Lesson 1

Genesis 1–3



Complete the following assignments:

1.   The Book of Moses

Read the title of the book of Moses. Finish this phrase: Moses is “an extract from _______________________________” Read the Old Testament institute student manual commentary for Genesis 4:1, “What Does the Account in the Book of Moses Restore to the Genesis Account?” (p. 51). While this insight pertains to a specific block of scripture in Genesis and Moses, write a paragraph that explains why in a general way the book of Moses is so valuable.

2.   Genesis 1; Moses 2. The Creation

Read Moses 2 and outline what God created on each day of the Creation.

Read John 1:1–3, 14; Doctrine and Covenants 93:6–10; Ephesians 3:9 and the student manual commentary for Genesis 1:1, “Who Created the Earth?” (p. 29). Explain in your own words who was the creator of the earth.

The First Presidency released a statement in 1909 which states, “All men and women are in the similitude of the universal Father and Mother, and are literally the sons and daughters of Deity” (student manual, “Let Us Make Man in Our Image,” p. 31). Read Acts 17:28–29; Romans 8:14–17; Moses 2:26–27; Genesis 1:26–27 and the first section in the student manual under the Points to Ponder section (pp. 33–34). In two or three paragraphs answer the following questions:

  • How does this knowledge influence the choices you make?
  • How does this knowledge influence your commitment to marriage, family, and your behavior in life?

Read Moses 2:28 and identify the first commandment given by God to man. Then read President Spencer W. Kimball’s (1895–1985) quotation in the student manual commentary for Genesis 1:28, “Be Fruitful and Multiply” (p. 31). The earth was created to give us a place to become fathers and mothers in preparation for that role in the hereafter. Write a paragraph contrasting the popular views of the world today with this commandment of the Lord.

3.   Genesis 2:1–3; Moses 3:1–3. The Seventh Day

Read Moses 3:1–3 and the Bible Dictionary entry about the “Sabbath Day” (pp. 764–765). Write down what you consider to be key words that tell what God said about the Sabbath and what He did on the seventh day. Write a brief statement discussing how these words can assist you in your own attitudes and actions on the Sabbath day.

4.   Genesis 3; Moses 4. The Fall of Adam and Eve

Read Genesis 1:27–28; 2:8, 15–17. In your own words, list two commandments Adam and Eve were given in the Garden of Eden. What insight do you gain about these command­ments from reading 2 Nephi 2:22–23?

Read Moses 4:5–6. What was Satan’s intent in tempting Eve to partake of the fruit? Cross-reference these verses with Ephesians 6:11–12. Write a paragraph about how this battle continues today among God’s children. Read Genesis 3:1–6 and describe in writing what we can learn about Satan and how he tempts people.

Read Genesis 3:16–24; 2 Nephi 2:22–26; Moses 5:1–12 as well as the student manual introduction to Genesis 3 (p. 39) and the Points to Ponder section (p. 43). Write a paper explaining how the Fall of Adam and Eve was positive and essential for our eternal progress.

Read the chapter summary for Genesis 3 and identify the “seed” of the woman. Read also Genesis 3:15; Moses 4:21 and the student manual commentary for Genesis 3:15, “What Is the Meaning of the Curse Put on Satan?” (p. 41). Explain in writing the significance of these statements to Satan and how it affects you.

Describe in writing how the questions asked by the Lord in Genesis 3:7–13 can apply to us. Why might it be helpful to periodically ask ourselves these questions?