Lesson 1 of 17 · Genesis Overview
An Introduction to Genesis
Begin Genesis with its reliability, unity, themes, purpose, and importance for the rest of Scripture and the Christian life.
Lesson video
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Required course reading
An Introduction to Genesis
Read: Objectives, The Genius of Genesis, and Genesis: Its Reliability and Unity
PDF pages: 13-18 · About 8 minutes
This opening selection establishes the book’s purpose, structure, reliability, and unity.
Use the PDF or EPUB course book supplied after confirmed enrollment. In the EPUB, follow the chapter and section titles because page numbers vary by device.
Introduction
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Genesis is the Book of Foundations. This opening lesson shows how its geographical movement, genealogical structure, and unifying themes prepare us to understand the rest of the Bible and to build our lives on God's truth.
Learning objectives
- Explain why Genesis is foundational to biblical faith and daily life.
- Recognize the three major geographical movements of Genesis.
- Describe the genealogical structure built around the recurring records of generations.
- Identify major themes that develop throughout Scripture.
Lesson outline
Follow the main teaching
Genesis as the Book of Foundations
God's truth in Genesis supplies the categories needed to understand God, humanity, sin, blessing, judgment, faith, and redemption.
The geographical outline
Babylonia (Genesis 1-11), Palestine (Genesis 12-36), and Egypt (Genesis 37-50).
The genealogical outline
The recurring records of generations trace the godly line and the advance of God's promise.
Genesis within the Bible
Genesis opens the Pentateuch and plants truths that unfold through the Old and New Testaments.
Six unifying pictures
Genes, plot, prophecy, history, seeds, and foundations each highlight a different aspect of Genesis.
Class discussion
Reflect and apply
- Why is Genesis appropriately called the Book of Foundations?
- What are the three geographical settings of Genesis?
- What purpose do the genealogical records serve?
- How does Genesis prepare readers for the rest of Scripture?
- Which unifying picture of Genesis helps you most, and why?