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Genesis 1:1-5 Text


1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.





Genesis 1:1-5 Questions



Please note. By reading the meditation associated with this text you will find many answers to the questions. However, the most important thing to do is to remain on the text, meditate on it until you can formulate your own answers. When interacting with the text we are interacting with the ultimate author of the text, the Holy Spirit.

If you wish to discuss these questions and interact with others then please join our online Bible group. If you wish to discuss these on a one-to-one basis then please contact us. 




Verse 1

  1. What does the word 'genesis' mean?

  2. How do you think a modern text on the origins of the universe would begin? – Psalm14:1; 139:7

  3. Why do you think that the author of the text does not attempt to "prove" the existence of God?

  4. How does the Bible start?

  5. What is the meaning of "the heavens and the earth"?

  6. What impression does the first sentence convey? Is the impression one of hesitancy or of certainty? Is it sudden or has it been prepared for? Is the language ambiguous or clear? Is it simple or complex?  

  7.  When you read this verse what impact did it have on you?  

  8.  What does the word "beginning" refer to? The beginning of what?  

  9.  Is God part of creation?  

  10.  Is man part of Creation? 

  11.  Where is God in relation to time? What does this make him?  

  12.  What characterizes things that are timeless? Is what is timeless or immortal characterised by change and instability?  




    13. What are the implications of this verse for mankind and for me in particular?



  13.  What does this verse say about the relationship between God and his creation? What is the basic principle in the relationship between man and God? 

  14.  Does man belong to himself? Is man independent of God? Is he self-sufficient? 

  15. Are these implications accepted by man in general today? Why / why not? 

  16.  Are they accepted by us, here at this meeting? 

  17.  Are these implications lived out in our daily lives? How? 

  18.  If we are dependant on God does it make more sense to seeking our own will and go our own way or to do the will of God? 

  19.  What essential virtue(s) derive(s) from this truth? 

  20.  Imagine as many things as possible in heaven and on earth to get an idea of vastness. What impression do we get of man? Is he big or small? 

  21.  Is stability relevant to modern man? 

  22.  What characterizes our relationships with others? Are they stable? Why / why not? Would things change if God were at the centre? 

  23.  Why do human relationships generally not remain stable or last?



    24. Verse 2


  24. What was the earth like before God started his creative activity? 

  25.  What is darkness? How do you act when it is dark? What do you feel when you are in the dark? Do you feel safe? Are you sure of where you are going when you are in the dark?

  26. What is the first thing you normally do when you enter a dark room? Why? 

  27.  Is there only external darkness? What about inner darkness? 

  28. What are the characteristics of inner darkness? Have we ever experienced inner darkness? How do we feel? How do we act? What do we think? 

  29. Who hovers above your inner darkness? Do you feel the Holy Spirit calling you out of that darkness? What is your response?



    30. Verse 3


  30. What does God use in the first step of his creative activity?

  31. What is the result of his word? 

  32.  Do you want God to shed his light into your spirit by the means of the Holy Spirit to be able to see where you are going and why, to give you a sense of direction in your life? 

  33.  Was the result of the creative activity good? Do you trust the Spirit of God to transform your inner darkness into light just as he did in the creation of the universe?



    34. Verse 4



  34. What judgement is made of the light shed upon the earth? 

  35. Do you believe that if you allow the light of God to enter into your spirit, soul and body that he can create something good? 

  36.  Think of your inner state. Are there areas of darkness, of negativity, something that oppresses you? Do you want to ask the Holy Spirit to come and shine on the darkness within? 



    37. Verse 5



  37. What was the result of the shedding of light and the separation of light and darkness? Was the result one of chaos or order? How is this order expressed? 

  38.  In Genesis he who names things has power over them. Who calls the light "day" and the darkness "night"? Who separated them to introduce a balance? 

  39.  God has power over the universe. Does he have power over you like over those elements he "speaks" into existence, automatically or does he need your collaboration to establish the order that he wishes to create in your inner being, your mind, your emotions, your thoughts, your spirit? 


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Genesis 1:1-5 Meditation Part 1


Genesis 1:6-2:3 Bible Study Text and Questions  >  >  >   




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