CREATION OF THE WORLD Genesis 1:1-23
To begin with: Note that in the Bible, a new day begins when the sun sets, not when it rises. The source of light (v. 3) was not the sun; the sun was created on the fourth day.
Verses 1-5. The first day. «In the beginning» can also be translated «in his firstborn son».
• What existed and what happened before the first verse of the Bible?
• What happened during the first day of the creation?
• Where are the origins of the matter and information which was necessary for the Earth to be born?
• How was the triune God involved in the creation of the world?
• The leader reads Rev. 10:5-6. When did time begin and when does it end?
• Where did the light originate before the sun existed? Think about different options.
• The beginning of John’s gospel reads: «In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… All things were made through him… In him was life, and the life was the light of men» (John 1:1-4). What do these verses and verses 1-5 of Genesis have in common?
• Do you think that these verses correspond with the Big Bang theory?
• Imagine how the world looked at the end of the first creation day.
Verses 6-8. The second day. Apparently, ”an expanse” means the atmosphere.
• What happened on the second day of creation?
• Discuss how days were counted before the sun existed.
• Does one day in the creation story mean 24 hours or a longer time period? Justify your opinions.
• How did the world look at the end of the second day of the creation?
Verses 9-13. The third day.
• What does «each according to its kind» mean?
• Does the creation story contradict the theory of evolution? If it does, how?
• What else did God do during the first three days, in addition to creating?
• How did the world look at the end of the third day of the creation?
Verses 14-19. The fourth day.
• What were the functions of the celestial bodies?
• How is it possible that the celestial bodies were created or became visible only on the fourth day? Think about different explanations.
• How did the world look at the end of the fourth day of the creation?
Verses 20-23. The fifth day.
• Why did God want to make nature so rich and diverse – why was it not enough with less?
• Why was God’s blessing necessary?
• How did the world look at the end of the fifth day of the creation?
Applied questions:
• What do you think was most wonderful in the creation of the world?
• Why do many of the intelligent people of our time find it impossible to believe that God has created the world or that there is intelligent design behind everything?
• The creation story shows us all that God can do with his Word alone. What does it mean for you when you think about your personal problems?
Finally: «In the beginning» can be translated «in his firstborn son». This shows that Jesus was involved in the creation work and holds everything even today: «For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.» (Col. 1-16-17)
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