Lessons from Genesis
Lesson
GOD is creator and only HE has self-existence. We are created beings. GOD created all living things to reproduce after their own kinds
Application
Understand that as a creature you are ultimately accountable to your creator
Understand you can reproduce only what you are. Therefore pursue CHRIST likeness
Understand that GOD’s nature is to provide for HIS creation. HE revealed Himself as “the LORD who provides”
Man fell by choice. The tempter is the father of lies (john 8:44) deceiving and seducing us to sin. The lie questions GOD’s WORD giving our opinion absolute authority. Our opinions are easy prey to satan’s deception
Do not challenge GOD’s WORD.
Ask instead what does GOD’s WORD mean to me? How can I apply it to my life?
Suspect urgings that come from carnal appetites, visual enticements that invite acquisition and things that tug at personal ambition (1john 2:16)
GOD hates sin perfectly and thus it must be judged and punished. Civilizations have been judged for sin and collapsed as a result. Genesis teaches that faithfulness to GOD means hatred for sin
Avoid ungodliness (life that is unconscious of GOD. GOD destroyed the earth with a flood because of it
Turn away from all appeals to personal power and recognition. GOD confused human speech because of them
Flee from all immorality and impurity. Because of them GOD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.
Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the same ways he tempts people today: with “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). They traded the eternal for the temporary, the truth for a lie.
Hold fast to the pure, inspired Word of God. Satan twisted God’s word and Eve added to it. This perversion of truth ultimately led to the fall of humanity
Recognize as temptation those things that activate the cravings of your flesh, the enticement of your eyes, and personal ambition. Resist them.
The eternal, self-existent God is our Creator. We were created in the image of God, male and female, for high destiny intended for this lifetime and for eternal destiny in intimate relationship with our loving Creator. Understanding this truth leads to dynamic commitment and devotion.
Understand the unique place given to men and women in creation. We are created for purpose in God and relationship with God.
Understand that you are created in the image of God. Therefore, pursue Christlikeness.
Recognize that we can learn of God’s nature through His names. His nature is to provide; thus He reveals Himself as “The LORD Who Provides.”
God is holy—pure, perfect, and wholly separate from sin. Sin separates us from God, necessitates judgment, and grieves God’s heart. Genesis teaches that we must love God and hate sin.
Pursue righteousness. In a world confused and wicked, Noah found grace and was saved from the flood because God counted him “righteous . . . in this generation.”
Pray for the godly to increase in cities, and do not devalue even a small number. If only 10 righteous people had been found in Sodom, the city would have been spared.
Flee from immorality. Joseph chose to go to prison rather than sin against God.
Abraham is called “the father of faith”; true faith was exemplified through his life. In the life of this “friend of God” (James 2:23), faith is not defined as perfect character or behaviour, but simply believing what God says. Abraham’s life also demonstrates how we may grow in believing God’s word and encourages us to persist though we may grow slowly or not see our faith’s immediate fulfilment (Heb. 11).
Do not fear when God’s direction takes a turn you do not understand. He is completely trustworthy.
Believe God’s promises to you. He is able to bring them to pass even though you may not see how.
Avoid striving to fulfill God’s promises in your own strength. Doing so always results in selfinduced problems.
Trust that God will provide as He promises.
Remember that God’s provisions are strategically located along the pathway of faithful obedience.
The lives of the patriarchs richly illustrate that generosity toward God and other people is the inevitable result of a life-changing encounter with God. The faithful act of tithing (giving a tenth) began as an act of faithful devotion to God to acknowledge that He alone is our source.
Recognizing that all we have comes from the Lord, we honor God by giving Him the tithe. Abraham tithed, thereby showing his allegiance to the Lord, the “Possessor of heaven and earth; . . . God Most High” (Gen. 14:19, 20).
Understand that, to the patriarchs, tithing was an expression of loyalty to and faith in God. It was also an expression of covenant relationship with God. It preceded the Law and today abides as a choice under grace.
The life of Joseph powerfully displays God’s sovereign ability to bring to pass His destiny for an obedient individual. In his youth, Joseph received a vision of God’s plan for his life. Shortly thereafter, it appeared that not only had the vision died, but that his life would be wasted away in slavery and prison. Nevertheless, Joseph remained faithful to God. That which had been meant for evil, God used to prepare and position His servant to realize the fulfilment of His vision for Joseph’s life.
Ponder God’s vision. Do not share it prematurely, but ask God for His timing.
Expect God’s favor in the sight of others. God is able to make a way even when it seems impossible.
Remain faithful to God in all you do.
Do not compromise, especially when the vision is slow in coming.
Believe that God is sufficient. He has given you the gifts you need to realize His purpose through you.
Trust in God’s sovereign providence. He causes all things to work for your good as you remain faithful to His calling and purpose for you.