Thursday Bible Study

GENESIS

October 4—November 15, 2007

January 17—March 13, 2008

A Great Deliverance: God’s Saving Work in the Book of GenesisBy the Rev. Richard KannwischerFall 2007 – Spring 2008

The book of Genesis is a wonderful and heartbreaking story. It is both beautiful and touching, bloody and frightening. The scope of the book includes the height of God’s goodness and love as well as the depth of human misery and pain. Every major theme of the gospel is contained in the book of Genesis. Some of the most famous stories in our tradition spring forth from these pages. We meet the heavy hitters like Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and Joseph. In addition to these stories we will discover tales that are so shocking and obscure that you probably have never heard a sermon on them.

I have heard it said that if you do not understand Genesis, you will never understand the rest of the Bible. I believe it. In this study, I invite you to go on a spiritual exploration of creation, sin, promises, family and reconciliation. We will not shy away from the hard questions, nor will we shrink back from the controversy surrounding these events. We will not journey alone. You are invited to study this in the community of a small group and with the benefit of a 30-minute message. For these 16 weeks, I have provided you with difficult questions. They are given to you in advance because these questions will require thought, study and prayer. There is a great deal of confusion surrounding this book. Much of this spiritual confusion results in harmed lives and communities.

Finally, this book is one of my favorites in the Bible because it is the story of our deliverance. Things are not right in this world and if you’ve ever wondered why, this book has the answer. This book exposes the plan and the heart of God for reconciliation and love. In these pages you will discover God’s saving work in creation, in history and in your own life through Jesus Christ.

With great anticipation in Christ,

The Rev. Richard KannwischerSenior Pastor

Thursday Bible StudyOctober 4—November 15, 2007

January 17—March 13, 2008

Table of Contents

October 4 Creation—Genesis 1 and 2.............................................................................1-3

October 11 Fall—Genesis 3..............................................................................................4-6

October 18 Cain & Abel—Genesis 4................................................................................7-8

October 25 Noah—Genesis 6-9.......................................................................................9-11

November 1 Babel—Genesis 11.....................................................................................12-13

November 8 Abraham (part 1) Call & Covenant—Genesis 12:1-20, 15:1-19, 17:1-8. . .14-16

November 15 Abraham (part 2) Hagar & Ishmael—Genesis 16, 17:15-27, 21:1-20.......17-18

* * * * *

January 17 Abraham (part 3) Near Sacrifice—Genesis 18-20.....................................19-20

January 24 Abraham (part 4) Sodom & Gomorrah—Genesis 22.................................21-22

January 31 Isaac (Rebekah)—Genesis 24.....................................................................23-24

February 7 Jacob (part 1) Boyhood & Stealing—Genesis 25:19-34, 27:1-28:5.............25-26

February 14 Jacob (part 2) Night Visions & Visitors—Genesis 28:10-22, 32:22-33:11...27-28

February 21 Judah & Tamar—Genesis 38......................................................................29-30

February 28 Joseph (part 1) Fall of Joseph —Genesis 37 & 39.....................................31-32

March 6 Joseph (part 2) Rise of Joseph—Genesis 40 & 41.....................................33-34

March 13 Joseph (part 3) Reconciliation—Genesis 42–45, 50..................................35-37

Blank Paper.................................................................................................38-41

Genesis 1 & 2October 4, 2007

1. The Bible is primarily a book about the character of God. For example, we learn that God is powerful because when he speaks – it happens. After reading Genesis 1 and 2, what other qualities do you notice about God?

2. Why does the Bible begin with the theological assertion that God created the heaven and earth?

3. What kind of literature (poetry, narrative, history, etc.) is Genesis 1? How does your

answer inform how this passage is to be interpreted in light of the debates surrounding evolution?

4. Why does God call each day “good?”

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5. Pay close attention to the pattern and progression of Genesis 1. What repeats? How do the different “days” relate to one another? Which day is most confusing to you? Why?

6. What does it mean to be created in the image of God (1:26)? How does this inform us how we are to treat ourselves? How does this shape how we are to treat others?

7. Why does God command us to “rule” or “have dominion” over creation? What is the Christian response to environmentalism?

8. What is the significance of God resting on the seventh day? Describe your practice (or lack thereof) of rest and Sabbath.

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9. In Genesis 2:7, God forms man as a potter fashions the clay. We are made of the ground or “dust” and God breathes into us life. God’s breath is a significant image in the Bible. What are other times when we see God’s breath or wind? (See John 3 and Acts 2)

10. If it is “not good for man to be alone” (2:18), is everyone called to be married? Why or why not? What does Genesis 2 teach us about the gift of marriage?

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Genesis 3October 11, 2007

1. Evil enters the story of Genesis in Chapter 3, and Satan is immediately described as crafty. Referring back to Chapter 2, how does Satan manipulate what God said? Describe a time when you have experienced the manipulation of what is good or true.

2. What is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden (2:15-17)? Why is it such a big deal that they not eat it?

3. At the end of Chapter 2, Adam and Eve were naked and felt no shame. In Chapter 3, they eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thus feeling shame. Is shame good or bad? What does the rest of the Bible teach about shame? What does our society teach about shame?

4. Temptation often enters through the eyes. We are tempted by what we see (2:6). How do marketers utilize this to help sell their products? Knowing this, how should we guard ourselves against temptation?

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5. God’s first question in the Bible is “Where are you?” Why does God ask this? Doesn’t he already know where they are?

6. Why do we try to hide from God? (See Psalm 139)

7. Adam and Eve’s first reaction to being confronted by God is to play the blame game. Why do we so quickly try to pass the blame to others for our own wrongs? Give examples.

8. Look at the three different curses for the Serpent, Eve and Adam. What do you notice about them?

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9. Adam names his wife after the curse. What is the significance of her name? Why is she named now?

10. Adam and Eve are banished from the garden and they cannot return. That way is guarded and closed not only to them, but also to us. Why can we not go back the way we came?

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Genesis 4October 18, 2007

1. Chapter 3 of Genesis is about the fall. Chapter 4 is about the consequences of the fall. What is the result of our fall and our banishment from the garden? (See Romans 6:23)

2. What is the difference between Cain and Abel’s offering? What does this passage teach us about what and how we give back to God?

3. Why is anger so dangerous according to this passage? See also Matthew 5:21-26, James 1:19-20 and Ephesians 4:26. How do you deal with anger in your life?

4. Today sin is often seen as passive (if it is even recognized as sin at all). According to this passage, sin and evil are active, “crouching at your door” (4:7). What is the difference between a passive and active view of sin? Why is this distinction important?

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5. What does it mean to be a “brother’s keeper?”

6. Why does God not kill Cain? What is the relationship between mercy and justice? When have you seen both of these present in your own experience?

7. How and why does God protect Cain from revenge?

8. What is Cain most afraid of in his punishment (4:14)? Why is this the worst thing that can happen to a person? How does the life, death and resurrection of Jesus address this?

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Genesis 6-9October 25, 2007

1. How does God respond to the continued downward spiral of humanity? What kind of emotions does God express? (See 6:5-8)

2. Noah is said to be righteous because he walked with God (6:9). In light of Jesus Christ, what does it mean to be righteous and to walk with God today? (See Hebrews 11:7)

3. Does God change his mind in this story? Why or why not?

4. How does this story relate to the creation account of Genesis 1 and 2? What similarities and differences do you notice?

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5. Assume you have a friend who comes up to you and says, “I can’t believe in a God who would do the destruction of Noah.” How would you respond?

6. In 6:22, the text says that “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” Why do you find it difficult to do everything that God asks?

7. How old is Noah in this story? Why do we tend to think that God does not ask us to do great things in our golden years? Can you think of people who made significant contribution to the kingdom as a senior adult?

8. What is Noah’s response to the completion of the mission of the ark? (see 8:20)

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9. What part of the Noah story is most compelling to you? What part is most difficult for you to believe?

10. In 8:1 and 9:15, Genesis makes a point to describe God as “remembering.” Why?

11. Describe the symbolic significance of the ark, dove and rainbow?

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Genesis 11November 1, 2007

1. Did the human situation improve from the time of Noah to the time of Babel? Why or why not?

2. The motivation for building the Tower of Babel was to “make a name for themselves.” Describe a time when you wanted to make a name for yourself. Why is this so dangerous?

3. Why does the Lord confuse and scatter the people? Do you believe that he still does this today? Why or why not?

4. If this is a story about divine punishment, what is the purpose of God’s punishment?

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5. In verse 7, it sounds like there is more than one god talking. What do you make of the strange use of the plural here and in Genesis 1:26 and 3:22?

6. Why is the story of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-13 known as the great reversal of the tower of Babel?

7. Scholars refer to Genesis 1-11 as the prehistory. This story ends the first major section of the Bible. What have we learned about God from these chapters? What have we learned about human nature from these chapters? What have you observed about our relationship with God?

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Genesis 12:1-20, 15:1-19, 17:1-8November 8, 2007

1. God speaks and calls Abraham. What does it mean to have a conversational relationship with God? What is the significance of a God who calls us? What does it mean to be called?

2. God calls Abram on a journey to a land that he does not know. This quest will require great faith because he does not even know exactly where he is going. When has God called you to a journey that required faith?

3. In 12:1-3, Abram is told that he will be blessed in order to be a blessing to others. Why? What is the significance of God saying that all of the peoples of the earth will be blessed through him?

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4. In the New Testament, Abram/Abraham is lifted up as a model of faith. Yet, in 12:10-20, Abram shows a lack of faith. What do you make of this story in Abram’s life?

5. God tells Abram in 15:1 not to be afraid. This is the first of many times that God gives encouragement and comfort to those in distress. What are other examples in the Bible of God telling his people not to be afraid? When was a time when you felt most afraid?

6. Abram and Sarai grieve because they do not have a child. What is God’s response to barrenness? How should the church respond to barrenness today?

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7. What parallels do you see between the Old Testament rite of circumcision and that of Christian Baptism?

8. In Chapter 15, Abram has a strange dream with a flame and cut animals. What do you know of this symbolism? What does it mean?

9. God gives Abram and Sarai new names. Why? How does this connect with humanity’s ability to name the animals in chapter 2 of Genesis? What does your name mean? Why was it given to you?

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Genesis 16, 17:15-27, 21:1-20November 15, 2007

1. Why did Sarai encourage Abraham to sleep with Hagar? What makes desperation so dangerous? What are examples of desperate acts today?

2. How did Sarai’s attitude toward Hagar change after the servant became pregnant? Describe how bitterness has shaped your relationships with others.

3. Why did the angel tell Hagar to go back to Abram and Sarai when she fled into the wilderness? (16:6-16) When has God called you to go back to a situation that you did not want to be a part of?

4. What is the difference between the blessing of God on Isaac and the blessing of God on Ishmael?

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5. The birth of Isaac brings great joy and laughter to Abraham and Sarah (21:1-7) What moments in your life have brought you great joy and laughter?

6. Describe what you think Hagar felt as she journeyed through the wilderness. (See Chapter 21)

7. God hears the cries of the boy in the wilderness and he provides a well of life for Hagar. When has God heard one of your cries and provided for you?

8. What do these passages teach us about the roots of animosity between Muslims and Jews? How are Christians called to be involved in the long conflict?

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Genesis 18-20January 17, 2008

1. In Genesis 18, angels in disguise come to visit Abraham and Sarah. In Hebrews, we are reminded that you never know when you are entertaining angels unaware. How does this passage speak to Christian hospitality?

2. Sarah laughed at the possibility that she might bear a child in her old age, yet it did come to pass. When have you laughed at something, only later to realize that it was true?

3. Abraham bargains and barters with God in an effort to save the city of Sodom. What does this story teach us about the nature of intercessory prayer?

4. Lot inexplicably offers his daughters in exchange for not turning over his guests. What do you make of this bizarre suggestion? How does this story fit into the overall teachings of the Bible on human sexuality?

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5. Why does Lot hesitate and why does his wife look back?

6. The story hits an all-time low with the escapade of Lot and his daughters in 19:30-38. Why does the author of Genesis include this part of the story?

7. For the second time, Abraham pretends that Sarah is his sister. Why does he do this? Why did he not learn the first time? When have you repeated a mistake in your life?

8. By the end of Chapter 20, God is playing the role of healer and reconciler. He also has demonstrated himself to be an all-powerful judge. Why are both of these concepts of God important? What happens when we lose one of these primary attributes of God?

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Genesis 22January 24, 2008

1. The near sacrifice is a test. What is God’s test for Abraham? Why does he test him? How does God test us today?

2. Describe Abraham’s emotional state during the different phases of this test.

3. Why was the system of sacrifice so important to Israel and the rest of the ancient world?

4. Isaac innocently asks where the lamb is for the sacrifice. Abraham responds that God himself will provide the lamb. How does this exchange anticipate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

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5. What other echoes do you hear of the gospel in this story?

6. God repeats Abraham’s name in this account multiple times in an effort to convey intimacy and to command his attention. What are other Biblical examples of the divine repetition of a name?

7. What is the difference between obedience and faith? How do they relate? Consult James 2:14-26.

8. A woman in my previous church shared with me that she thought this story was a form of cosmic child abuse. She told me that she did not believe in a loving God because of this story. How would you respond to her?

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Genesis 24January 31, 2008

1. In this love story, the family plays a large role in their courtship. Family plays a much different and diminished role in dating today. How and in what ways should family be involved in choosing a soul-mate?

2. This is a story about divine guidance. How does prayer influence our discernment of God’s will? What are other factors in discerning God’s will? Why is it so difficult?

3. The servant makes a solemn oath with a strange sign to Abraham. What is the nature of this kind of oath? Have you ever made a serious promise to a friend? If so, why?

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4. How does Sarah’s death prior to this story influence Abraham and Isaac? How has the loss of a parent or the loss of a spouse influenced your discernment and spiritual journey?

5. In what way does Rebekah demonstrate her readiness for this marriage to the servant? Why is this quality important in marriage? Describe one characteristic that you believe is important to a loving and fruitful marriage.

6. Abraham trusts this servant with an absolutely crucial task. When have you had to rely on the faithfulness of a friend? How did it turn out?

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Genesis 25:19-34, 27:1-28:5February 7, 2008

1. How are Jacob and Esau different?

2. The story of Jacob and Esau is a classic case of sibling rivalry. Why do siblings struggle so much with one another? What are other Biblical examples of sibling struggles?

3. Why does Esau exchange his birthright for a bowl of stew? When have you given something away of great value for something that is temporary and insignificant? Is this type of bad trade common or rare?

4. Why did Rebekah help Jacob to steal Esau’s birthright? Is this a good model for parenting? Why or why not?

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5. Jacob tricks his father into blessing him. Why can Isaac not revoke his word or bless Esau as well?

6. How must Esau feel after Jacob’s deceitfulness? Describe a time in which you have been duped.

7. Jacob (the trickster) will later be tricked by Laban into marrying the wrong woman. How do you think this helped to shape Jacob’s character?

8. Much of Jacob’s identity is tied into obtaining, striving, earning and grabbing. Can you relate to his personality? If so, why?

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Genesis 28:10-22, 32:22-33:11February 14, 2008

1. The two encounters of Jacob’s ladder and his wrestling take place at night. What is the significance of nighttime in scripture? What are other important events that take place at night in the Bible?

2. What does Jacob’s vision symbolize? Have you ever had an important dream or vision? Describe.

3. How is God’s assurance of the covenant to Jacob similar to Abraham’s covenant? How is it different? How are these promises manifested in the person and work of Jesus Christ?

4. When Jacob wakes up, he realizes that the Lord was in that place, but he was not aware of it. When and where have you discovered God presence in a profound new way?

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5. Who does Jacob wrestle with? How is it that neither the mysterious figure nor Jacob can win?

6. What keeps you awake at night? What do you wrestle with?

7. What does Jacob learn and receive from his wrestling encounter?

8. Describe in your own words the reconciliation between Jacob and Esau. When have you experienced reconciliation in your own life?

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Genesis 38February 21, 2008

1. The seedy story of Judah and Tamar is a warning of the dangers of living in the Canaanite culture. Judah probably went there to seek fortune. In that society, he adopted some of their values. What was dangerous about living in that culture? What are some of the dangers to faithfulness of living in today’s American culture?

2. Judah is the oldest brother and is set up as a contrast in the narrative against Joseph. How are Judah and Joseph different from one another?

3. Why was Onan killed?

4. Why does Tamar try to seduce her father-in-law? Why does Judah call her bizarre behavior “righteous?” (38:26)

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5. What is the significance that Tamar asked for his seal as a sign of his promise? What does it mean to make a promise? When have you made a promise that was difficult to keep?

6. Perez leads the clans of Judah, and he eventually becomes the ancestor of David (Ruth 4:18-22) and of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-6). What do you make of such a strange person in the lineage of Israel’s greatest King and our Savior?

7. People will do remarkable things when they are trapped. Can you think of other times in the Bible when people have committed desperate acts for justice?

8. What is God’s role in this story? Why is this story in the Bible at all?

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Genesis 37 & 39 – Fall of JosephFebruary 28, 2008

1. Jacob (or Israel) loved Joseph more than the other brothers. Describe what it is like to be on the wrong side of favoritism?

2. Joseph’s recounting of his dreams whereby his brothers bow down to him doesn’t improve their relationship. Can you think of a time when you have lacked sensitivity in a friendship or marriage? Explain why that is particularly dangerous.

3. How do Joseph’s brother’s deal with their jealousy? What are you supposed to do with the temptation of jealousy? How do we deal with it as Christians?

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4. Why do Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery instead of killing him? How are evil and self-centeredness related? What role does truth play in being righteous before God?

5. How is Joseph’s response to sexual temptation in Chapter 39 different from Judah’s in Chapter 38? Why does Joseph not sleep with Potiphar’s wife? How is his response the foundation for all Christian ethics?

6. Gareth Icenogle says that “you are only tempted by what you can do.” Do you agree? What is temptation? How does Jesus respond to temptation?

7. What is the wife’s reaction to being rejected by Joseph? Where does he end up? Why do the right choices sometimes lead to suffering? Can you think of a time when you had to pay for doing what was right? Explain.

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Genesis 40 & 41 – The Rise of JosephMarch 6, 2008

1. No matter how often Joseph’s life seemed to hit a dead end, he found a way to rise to a position of influence. One of the reasons for his success was his tenacious capacity to dream. What are some of your dreams? Why are dreams important?

2. At first the chief cupbearer does not remember Joseph and leaves him in prison. Describe a time when you have felt forgotten and neglected. How did that time shape your faith?

3. In 41:16 Joseph says to Pharaoh in regard to his dream, “I cannot do it but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Why does Joseph say this? Why is that so significant?

4. Joseph is a dreamer, but he is also a divine interpreter. He is described as wise and discerning in 41:33. What does it mean to be wise? Is discernment a gift or a skill? Why?

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5. Joseph is a dreamer, but he does not live in the clouds. Pharaoh does not merely recognize Joseph’s ability to interpret but also to administrate. What is the relationship between dreams and reality in the Kingdom of God?

6. Joseph is only 30- years-old when he is put in charge of all of Egypt. What is the relationship between age and maturity? What do other passages in the Bible say about youth and responsibility? For examples, look at Jeremiah 1:4-19 and 1 Timothy 4:11-16.

7. What was the result of Pharaoh’s decision and Joseph’s faithfulness in Egypt as a leader?

8. How is God present through the rising and falling of Joseph’s life thus far?

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Genesis 42-45 – ReconciliationMarch 13, 2008

1. How is the return of Joseph’s brothers a fulfillment of Joseph’s earlier dreams in Chapter 37?

2. We do not expect Joseph to be kind to his brothers; rather, we expect him to exact revenge. What is revenge? When have you experienced giving it or receiving it?

3. Why does Joseph test his brothers? How does he test them? Why is his test so appropriate given what happened to him?

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4. In 42:24 and 43:40 Joseph is moved to tears. Why? What does this say about Joseph’s heart and character? When have you experienced a moment of tenderness in the midst of brokenness?

5. In 43:14 Israel/Jacob commissions the brothers to return to Egypt with a prayer. What is the nature of his prayer? Why do we pray as we send people out on a mission?

6. How do the brothers perform on Joseph’s test with Benjamin? How have the brothers grown spiritually according to 44:33? What parallels of this do you see to the sacrifice of Jesus?

7. In 45:1-8, Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers. How does he treat them? Why does he forgive them? When have you experienced forgiveness?

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8. What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?

9. Joseph says, “God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.” How does this anticipate the person and work of Jesus Christ?

10. Read Genesis 50:20-21. Why is this one of the most important verses in the Bible?

11. How does the end of Genesis reveal the true heart and purpose of God? What is God’s desire for humanity?

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