Genesis

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Outline for the Sessions on Genesis:

Session One: The Bible and chapters 1 and 2 of Genesis (creation)

Session Two: Chapters 3 and 4 of Genesis (the fall)

Session Three: Chapters 5 through 8 of Genesis (corruption and the flood)

Session Four: Chapters 9 through 11 of Genesis (the post flood years)

Session Five: Chapters 12 through 16 of Genesis (the Abraham narrative

part one)

Session Six: Chapters 17 through 23 of Genesis (the Abraham narrative

part two)

Session Seven: Chapters 24 through 27 (Isaac)

Session Eight: Chapters 28 through 32 (the Jacob narrative part one)

Session Nine: Chapters 33 through 36 (the Jacob narrative part two)

Session Ten: Chapters 37 through 43 (the Joseph narrative part one)

Session Eleven: Chapters 44 through 50 (the Joseph narrative part two)

Most of the book is covering narrative stories and we can cover much in a

week of reading.

Contents by: Vic Gerson

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Session One

Genesis

We start our brief overview of Genesis with a reference to the Bible as the word of God. We believe the whole Bible, every word is His direct revelation.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. NASU

The book of Genesis is included in this belief. God is the creator! There may be differing ways to interpret the details of how He accomplished this, but He created all we know for His purpose. Creation is by His design and for His purposes; as revealed in the Bible. The first chapters of Genesis are not just another creation myth, but the actual heart of the Father to a world that sees no purpose in this life or for the age to come.

The revelation of the fall answers the question we all have; “Why are things so messed up?” Without really understanding creation and the fall the gospel does not make sense. The Lord gave His life to bring us back to our original purpose by removing the curse of sin and death.

Genesis gives us a picture of God as a father who pursues His beloved creation even in a fallen rebellious state. You will see this repeated over and over in Genesis. The narrative stories in the book of Genesis point to Jesus and the redemption to come. The Bibles primary purpose is to give

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revelation about God. He is the main subject and is the author of this love story.

Moses wrote or compiled the first five books of the Bible under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. These five books together are known as the Pentateuch. There is a possibility that Moses compiled several clay tablets written as firsthand accounts by Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc. These accounts may not be oral tradition, but actually firsthand accounts. This only adds to the veracity of the scripture we have before us. We believe the narrative stories given in Genesis are actual history, involving real people interacting with the only true God. So let’s take a look at the creation account given in the first two chapters of Genesis.

Creation of the World

Ivan Aivazovsky Date: 1864

Introduction: This session we will look at the first two chapters of Genesis.

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Summary: Chapter one through chapter two, verse 3 covers the first creation account. The rest of chapter two recaps the first account with more detail and focus given to the creation of man. These accounts build the foundation for a biblical worldview. We view ourselves, the world around us and even the person of God through the lens of the Bible. The Bible reveals our God as a personal God. He is not a force or undefined power. He is the creator, but is not creation its self. We see His hand in creation as His work. The God of the Bible has personality, emotions, will and purposes. The God of the Bible is uncreated and eternal, but also personal and existed prior to creation and will exist beyond the end of this age. Highlighted scriptures: Genesis 1:1-2

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. NASU

The first three words of the Bible introduce us to the primary subject of the whole book (the whole Bible). It really is about the revelation of God to all who will look. He is the author and subject.

The Hebrew word for beginning is plural. Could the beginnings refer to an old earth? Some real followers of Christ see it that way. Personally I don’t think the earth is as old as some think, but this is a detail that can be discussed without denying God as creator.

Genesis 1:5

And there was evening and there was morning, one day. NASU

I believe a day in chapter one is a 24 hour time period. But the Bible refers to a day as a thousand years for God.

2 Peter 3:8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. NASU

Many of the early church fathers believed that each day of creation was a thousand years and was an indication that the earth would last in this age

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for seven thousand years with the last thousand years being the millennial reign of Christ (the last day or thousand years as the day of rest in Christ). Again, we can agree to disagree on details and settle in on the fact that He is the creator of all things.

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; NASU

Let Us!! Who is Us? Reference to Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Trinity is not a term in the Bible, but the church fathers used it to describe this biblical reference and many others.

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. NASU

Jesus is in the first chapters of Genesis! We will see this “Us” several times. I believe trinity is a good term. Jesus is God! He is divine!

Image carries with it a great depth and meaning. Is it the image or the

shadow of God? The Hebrew word for” image”, ֶםֶלצ (tzelem), is a beautiful example of how Hebrew, being a root language, works. This word A shadow is an .(tzel) ֵםל "is related to the Hebrew word for "shadow ֶםֶלצimperfect image resembling the real thing which casts it. The “image of God”, tzelem Elohim, can therefore also be understood as tzel Elohim, “God’s shadow”, in the sense that it is an imperfect copy of the perfect real image.

We are in His image. Nothing in creation carries this description. It is very unique position. But we are not God. We are created for His glory. We bare His image, but we are not His exact image. Jesus is and being in Him means a great deal.

Hebrews 1:3-4 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of

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the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. NASU

Genesis 1:27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. NASU

Both male and female are in the image of God! Both express the image of God. How awesome. God is referred to as male, but both male and female carry that image. All humans carry this image. (believers and unbelievers) We value life for this very reason. Do we see the image of God in all those around us.

Genesis 1:28 "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, NASU

Notice that mankind was called to multiply prior to the fall. This implies much about marriage and even pleasure.

Genesis 2:6 But a mist used to rise from the earth and water the whole surface of the ground. NASU The whole atmosphere of the earth was different prior to the flood. No rain but appears to be no direct sun. Could this be the reason that man lived so long?

Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. NASU

That term breathed talks about breathing in a living eternal Spirit! It was the breath of the creator! Mankind carries the image of God and an eternal spirit imparted by the breath of the creator.

Genesis 2:15

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Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. NASU

The call to cultivate is a call to create culture! This word is used only a few times and refers to building a city and all that entails. The Lord had art and beauty in mind prior to the fall. Adam was called to do more in his partnership with the Lord than we may assume. What would a city look like if the fall had not taken place. Imagine real beauty and culture that is not corrupted.

Revelation 21:10-11 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, NASU Beauty, art, good food, I cannot wait!

Genesis 2:18 Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable (corresponding to) for him." NASU

Adam and Eve were made to correspond to one another. This is body, soul and spirit. They were made for each other. This has profound effect on our view of marriage and society.

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Questions:

1. What do you think is the primary purpose of the Bible?

2. Where do you see Jesus in these first two chapters?

3. What do you think it means to be created in His image?

4. What do you think it means to cultivate?

5. What does it mean to be suitable or correspond to one another?

Resources:

Doctrine: Driscoll In the Beginning: Dr. Brown Expelled: Movie Ben Stein Is Genesis history? Movie Structure of Genesis: P J Weisman Genesis: Ancient commentary on scripture.

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Session TWO

Genesis

Introduction: We will cover chapters three and four in this

session. The entrance of sin into the world changed everything in the

creation.

Summary: The sad truth of mankind falling into sin is that it is still effects all of us today. This part of the narrative story is not a great positive aspect of the Bible, but it is essential to understand the gospel.

Romans 3:21-25 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace

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through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. NASU

The Old Testament gives pictures of New Testament principles. We see in these chapters what we are created for and how the enemy comes and brings temptation and confusion. We also understand why things are so messed up in our world and lives. Sin has entered the world and it affects body, soul and spirit. God desires voluntary love and worship. In order to have this, man has to have the ability to choose. We still have a choice and He still desires voluntary love. Even after mankind sins God still pursues man and plans redemption.

Highlighted verses:

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?" NASU

The enemy comes and questions what God said. Can you hear this in our culture today? The Bible is in question today. Is the Bible really God’s direct word to us? The enemy uses the same tactics with us and in our culture. Has God really said?

Genesis 3:5-6 "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." NASU

The temptation of being like God is at the core. Religion and cults draw mankind into this temptation. We are made in His image but we are not God. We are and always will be His creation not the creator.

Genesis 3:8-10 They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" NASU

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We were created to have fellowship with the Lord. The Lord comes and looks for us. He was not unaware of the sin but He continued to pursue anyway. This kind of pursuit takes place over and over in the Bible and it also takes place in our lives.

Genesis 3:17-19 17 b Cursed is the ground because of you;

In toil you will eat of it All the days of your life. 18 "Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; And you will eat the plants of the field; 19 By the sweat of your face You will eat bread, Till you return to the ground, Because from it you were taken; For you are dust, And to dust you shall return." NASU

The curse still is in effect for our bodies and souls. A day will come when the curse of this sinful age is over. There is a time coming when we will reign with the Lord in His Kingdom forever.

Revelaton 22:3-5 There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; 4 they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. 5 And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever. NASU

Until that time we live in-between with renewed hearts and an eternal soul but in an evil age with a promise of resurrection and eternal life without corruption and sin.

Genesis 3:21

The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them. NASU

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God killed animals to cover sin. This is the first blood sacrifice. Sin brings death not just for us for creation. What would a creation look like without any death? Maybe it would look like what Adam and Eve lived in. It is what we are going to be restored too.

Romans 8:22-24 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. NASU

Genesis 4:9-11 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" And he said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?" 10 He said, "What have

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you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to Me from the ground. NASU

In chapter four we see the effect of sin on the heart of man and then on the human body. Selfish offence gives rise to hate and murder. What we see in this chapter is remarkable. God pursues even murderers! (Cain, Moses, David, and Paul for just a few) Our God is pursuing fallen humanity with His great love and redemption. In the end sin bring death!

John 10:10 I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. NASU

Genesis 3:22-24 Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever" —23 therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life. NASU

Can you imagine man living forever in corruption and sin. God’s mercy was in driving Adam out and bringing redemption through the cross. Salvation comes through humility not pride.

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Questions:

1. What is the difference between created in His image and being tempted to be like God?

2. Jesus came as the second Adam: Are we still under the curse given in chapter three?

1 Corinthians 15:42-47 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So also it is written, "The first MAN, Adam, BECAME A LIVING SOUL." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. 47 The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven. NASU

3. Why do you think that blood is needed to cover sin? (In the garden, Passover, in the temple, at the cross)

4. Why did God drive Adam and Eve for the garden?

5. Where did the others come from at the time of Cain?

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Session Three

Genesis

Introduction: We will cover chapters 5 through 8 in this session. We will discuss corruption of the world and the flood.

Summary: The fruit of sin is death and violence. The world is gripped in sin and death. As years increased for mankind sin also matured as man matured. The heart and intentions of man were maturing in evil. Demonic forces were at work cooperating with fallen humanity creating a world of pain, violence and corruption.

Highlighted verses:

Genesis 5:1-2 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. NASU

This verse could mark the end of the tablet written by Adam. This is the typical end of a tablet written using cuneiform writing. There are many tablets that are pre-flood located in the British museum. Prior to the flood the atmosphere on earth was very different and mankind lived hundreds of years longer than today.

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Genesis 2:6 But a mist used to rise from the earth and water the whole surface of the ground. NASU

Genesis 5:24 Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. NASU

Enoch was the first of two people who did not die. Even Jesus died and was then resurrected with a new body. Elijah was the only other one. 2 Kings 2:11 As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven. NASU

These two are unique in the Bible.

Hebrews 9:27 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, NASU

Could it be that these two will come back as the two witnesses in the book of Revelation? They will die and be raised. Maybe! It is interesting to contemplate.

Revelation 11:3 & 7 3"And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth." 7 When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them. NASU

Genesis 6:1-4 Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, 2 that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose. 3 Then the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God

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came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. NASU

Here is where things seem to take a curve. It seems like it is at this point that God decides to eliminate the corrupted seed from the face of the earth! Who are the sons of God? This term is only used a few times and never refers to mankind. It does not appear this is a reference to people but it is up in the air. The word Nephilim means giants. What we do know is that mankind was corrupted by sin and sin gained its maturity in lawlessness and violence.

Genesis 6:5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. NASU

We see the nature of man’s sin unchecked. It appears that time is coming when we will see a world that will look like these pre-flood days.

Matthew 24:12"Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. NASU

Genesis 6:6 The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. NASU

We encounter a God who is personal and has emotions and personality. He is not an impersonal force or inhabiting nature or aloof and uncaring. Remember we are made in His image even if we are an imperfect shadow. We are like Him. We feel deeply and so does He.

Genesis 6:9 These are the records of the generations of Noah. NASU

This is another possible break in a tablet. This one would be the end of Noah’s writing. This is just another possibility.

Genesis 6:11-12 Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence. NASU

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Notice that corruption is according to God’s definition not men. This definition is not based on what the majority thinks, but on what God knows. Mankind was filled with violence but all creation was also.

Genesis 6:22 Thus Noah did; according to all that God had commanded him, so he did. NASU

Noah obeyed even in the face of the world systems and for a long time of no physical evidence of God’s word being true! 120 years of building.

Genesis 7:11-12 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep burst open, and the floodgates of the sky were opened. 12 The rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights. NASU

The flood was much more than some rain. Dr. Brown wrote a book called “In The Beginning” that gives a theory called aqua plates. This is where the crust of the earth erupted from plates of water under it and flooded the whole earth with such force that the eruption caused rocks to hit the moon and cause craters. I would recommend this book (you can read it on line). It is an interesting theory.

This would change the very atmosphere of the earth.

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Genesis 8:20-21 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 The LORD smelled the soothing aroma; and the LORD said to Himself, "I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done. NASU

Notice that man’s heart is still evil from his youth. We are in need of a savior! The blood sacrifice of animals was a covering but did not change the heart. Jesus comes to give us new hearts and new desires! It is good news.

Next session we will cover some ground and see the Lord continue to pursue man and give life giving instruction to fallen humans.

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Questions:

1. Why were people living so long prior to the flood?

2. What do you think the earth looked like prior to the flood?

3. Who were the sons of God in verse 2 of chapter 6? What were to Nephilim?

4. What do you think is meant by God was sorry?

5. What do you think are the fountains of the deep?

6. How do you view the judgment of the flood?

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Session four

Genesis

Introduction: We will cover three chapters this week, chapters 9 through 11. This will bring us up to Abraham.

Summary: God reestablishes covenant with mankind and nature. God recognizes the evil of man’s heart, but guarantees life will not be destroyed by flood again. In these chapters we see the temptation to be like God is too great and for man’s good, God brings confusion and disperses the ethnic groups over the globe.

Highlighted scriptures:

Genesis 9:1-2 "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. NASU

There is a command given. There is a rapid populating of the earth after the flood. Noah lived 350 years after the flood. Shem lived 500 years after the flood. Ham and Japheth also lived long ages after the flood. These four created cultures, populated the earth (not by themselves), had wisdom from pre-flood and experienced God’s deliverance. These out lived many of their grandchildren.

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Genesis 9:7 "As for you, be fruitful and multiply; Populate the earth abundantly and multiply in it." NASU

Genesis 9:6 "Whoever sheds man's blood,

By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man. NASU

Law is instated as nations rise and population is multiplied. Murder is wrong because it is a destruction of God’s image. There is great value put on life by God. It is not just man’s idea.

Genesis 9:9-16 "Now behold, I Myself do establish My covenant with you, and with your descendants after you; 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you; of all that comes out of the ark, even every beast of the earth. 11 "I establish My covenant with you; and all flesh shall never again be cut off by the water of the flood, neither shall there again be a flood to destroy the earth." 12 God said, "This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; 13 I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. 14 "It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, 15 and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 "When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." NASU

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Notice this covenant was made for the earth and all successive generations. This is the Noah covenant. But this covenant pertains to every living creature and even creation itself. This covenant is one sided. God promises even if man has not changed.

Genesis 9:22 saw the nakedness of his father, NASU

Saw: Raah, to experience, examine. Something more than seeing could be at hand here.

Genesis 10:1

Now these are the records of the generations of Shem, Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah; NASU

This is a possible end of another tablet.

Genesis 10:32 These are the families of the sons of Noah, according to their genealogies, by their nations; and out of these the nations were separated on the earth after the flood. NASU Nations: ethnos; ethnic people groups.

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Genesis 11:7-8 "Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another's speech." 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of the whole earth; and they stopped building the city. NASU

Here is another reference to the God head. Jesus, Father and Holy Spirit are right here working to limit man from his own sin.

Genesis 11:10 These are the records of the generations of Shem. NASU

Genesis 11:27 Now these are the records of the generations of Terah. NASU

Here are two more possible tablets.

Questions:

1. What was the command given to Noah’s sons?

2. What was the first law given to mankind regarding actions toward one another?

3. What is the covenant made with Noah?

4. What do you think was the purpose of the tower?

5. Why do you think God brought confusion to the earth?

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Session five

Genesis

Introduction: This session we will study chapters 12 through 16. Abraham narrative part one.

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Summary: We are introduced to the life of Abraham. We start out with an idol worshiper not knowing where he was going and end with the father of nations. In part one, we see his encounter with the Lord and promises made that are still being fulfilled today.

Highlighted scriptures:

Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD said to Abram, NASU

This is such a stunning statement. The creator of heaven and earth talks to an idol worshiping heathen and seeks out the lost and confused. He is just a follower of family, but still has family idols that he takes with him. But he is God’s choice! This should give us great hope. Even in our broken state the Lord seeks and pursues. Just like Abraham He does not want us to stay in the state of brokenness, but to mature and become disciples not perfect but followers.

Genesis 12:1-3 1 "Go forth from your country,

And from your relatives And from your father's house, To the land which I will show you; 2 And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing; 3 And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed." NASU

This is the Abrahamic covenant. All the families of the earth will be blessed. He did not know where he was going but he followed. There is a reference to the Lord as the blessing to the entire gentile world. This promise is open to all families of the earth. Through the giving of the Son we are all blessed. All are given the chance to accept the savior.

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Genesis 12:13- "Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you." NASU

We see another chance for Abraham to pick the upright way, but God still chooses to stand behind the flawed and establish His glory.

Genesis 13:8-9 So Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers. 9 "Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left." NASU

The way of humility is always the right way. Prefer others and consider others as more important than yourself.

1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. NASU

Genesis 14:18

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. NASU

So how do we look at this person? Is it a pre-incarnate visitation of Christ? Maybe Melchizedek and Shem are the same person. Some believe this. Shem was still alive at the time. Shem was born pre-flood. One age of man bringing blessing to the next age of man. Maybe he is a follower of God by the revelation given in the creation. We really don’t know. He is called priest of God most High! There was no formal priesthood yet. This priesthood was much older than the Levites. Jesus is compared to this line of priests.

Hebrews 5:9-10 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, 10 being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. NASU

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No matter how we view him we see a priest bringing blessing, seeing God’s promise in Abraham, encouraging Abraham, practicing hospitality and sharing intimate communion. This scene takes place a couple of thousand years prior to the sacrifice of Jesus and yet shares the elements of communion that Jesus uses. Here is a view of Christ rising off the pages of the book of beginnings.

Genesis 15:13-16 God said to Abram, "Know for certain that your descendants will be

strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. 14 "But I will also judge the nation whom they will serve, and afterward they will come out with many possessions. 15 "As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you will be buried at a good old age. 16 "Then in the fourth generation they will return here,

for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete." NASU

God comes and lays out the future for Abrams descendants and for the people of the land of promise. We see this happen exactly as laid out in this scripture. This is an intimate account and maybe written by the

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hand of Abram. For Abraham it was prophecy that would not be fulfilled in his life time.

Genesis 16:2 So Sarai said to Abram, "Now behold, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her." And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. NASU

All of us can relate to Sarai. Our faith and patience are weak at times and we take things into our own hands. It is a lesson for all of us.

Hebrews 6:11-12 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. NASU

The world is still dealing with this family rivalry. God indeed did make Ishmael into a great people. These decedents of Abraham have a destiny to fulfill that is good. They were not made for deception they now live in.

Genesis 16:11-12 "Behold, you are with child,

And you will bear a son; And you shall call his name Ishmael, Because the LORD has given heed to your affliction. 12 "He will be a wild donkey of a man, His hand will be against everyone, And everyone's hand will be against him; And he will live to the east of all his brothers." NASU

We can see how this prophecy has worked out in the news today. But the God of all creation blessed Ishmael and named him before his birth.

Genesis 17:20-21 "As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him, and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. NASU

Our prayer needs to be for the redemption of this great nation.

31

1 Timothy 2:3-7 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. NASU

Questions:

1. Why did God choose Abraham?

2. What was the promise given to Abraham? And how does that affect the nations?

3. What to you take away from the story of Melchizedek?

4. Can you relate to Sarai?

5. What can we learn from the story of Ishmael?