 2 1. What was the author wanting to teach us?1. What was the author wanting to teach us?

Man made by God to rule and care for the earthMan made by God to rule and care for the earth5... there was no man to work the ground... 7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being....15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it...19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.

5... there was no man to work the ground... 7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being....15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it...19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.


Man made by God to rule and care for the earthMan made by God to rule and care for the earth

8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground --trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 10 A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it ... 13

Gihon ...14 Tigris ... Euphrates. 15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground --trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 10 A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it ... 13

Gihon ...14 Tigris ... Euphrates. 15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Man created for paradise Man created for paradise



8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 ... In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil...16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden;17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”

8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 ... In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil...16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden;17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”

Man created for paradise, free from death Man created for paradise, free from death



8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 ... In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil...16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”

8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 ... In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil...16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”




16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”

16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”


Man given warning and freedom not to choose knowledge of evilMan given warning and freedom not to choose knowledge of evil

18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” ... 20 But for Adam no suitable helper was found. 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh

18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” ... 20 But for Adam no suitable helper was found. 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh

Woman created to partner manWoman created to partner man






Understanding Genesis 2 Understanding Genesis 2








We must care for the planetWe must care for the planet

We were created to do something not receive somethingWe were created to do something not receive something




Death not God’s desire for usDeath not God’s desire for us




World created without sinWorld created without sin

Woman created for companionship and partnershipWoman created for companionship and partnership


Understanding Genesis 2 Understanding Genesis 2 2. How does this apply to us today?2. How does this apply to us today?

Men and woman not created to be independent or in conflictMen and woman not created to be independent or in conflict

Woman not inferior to MenWoman not inferior to Men

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