SUMMER 2018 LEADER GUIDE WHY ARE WE HERE? NEHEMIAH: BUILDING A LIFE OF SERVICE

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1 SUMMER 2018 LEADER GUIDE WHY ARE WE HERE? NEHEMIAH: BUILDING A LIFE OF SERVICE

2 CONTENTS Why Are We Here? SUGGESTED FOR THE WEEK OF Don t Miss This A Word from the Bible Studies for Life Team... 5 Using Bible Studies for Life Prayer Requests....8 The Attributes of Discipleship Introduction June 3 Session 1 Why Are We Even Here? June 10 Session 2 Why Are We in This Mess? June 17 Session 3 Why Can t We Fix It? June 24 Session 4 Why Did Jesus Come? July 1 Session 5 What Should We Do Now? July 8 Session 6 What Happens Next? Article: When Should We Start a New Group? Tithing: An Obedient Response to a Gracious God Introduction July 15 Tithing: An Obedient Response to a Gracious God Article: Four Scriptures to Pray Over Your Groups Nehemiah: Building a Life of Service.... Introduction July 22 Session 1 Pray July 29 Session 2 Plan August 5 Session 3 Persist August 12 Session 4 Protect August 19 Session 5 Prioritize August 26 Session 6 Praise Article: Nehemiah: A Historical Setting Summer 2018 Playlist Coming Next Quarter

3 Don t miss this! Social Media The App Connect with a community of Bible Studies for Life users. Post responses to questions, share teaching ideas, and link to great blog content. Get instant updates about new articles, giveaways, and Bible Studies for Life is also available as an ebook. The ebook is opened and read with the Bible Studies for Life App, a free app from the ios App Store or the Google Play Store. EXTRA! Every week, you ll find additional discussion questions and creative teaching ideas to help you tailor each session to the needs of your group. You ll also find links to magazine articles and the One Conversation page for parents. COMMENTARY WRITERS: Greg Miller wrote the sessions for the Why Are We Here? study and sessions 1-3 of Nehemiah: Building a Life of Service. Greg is a small group leader at Mountain Lake Church in Cumming, Ga., a former editor at LifeWay, and a former church planter. He and his wife Nancy have three grown children. Bob Bunn wrote sessions 4-6 of the Nehemiah study. Bob serves the First Baptist Church of Nashville, Tenn., as a deacon, small group coordinator, and in various other capacities. He previously served as an editor at LifeWay. He and his wife Mary have three children in college. Cliff Lea wrote the commentary for the special focus session on tithing. Cliff is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Leesburg, Fla. He and his wife Suzy have five sons. Bible Studies for Life: Young Adult Leader Guide Volume 5, Number 4 Summer 2018 Eric Geiger Senior Vice President, LifeWay Resources Lynn Pryor Team Leader Amber Vaden Content Editor Ken Braddy Manager, Adult Ongoing Bible Studies MIchael Kelley Director, Groups Ministry Send questions/comments to: Content Editor by to amber.vaden@lifeway.com or mail to Content Editor, Bible Studies for Life: Young Adults, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN ; or make comments on the web at lifeway.com. Printed in the United States of America Bible Studies for Life: Young Adult Leader Guide (ISSN: ; Item ) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President LifeWay Christian Resources. For ordering or inquiries, visit lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, orderentry@ lifeway.com, fax , or write to the above address. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay s doctrinal guideline, please visit doctrinalguideline. CSB All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. NIV Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www. zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. ESV Scriptures quotations marked ESV are taken from the English Standard Version (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The suggestions for pronouncing Bible names are from That s Easy for You to Say: Your Quick Guide to Pronouncing Bible Names by W. Murray Severance, 1997 by Broadman & Holman Publishers. Used by permission. Bible Studies for Life: Young Adults sometimes lists websites that may be helpful to our readers. Our staff verifies each site s usefulness and appropriateness prior to publication. However, website content changes quickly, so we encourage you to approach all websites with caution. Make sure sites are still appropriate before sharing them with participants, friends, and family. 4 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

4 A Word from the Bible Studies for Life Team The Bible Studies for Life Team Vacation. Slower pace. Time to rest. The summer months are here! I hope these coming weeks will include a bit more time to relax and take in all that God is doing in and around you. I m praying these weeks are valuable ones for your group, offering unique opportunities to grow in God s Word and in community. This quarter we ll look at two studies. Our first one, Why Are We Here?, examines some questions everyone asks, regardless of their background or worldview. You ll look at questions such as: Why are we even here? Why are we in this mess? Where are we going? In your study, you ll see how the Bible answers each of those questions and points to God s plans at work in our lives. Nehemiah: Building a Life of Service is our second study. As we dig into this Old Testament book, we ll consider the life of Nehemiah, who showed us what a life of ministry and service looks like. We are each called to serve, so this study of Nehemiah is an important one. May these studies challenge you and take you into a deeper walk with Jesus Christ! Amber Vaden, Content Editor BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 5

5 USING BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE Invite the Holy Spirit s Guidance Because God is the guide for your study, invite Him to show you how to be the best facilitator for your group. Read the Bible passage several times with the Holy Spirit showing you its meaning and application. Personal Study Guide Then read the Personal Study Guide. Its content provides the foundation and direction for the Bible discussion and study by your group. Leader Guide Follow the simple directives in the group plan. This plan will guide you in engaging your group in discussion around the Bible passage. Read the commentary to help you understand the passage. Share insights from the commentary as needed during the group discussion. Leader Pack The optional Leader Pack is designed to enhance the group experience, especially for visual learners. Pull in the Leader Pack items as referenced in the group plan. The Leader Pack also includes a CD-ROM with: JPEG files of the two main study images that you can use with any presentation software (ie., PowerPoint) (Promote the study by placing these images into an announcement slideshow or display the images during the sessions to reinforce the study topic.) PDF file of each pack item (Create multiple posters, during your session display the image on a screen using any presentation software, or post these images on social media to promote the study.) Sample Twitter and messages to post prior to your Bible study time to raise awareness and promote the session topic An electronic version of the group plans that you can customize and print Promotional videos to introduce both of the studies in this quarter Biblical Illustrator articles that allow you to go deeper in your study 6 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

6 Additional Ideas Additional discussion questions and teaching suggestions for leaders are available online at Prepare Your Group Members Encourage your group members to read the Personal Study Guide prior to the group meeting. (Some group members will prefer to read it after the meeting as a way to follow up and reflect.) Encourage them to join the conversation with others on our Facebook page (Facebook.com/BibleStudiesforLife); our blog (BibleStudiesforLife.com); or on Twitter (@BibleMeetsLife). For Those Who Want to Go Deeper The Advanced Bible Study is written for group members who desire more extensive commentary. It includes exposition of each session s Scripture passage, an examination of key words, an introduction to the setting of the passage and biblical life and times, questions to guide the study, and interactive responses to help readers apply God s truths to their lives today. The Herschel Hobbs Commentary is designed specifically for leaders and provides a comprehensive exposition of each session s Scripture passage. Specific attention is called to items in the biblical text that readers would miss without a commentary. This commentary is based on the King James Version but interacts with all major English translations. Each quarter, Biblical Illustrator offers in-depth background information on Bible customs, history, culture, archaeology, and word studies through vivid photography, engaging maps and graphics, and lesson-targeted articles. You can subscribe to Biblical Illustrator by going to lifeway.com/ biblical illustrator or by calling Forty additional articles (in PDF form) that support this quarter s Bible studies are available at lifeway. com/biblicalillustrator. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 7

7 My g roup's prayer requests 8

8 My g roup's prayer requests BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 9

9 My g roup's prayer requests 10

10 My g roup's prayer requests BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 11

11 THE ATTRIBUTES OF DISCIPLESHIP How do you measure discipleship? Research conducted by LifeWay revealed eight factors that are consistently present in the lives of believers who are progressing in their spiritual maturity. These attributes of discipleship form the foundation for the scope and sequence of studies used in Bible Studies for Life. By regularly engaging these studies, your group will experience an intentional plan for discipleship in the following eight ways: Bible Engagement Transformation can be recognized when our mind is sharpened by the Bible, our perspective is shaped by the Bible, and our actions are directed by the Bible. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Obeying God and Denying Self Discipleship is the process of obedience to one who is in authority over you. Transformation can be seen when we progressively set aside earthly delights for kingdom priorities. If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23). Serving God and Others Transformation is evident when personal needs and even dreams are set aside for the needs we see in others. Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40). Sharing Christ Even with the need to live out the effects of the gospel, maturing believers know that speaking about the message is a necessity. Transformation is evident when we talk about the source of it. [Be] ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15). 12

12 For more detail about each of the eight attributes, go to BibleStudiesforLife.com/8attributes. Exercising Faith Transformation is seen in believers when risk-aversion is set aside and our lives are characterized by faithful obedience to God s will. I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20). Seeking God Transformation is seen when our desire is to know God more deeply and experience His work more fully. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you (Matthew 6:33). Building Relationships Our faith is personal but it is not intended to be private. Our horizontal relationships should develop just as our vertical relationship with God does. Transformation is occurring when relational maturity is evident in our lives. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer (Acts 2:42). Unashamed Transformation is evident when a believer is unashamed in presenting their own life as being aligned with Christ. For more details see page 14. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16). All Scripture passages included in this article are from the CSB. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 13

13 UNASHAMED BY PHILIP NATION Everyone has a favorite something. It might be the college football team you cheer for in the fall or a preferred restaurant you enjoy. You may have chosen a hobby (like people who have a passion for running marathons) or a television show that keeps you on the edge of your seat. You talk to others about your favorite thing, whatever that is. You find ways to discover if other people feel the same way you do. You wear your team colors or gather at lunchtime to discuss the latest development on a show. Christians have even more reason to put something on display for the world to see. The more we grow in our spiritual maturity, the more we should be unashamed for others to know about our faith. Paul wrote in Romans 1:16, For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (CSB). The gospel and its power to change us is what we want the world to notice when they see us. It should come as no surprise to find the trait of unashamed in the Transformational Discipleship research. It is natural that when we are following Christ we will be willing and eager to publicize our faith. The research noted that believers felt it not just appropriate but necessary for others to know we are Christians. When Christ is changing us, we want others to know about it. When we are unashamed of how Christ has changed us, then sharing Christ, exercising faith, and serving others become much easier. It will more naturally make us disciple-making disciples. The research also revealed that maturing believers want to be held accountable for a life exemplary of their faith in Jesus. The level of transparency in maturing believers invites the help of others along their journey. They are unashamed about their pursuit of maturity to the level that they invite help in the process. Holiness is the character and the 14

14 position that each believer has inherited by Christ s work. Because it is what He has done, they can unashamedly discuss it with others. It is not bragging about themselves; it is declaring the greatness of what Jesus does. Being unashamed about our faith ultimately brings an alignment with the heart of Christ. Disciples want to follow not just in name but in manner and method. Living in such a way is counter-cultural to the world. As we mature, we will put it on display because it is a way to pique the curiosity of unbelievers and galvanize the lives of other believers. As you think about your life, ask yourself: What am I most unashamed about? Make sure to find Christ, the gospel, and the Word of God at the top of that list. Gospel Philip Nation is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Bradenton, Fla., and he is the author of Habits for Our Holiness. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 15

15 16 WHY ARE WE HERE?

16 God s Word offers answers to our hardest questions. Kids are inquisitive, aren t they? God gave us an innate desire to learn, and kids are quick to ask questions. ]] Why is the sky blue? ]] Why do I have brown hair? ]] Why do I have two eyes if I only see one thing? ]] Why did swear words get invented if we re not allowed to say them? As we get older, the why questions change. We contemplate the world around us and our place in it. We wonder if God exists. We think about life in new ways and our questions change but we still question everything. And somewhere along the way, we come to the most basic question of all: Why are we even here? Whole philosophies have sprung up out of a quest to answer that question. Friends might offer their own opinions. Thankfully, the Bible answers the basic questions of life. We re not left to guess or hope we get it right. In this study we will look at six of these questions and see what answers the Bible provides. We don t have to struggle to find purpose and meaning in life. The answers are just ahead. KEN BRADDY After serving as an education pastor for eighteen years, Ken now provides leadership to the teams that create LifeWay s ongoing studies such as Bible Studies For Life. He has co-authored four books on Sunday School and small groups, including 3 Roles for Guiding Groups, and he teaches a weekly Bible study group at his church. Ken has been married to Tammy for thirty-one years, and they have two grown sons. Follow his blog at kenbraddy.com. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 17

17 Why Are We Here? Session 1 Why Are We Even Here? Genesis 1:1-5,26-31 Session 2 Why Are We in This Mess? Genesis 3:1-7,14-19 Session 3 Why Can t We Fix It? Deuteronomy 5:32-33; Galatians 3:10-12,19a,24-25 Session 4 Why Did Jesus Come? Luke 1:68-79 Session 5 What Should We Do Now? Acts 2:37-47 Session 6 What Happens Next? Revelation 21:1-8 18

18 SESSION 1 WHY ARE WE EVEN HERE? The Point God created us to live in fellowship with Him. The Passage Genesis 1:1-5,26-31 The Bible Meets Life Many of us go through life without considering the bedrock question of our existence. We are so busy going through the motions of day-to-day living, we never slow down to ask, Why am I even here? People with a completely secular worldview believe we are here by mere chance, but God created us with design and purpose. When we discover God s intent for our lives, we move from merely existing to truly living living with purpose. The Setting Genesis 1 introduces us to Almighty God the Eternal One who is beyond time and summarizes how He brought order out of emptiness at the beginning of history. This opening section of the Bible reveals God s original intent for His creation, which includes not only the purpose, order, and harmony of everything that exists, but also the original perfect fellowship of God with the crowning glory of His creation: human beings. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 19

19 What does the Bible say? Genesis 1:1-5,26-31 (CSB) Created (v. 1) In the Old Testament, the Hebrew verb bara signifies the creation of something new or the transformation of something, and always has God as its subject. Image (v. 26) The Hebrew word for image is synonymous with the word for likeness, which means a resemblance. It can refer to a carved statue or painted picture that represents something else. Subdue (v. 28) The term means to dominate or exercise control over. Adam, Eve, and their progeny were to subdue creation in the sense of serving as its caretakers. 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, Let there be light, and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. There was an evening, and there was a morning: one day. 26 Then God said, Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female. 28 God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth. 29 God also said, Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you, 30 for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth everything having the breath of life in it I have given every green plant for food. And it was so. 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed. Evening came and then morning: the sixth day. 20 Session 1

20 THE POINT God created us to live in fellowship with Him. GET INTO THE STUDY 10 minutes DISCUSS: Invite your group members to discuss Question #1 on page 13 of the PSG (Personal Study Guide): When have you seen something in nature and thought, That s amazing!? Allow time for each person to respond. SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 14): My favorite courses in college were Astronomy I and II. At one point during Astronomy II, the professor told our group to go to the outskirts of town and reassemble at an out-of-the-way park but not before 9:00 p.m. He had a surprise for us. That night we observed parts of the Milky Way Galaxy through powerful telescopes owned by the university. The sky was black. The stars were bright. It was incredible to see the vastness of the countless stars beyond, yet in that moment I felt smaller than ever before. TIP: Want more teaching ideas? Go to the Bible Studies for Life website and click on the Leader Extras tab. You ll find additional teaching ideas and more discussion questions. Notes In those moments when we feel small maybe even insignificant questions about the deeper meaning of our small lives can surface. Who am I in this vast, immeasurable universe? Do I randomly exist because human life accidentally developed from single-celled organisms? Why are we even here? SAY: The Bible is clear why we re here. In fact, the Bible begins with the explanation of our existence. God created us with design and purpose. GUIDE: Call attention to The Point on page 14 of the PSG: God created us to live in fellowship with Him. LEADER PACK: Bring your group s attention to Pack Item #1, Why Are We Here? poster, to introduce the individual session topics of this six-week study. PRAY: Transition into the discussion with prayer. PACK ITEM: Pack Item #1 Why Are We Here? poster PLAYLIST PICK: Wonder By Hillsong United BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 21

21 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Notes Genesis 1:1-5 (CSB) 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, Let there be light, and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. There was an evening, and there was a morning: one day. READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Genesis 1:1-5. ALTERNATE QUESTION: What does it matter what we believe about the origin of the universe? SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGES 15-16): The Bible begins with the first day of creation. In the first five verses of the Bible, God s name is emphasized six times. The Hebrew word Elohim is translated God and calls attention to His transcendence and power. These opening verses teach us some important truths about God. God existed before there was a universe. God appears in the very first sentence. God created the heavens and the earth. Although science has attempted to explain the origins of both the earth and the universe, the Bible declares that God is the One who brought everything into existence. God created the heavens and earth simply by speaking them into existence. Scholars refer to this as creatio ex nihilo, or creation out of nothing. God did not take existing matter and form the earth; He simply spoke it into existence. God created order, separating light and darkness. God showed His authority by naming portions of His creation. In Hebrew culture, naming someone or something was a sign of authority over it (Deuteronomy 3:14; 2 Kings 23:34). God declared His lordship over creation through the act of naming it. DISCUSS: Question #2 on page 15 of the PSG: What aspect of creation often leads you to recognize the power and majesty of God? 22 Session 1

22 THE POINT God created us to live in fellowship with Him. Genesis 1:1-5 Commentary Verse 1: The early chapters of the Book of Genesis focus on God as the Creator of the world and everything in it. Scripture states in the opening words of Genesis that God was present in the beginning; in fact, He was present before the beginning. God exists apart from His creation, outside of space and time. He is eternal, having no beginning or ending. The term heavens refers to everything that exists above and outside the earth. Taken together, the heavens and the earth refer to everything that was created. Verse 2: While biblical scholars have proposed different translations for this verse, the traditional interpretation understands it as further commentary on God s creative activity introduced in verse 1. Thus the opening word now almost carries the sense of here is how it (the creation mentioned in verse 1) happened. When God created the earth, it was initially formless and empty. These terms can refer to a barren wasteland without purpose or meaning. In this case, however, God did not create the earth to remain empty, but rather with purpose and meaning (Isaiah 45:18). The darkness and watery depths on the earth were created by God and were part of His good creation even though they initially made the earth uninhabitable for human life. The Spirit of God hovered over the surface of the waters, overseeing this part of creation and preparing for the coming transformation of the earth. The Hebrew word for hovering pictures a bird in mid-air not motionless but stationary (like a hummingbird) protecting its offspring (Deuteronomy 32:11). Verse 3: God s first action in creating a suitable habitation for life was to bring light into existence. Note that God s creative activity happened instantly as a result of His authoritative word. Each day of creation contains a form of the phrase, Then God said and there was (or and it was so ), which is a reminder of the authority and power of the Creator. Verses 4-5: God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. Some scholars suggest that the creation of light indicated the creation of time. This could be the case since our understanding of time is based on the 24-hour cycles we live through that include day and night. These correspond to the periods of light and darkness that always occur during each rotation of the earth. Still, because the sun was not created for three more days, this poses a difficulty in knowing whether each day of creation represented a day as we know it. There is honest debate among Christians on this issue. The use of the phrase God called throughout the creation narrative emphasizes God s authority. This naming (of day, night, etc.) points to God s sovereignty His complete power and control over everything in His creation. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 23

23 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Notes Genesis 1:26-27 (CSB) 26 Then God said, Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female. ALTERNATE QUESTION: What are some ways you can reflect the image of God in your community? READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Genesis 1: DISCUSS: Question #3 on page 16 of the PSG: What does it mean for us to be created in the image of God? SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGES 16-17): God first made a place that could sustain human beings by creating the earth and putting its elements in order (Genesis 1:1-25). Then, God created humanity to be different from the rest of the created order. People are made in God s image. Human life alone was created in the image of God (v. 26). The image of God has been understood in a variety of ways, and most commonly in a spiritual sense: we were created to have a relationship with God. Since these verses focus on the role of humanity over the rest of creation, we can also understand the image of God to mean we are meant to be His representatives. People are made to rule over animals. The Hebrew word rada is translated rule and means to subjugate, to have dominion, or to reign. Humans made in God s image are capable of thinking, discerning, and making choices as God s ruling representatives as we govern the earth. People are made to rule over the earth. As God s appointed rulers, we should seek His wisdom as we make decisions about the use of the earth s resources. God gave all of us the responsibility to care for the earth; at the same time we are to use the earth s resources for the betterment of humanity. TRANSITION: Every aspect of creation including who we are as males and females made in the image of God is not merely good. God concluded it was very good indeed (Genesis 1:31). 24 Session 1

24 THE POINT God created us to live in fellowship with Him. Genesis 1:26-27 Commentary Verses 26-27: On the sixth day of creation, God first created all the living creatures that dwell on the land (Genesis 1:24 25). Then, as the high point of His creative activity, He created human beings. Several special features distinguish the creation of humanity from all of God s other creation. First is the dialogue. Then God said, Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth. In this verse we are introduced to this plural pronoun: us. There is obviously a discussion that occurred prior to God s ultimate creative activity. The Hebrew word for God (Elohim) is a plural word. While several ideas have been suggested about how to understand this plural, the most likely interpretation seems to be as a Trinitarian reference, albeit a veiled reference. We have already been introduced to God s Spirit hovering over the dark, uninhabited waters (v. 2). Not until the time of Jesus, however, would humans discover the role God the Son had in creation (the Word as noted in John 1:1 3) or hear the terms Father and Son used alongside Spirit (Matthew 28:19), which would give us a glimpse of God s Three in One nature. A second special feature of the creation of human beings is the differentiation between male and female, the first time such a distinction has been noted among individual creatures in God s created order. Certainly among all the other living creatures, God distinguished between the sexes so they could multiply (Genesis 1:22). Perhaps this was intentional, in order to give greater emphasis to the complementary sexual nature of humans and set the stage for God s coming command to the man and the woman to procreate and give oversight to the rest of creation. Another feature on day six is God s plan to create man in His image, according to our likeness. The terms image and likeness are likely synonyms. It is a common Hebrew literary technique to repeat a thought, using different synonymous terms, simply for emphasis. The Hebrew term for man (adam) can refer to an individual or to all of humanity, both male and female (as it does here). Out of all of God s creation, only humans were created in His image. Scholars have long debated what God s image includes. Perhaps part of its meaning is found in the appointed role of humans to rule over the other living creatures, including fish, birds, and all other creatures that move on the earth (v. 28). This is an incredible position of stewardship, which includes privileges and responsibilities not given to any other living creature. Because the rest of the Bible deals with God s interaction with human beings, however, being made in the image of God possibly also carries a interpersonal element and includes the idea of being in relationship with Him. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 25

25 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Notes Genesis 1:28-31 (CSB) 28 God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth. 29 God also said, Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you, 30 for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth everything having the breath of life in it I have given every green plant for food. And it was so. 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed. Evening came and then morning: the sixth day. READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Genesis 1: SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 18): After pronouncing a blessing over them, God gave Adam and Eve five commands to obey: be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue the earth, and rule over all the creatures on the earth. These commands did not go away after sin entered our world. We are still to take charge of the earth, but it requires hard work. ALTERNATE QUESTION: What does the creation story teach us about God? DISCUSS: Question #4 on page 18 of the PSG: How do you live out the responsibilities given in this passage? DISCUSS: Question #5 on page 19 of the PSG: Based on this passage, what is our purpose? SAY: This passage still holds true. God made each of us and gave us the task of stewarding and enjoying His creation. Thankfully, we re also offered fellowship with Him as we do this. DO: Instruct group members to complete the activity on page 19 on their own. If time allows, invite volunteers to share their responses aloud. WE ARE HIS: God created each person for a purpose: to live in relationship with Him. How would you describe your relationship with God to someone who isn t a Christ-follower? Draw a symbol that represents your response in the space below. 26 Session 1

26 THE POINT God created us to live in fellowship with Him. Genesis 1:28-31 Commentary Verse 28: God created human beings to enjoy His creation and to be His stewards over it as well. As He did with other living creatures on day five (v. 22), God blessed the first humans. Throughout the Old Testament, a blessing from God was typically connected to a relationship with Him. God s blessing includes His favor and provision. Without these the man and woman would not have been able to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Part of God s command to the man and the woman was that they were to subdue the earth and rule over the other living creatures that are part of God s creation. The Hebrew word for subdue typically refers to exercising control over someone or something. The responsibility to rule over (exercise authority over) is focused here on the subjugation of fish, birds, and all the other creatures that move along the earth. The term rule emphasizes responsible stewardship. In addition to caring for the animals, subduing creation may also include the idea of creatively using the earth s resources (including water, minerals, plants, and so forth) for good purposes. Verses 29-30: God provided everything needed for the survival of living beings both humans and every other creatures having the breath of life in it. God instructed the humans about the food He had provided for them to eat, which included every seed-bearing plant as well as every tree whose fruit contains seed. God had called forth this vegetation on the third day of creation (vv ). God s care and concern for His creation is seen in the abundance of food available to the man and woman. The only restriction placed upon the man and woman, which is detailed in Genesis 2, was the prohibition against eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (2:17). God s words to the first man and woman included both privilege and responsibility. While they were free to enjoy all manner of food and other natural resources that God had created, they had a corresponding obligation to be good stewards of His creation, especially in those areas where they had been given authority as God s overseers. This privilege and responsibility was not limited to the first humans, however. It continues for us as followers of Christ (Luke 12:48; 1 Peter 4:10 11). Verse 31: With the end of the sixth day, God s creative activity came to a close. While each of the previous days ended with God s affirmation about the things He had created, on day six God looked at all that he had made and saw that it was very good. It went above and beyond being acceptable and approved. Everything worked perfectly and was perfectly suited for His ultimate purpose to experience fellowship with humanity. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 27

27 5 minutes LIVE IT OUT Notes ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): Give each group member a cup, seeds, and soil and invite them to plant the seed in the soil. Challenge group members to take this cup home, add water, and watch the seed grow. Explain that this planting process is a reflection of the partnership God has with us in His creation. God ultimately makes the seed grow into something bigger, but He invites us to plant, water, and tend the seed. SAY: God created each of us with a goal in mind: to live in relationship with Him. GUIDE: Lead group members to consider the responses to the Bible study listed on page 20 of the PSG. Remember your Creator. Ecclesiastes 12:1 encourages us to remember your Creator. When you gaze at the night sky this week, remember that God spoke every star and planet into existence, and thank Him for His creativity and power. Memorize Matthew 6:26. God s love for you is real. Repeat this verse when you re tempted to think He s no longer on your side. Begin a relationship with God. God created you for a purpose and to relate to you. His Son, Jesus, died for you. Talk with your group leader or pastor about what it means to be a Christ-follower. Wrap It Up SAY: You don t have to wonder or guess why you re here. You were created to live in fellowship with God. Additional ideas for your group are available at BibleStudiesforLife.com/AdultExtra 28 Session 1