Old Testament Overview – Genesis/Overview – Creation – Part 1

Lead by Norwalk Campus Pastor Dan Kromidas

My Notes-

Genesis: The Origin Story

• Author: Moses
• Literary Form: Narrative
• Cultural Context: Ancient Near Eastern culture

In the ancient world:

• The world was seen as chaotic and disorderly.
• Polytheism prevailed: gods of love, war, nature, etc.
• Pantheism: God was seen as being in everything (sun, moon, trees).
• The gods were often cruel and tyrannical, distant, and impersonal.
• Humanity felt trapped in this system.

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Genesis 1-2: The Creation Narrative

Chapter 1: Humanity in relation to the world.
Chapter 2: Humanity in relation to God and one another.

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In the Beginning, God

• Elohim (God): The transcendent creator, sovereign and eternal (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 90:2).
• Yahweh (LORD): The personal, covenant-making God.
• God is Creator (Isaiah 40:12-26).
• God is the Only God: Establishing His Kingdom (Isaiah 66:2, Daniel 7:27).
• God is the Great King of the World.

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The Creation Days:

• Day 1: Time (Creation of Day and Night)
• Day 2: Weather (Creation of the Sky and Waters)
• Day 3: Food (Creation of Land and Vegetation)
• Days 4-6: Installation of Functionaries (Creation of Sun, Moon, Animals, and Humans)

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Genesis 1-2: Key Themes

1. Humanity is the Pinnacle of Creation: Made in the image and likeness of God, both male and female.
2. Humans Share Spiritual Characteristics with God: Personality, intelligence, free will (Choice vs. Free Agency).
3. Humans Were Made for Relationship with God: We are accountable to Him.
4. Humans Given Authority to Rule: To be stewards of God’s creation, reflecting His rule.
5. Humans Reflect and Reveal God’s Glory: Our purpose is to bring glory to God through our existence.

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God’s Rule in His Kingdom

• Created Order: God’s transcendence—His existence over and independent of creation.
• Historic Order: God’s intimacy—His nearness and relationship with His people.