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1. Defaced But Not Erased

Genesis 1-3

Question: How much is a painting worth?

Answer: Whatever someone is willing to pay for it.

To ponder: How much are you worth to God?

Icebreaker: Have you ever felt the satisfaction of a job well done, especially after completing a project? What did it feel like to be proud of your work?

    1. Prayerfully read Genesis 1–3. Retell the story in your own words.

    2. Draw a picture of one of the events in Genesis 1–3. Stick figures are fine.

    3. How many times does the word “good” appear in these three chapters? Note the one time when “very good” is used.

    4. Do you see any cause/effect relationships? What contrasts/comparisons do you see?

    5. In 2:18, what does it mean to be a “helper suitable?” (The NET Bible renders this “indispensable companion.”) How did the man and woman complement each other?

    6. What do you think is meant by the phrase “created in God’s image?” What does the fact that you are created in the image of God say about your worth?

    7. God created Adam and Eve, blessed them, and commanded them to subdue the earth. A) What does it mean to subdue the earth? B) How do you feel you are managing the resources and responsibilities that God has given you? C) How do you think this verse should influence our thoughts about environmental concerns?

    8. How might it have been different if the man and woman had obeyed God?

    9. Notice that the first couple’s response to sin was to hide (shame) and to blame. List some ways in which you hide and blame in relationships.

    10. How do you think God felt about the man and woman hiding from their creator?

    11. List some ways that God showed mercy to the man and woman. If God had not been merciful, how might your life be different?

    12. If you are married, imagine being totally exposed (emotionally and physically) before your mate and feeling no shame. List ways in which you need to be less defensive/shameful and ask God for His grace to help you.

    13. What does it look like to “leave” father and mother? Is “cleaving” to a mate more than just sexual? Explain. (The way the Hebrew is worded here, “leaving and cleaving” are not commanded. It is more like “that is why a man leaves his parents and cleaves to his wife.” It is assumed as a natural part of maturing.)

    14. Both Adam and Jesus are called “sons of God.” In what way are Adam and Jesus sons of God unlike any other humans? Read Romans 5:12–21. How has Adam’s sin affected you, your mate (if you’re married), your friends, your children?

    15. Genesis teaches that both men and women are created in God’s image. Do you view yourself as having the dignity worthy of one of God’s creations, or do you need to change how you view yourself?

    16. List ways in which, by God’s grace, you as a fallen creature can still reflect His image. Spend some time in His presence asking for the grace to overcome the Fall and its affect on your character.

Related Topics: Spiritual Life, Curriculum