Week 1 - The Old Testament
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Family Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:
Looking back at the past year, what was a family goal you feel you accomplished or made progress on?
What is a goal you have for your family in the upcoming year?
The Old Testament
Genesis 1-15
1. Why do you think Genesis is such a foundational book to many of the theological and moral issues today? What are some ways you have seen the book of Genesis come under attack? What are some major theological issues rooted in Genesis? What are some modern day moral issues rooted in Genesis?
2. Why do you think God begins the Bible with the story of Creation? Why is our belief in God as Creator an essential component of saving faith? (Genesis 1:1) How would you define faith? How does that compare with Hebrews 1:1 definition of faith? Hebrews 11:3 says “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” Does it take more faith to be a Christian or an atheist? Agnostic? Buddhist? Muslim? Hindu? Jew? Why? What evidences does God give us to increase our trust and faith in Him?
3. Why does God give so many details about His Creation in Genesis 1 & 2? Why do you think atheists and agnostics refuse to acknowledge God’s existence? Does God believe in atheists? (Romans 1:18-23) Why do other world religions exist? Why is dishonoring our Creator so serious? Why is ingratitude towards Jesus evidence of lostness? What are the consequences of disbelief?
4. Read Exodus 20:11. Why did think God took 6 ordinary 24-hour days (instead of 6 seconds or 6 billion years) to create the universe? What is the purpose of the 7th day?
5. Look at Satan’s temptation of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. Read 1 John 2:16-17. How do you see Satan tempting Adam and Even with the “desires of the flesh”, “desires of the eyes”, and the “pride of life”? How does Satan use the same tactics today? How can understanding Satan’s tactics help us resist the devil’s temptations? Why is Satan’s inciting us to distrust God and His Word the foundation of sinful temptations?
6. What is some of the brokenness you see in the world today? How does that show up spiritually? How do you see people “hide” from the sound and presence of God? (Genesis 3:8)
7. How do you see brokenness show up in regards to gender? Why is gender a beautiful and objective reality? Why does the world try to twist gender into a subjective and evil reality? (Genesis 1:27; 2:21–23) Look at some of the gender roles within marriage www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-marriage-roles
8. Genesis 2:24 introduces us to the definition and meaning of marriage. How do you see brokenness show up today in regards to marriage and sexuality? Why is LGBTQ+ such a priority among the lost today? What are the demands of the “sexual revolutionaries”? How should Christians respond to such deviations from God’s creative plan? Hebrews 13:4 says “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” Why is this an important truth and loving warning?
9. What stands out to you from the story of Noah and the flood (Genesis 6-9)? What similarities do you see with society today? What can we learn individually about resisting similar temptations?
10. What stands out to you from the story of Babel in Genesis 11? What similarities do you see with society today? What can we learn individually about resisting similar temptations?
11. How does Abraham’s story of faith encourage you? Hebrews 11:4-19 hits some highlights of faith in this week’s reading. What example impacts you the most? Why?