SS Outline 8.24.25

Week 7: August 24, 2025
The Bible’s Big Storyline – Week 1

Title: Creation – How Genesis 1–2 Sets the Foundation for the Biblical Narrative

Theme: The story of redemption begins with a good creation, shaped by God’s purpose, presence, and design.

Key Texts: Genesis 1–2; Psalm 8; John 1:1–3; Colossians 1:15–17

Objective: The themes and structure of Genesis 1–2 lay the groundwork for the entire biblical story, including the gospel.

I. Introduction: Every Story Has a Beginning
“If we get creation wrong, we’ll get everything else wrong too.” – modified from D.A. Carson

II. Reading the Text: Genesis 1:1–2:3

• Genesis 1:1-5 (beginning and light)
• Genesis 1:26-31 (image of God and dominion)
• Genesis 2:1-3 (rest and blessing)

III. Key Doctrinal Foundations in Creation
1. God as the Sovereign Creator

• Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God…”
• He is eternal, uncreated, and the source of all things.
• Not a myth, not a force — a personal, powerful, speaking God.

Implication: All things belong to Him and exist for His glory (Psalm 24:1).

2. Creation Is Good and Ordered

• Repetition of “And God saw that it was good” (1:10, 1:12, etc.)
• No dualism, no chaos

Implication: Matter is not evil; the physical world matters to God.

3. Humanity Made in God’s Image

• Genesis 1:26-27: Male and female created as imago Dei.
• Reflect God’s character and represent His rule.
• Made for relationship, work, and worship.

Implication: All human life has inherent dignity and moral responsibility.

4. Work and Rest Are Part of God’s Design

• Genesis 2:15 — Work existed before the fall (it’s not a curse).
• Genesis 2:2-3 — God rested, not from exhaustion, but to establish Sabbath rhythm.

Implication: Our bodies, souls, and schedules need rhythm built on God’s example.

IV. Creation and the Rest of the Story

• Genesis 1-2 sets the stage for themes that run throughout the Bible
• How do Genesis 1-2 prepare us to understand sin and redemption?

VI. Conclusion