Wednesday Night Adult Class South Jackson church of Christ Lesson 1 – An Introduction September 7,

Introductory Thoughts The first book of the Bible is aptly named Genesis The name means origin, source of beginnings This book provides an explanation of the origin of the universe, the human race & the roots of the Hebrew nation Within it we also find the first glimpse of many of the great themes of the Bible The nature & work of God The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ The existence & consequences of sin

Reasons to Study Genesis Only reliable history of that period of time Gives us a background out of which the New Testament speaks Shows us a clear picture of God’s nature & plans It’s part of the word of God that makes one wise unto salvation

Moses Purpose in Writing Genesis Historical Purpose Show there is only one true God Show Israel her roots Show Israel that the promised seed would come through them Doctrinal Purpose Teach all men that God is the soveriegn creator Teach the origin of sin and death To show God’s grace and mercy when man repents To show God keeps His promises in spite of man’s failings

Outline of Genesis Creation – Chapters 1:1-2:3 Beginnings of mankind – Chapters 2:4-5:32 Noah – Chapters 6:1-11:32 Abraham – Chapters 12:1-25:18 Isaac – Chapters 25:19-28:9 Jacob – Chapters 28:10-36:43 Joseph – Chapters 37:1-50:26

3 Great Struggles Revealed in Genesis Between God & Man A conflict that every person experiences – To follow God or self Adam & Eve Noah & the Flood The Tower of Babel Abraham

3 Great Struggles Revealed in Genesis Between God and Satan The spiritual war going on for possession of man’s soul Satan’s Goals To receive power & worship through opposition of God’s plan To hurt and cut the heart of God due to God’s judgment of him To corrupt & destroy God’s work

3 Great Struggles Revealed in Genesis For Redemption Between God, Man & Satan God, because of His great love seeks to provide redemption for man Satan seeks to frustrate God’s plans Man seeks to gain recognition & exalt himself – Feels good enough

The Adamic Covenant Genesis 3:15 The first Messianic prophecy A prophetic reference to the battle between Christ and Satan Seed of woman – First prophecy of the Virgin Birth The serpent will crush the heal of the woman’s seed ( a temporary and healable injury), but the seed of the woman will crush the head of the serpent ( a fatal injury) Satan to ultimately be crushed on the day of judgment

The Abrahamic Covenant Genesis 12 Dual Fulfillment PrimaryUltimate Great Nation – Verse 2IsraelChurch Galatians 6:16 Seed – Verse 3IsaacChrist Acts 3:22-25 Galatians 3:8 Land – Verse 7CanaanHeaven Joshua 21:23-24Revelation 20-21

The Abrahamic Covenant Genesis 12 The Abrahamic covenant will be restated and reemphasized in almost every book of the Bible The Abrahamic covenant contains God’s plan to redeem man from sin The primary fulfillment of each promise is physical while the ultimate fulfillment is spiritual

Next Week’s Lesson A Look at The Blessed Names of God from Genesis