Attitude Determine Altitude (a small group study from Genesis 37)

 Who do you know that seems to always have a good attitude? What do you think is their secret?

What causes you to have a bad attitude?

Use Genesis 37 as a guide to answer the following questions about Joseph’s brothers:

- Why did they dislike Joseph so much?

- Which words (choose as many as apply) best describe how they felt about him? Explain why.

— They were jealous

— They wanted revenge

— They were annoyed by him

— They were offended by him

Why do you think Joseph felt differently about his brothers than they did about him? (This isn’t really in the chapter, so you’ll have to guess and speculate)

Which words describe Joseph well (choose as many as apply)? Explain why.

— Courageous

— Optimistic

— Obedient

— Thorough

— Honest

How do you think Joseph felt when he was in the bottom of the well? How do you think he felt after he was sold into slavery? When have you experienced these kinds of feelings?

Was Joseph in a better place at the beginning or end of chapter 37? Why?

Was God surprised by where Joseph was?

How is this story encouraging for people who find themselves dealing with disappointment? How is this story encouraging for you?

What is one attitude adjustment you can make this week to be more like Joseph and less like his brothers?

Let Go and Let God? (Genesis 32)

Do you know anyone who had great potential, but was held back because of fear? What did their fear cause them to miss out on?

Read Genesis 32:22-30.

Jacob sent his family across the river because he was afraid of Esau. Why do you think he feared his brother? Was this a rational fear? Why or why not?

What are you most afraid of? Is your fear rational? Why or why not?

The man who wrestled with Jacob (later identified as God) was the aggressor. Why do you think God was wrestling with Jacob? What did He want to teach Jacob?

Even though He was obviously not going to win, Jacob refused to let go. This was consistent with how he had lived his life. Think about the stories you know about Jacob and make a list of the different ways he held tightly to things or grasped for things that weren't really his.

Because Jacob wouldn't let go, God wrenched his hip. How does God sometimes put our lives out of joint so He can get our attention? Why might God want to get your attention?

What are some things in life you need to let go?

God said Jacob was victorious even though he lost the wrestling match. How is it possible to win even when we lose? Are there things in life that you could lose which might cause you to have victory?

What have you learned about God from reading this story?

What have you learned about yourself from reading this story?

What do you think God wants you to change about yourself?

All Things New (Genesis 17)

Read Genesis 17:1-8

• What do you think God meant when he told Abraham to "Walk before me and be blameless."?
• How would your life change if every step you took you remembered that God was watching you? Would your life be more blameless? Why or why not?
• Abram means "exalted father" and Abraham means "father of a multitude." Why do you think God changed Abram's name to Abraham even though he only had one son at the time?
• Why do you think Abraham believed God's promises? How do you think Abraham was able to wait so long for God to keep his promises?
• Which promises of God are important to you? Why?
• If God were going to start a new thing in your life, what do you think He would do?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and rewrite it in your own words

• Do you believe these words are descriptive of you? Why or why not?
• What changes in your life do these verses inspire you to consider?

Read Ephesians 4:17-24

In your old life, you walked in darkness. Your new life is lived in the light of the Son of God.

• How would you describe the "former way" of living? What are some things the old you would have done that the new you won't?
• What old things are still lingering in your life? How can you take action to push those things out of your life?
• If every day is the opportunity for a fresh start, how will you make tomorrow better than today?

The Sins of the Father... (Genesis 20,26,27)

What is your favorite family tradition? What is your least favorite family tradition?

What character traits have you inherited from your parents? Are these good or bad?

Divide into three groups. Have each group read one of the following stories and then answer the following four questions. After about fifteen minutes, come back together and discuss your answers.

Group one: Genesis 20:1-18
Group two: Genesis 26:1-16
Group three: Genesis 27:1-38

Who are the primary characters in this story? Are they an example to follow or an example to avoid?

What do you think motivated the main characters deception? Do good intentions make lying okay? Why or why not?

What were the consequences of this person's deception?

How is God demonstrated as merciful in this story?

Come back together, discuss your answers, and then answer the following questions:

Do you think Abraham was at all responsible for the deceptive habits of Isaac and Jacob? Why or why not?

What kinds of "generational sins" are present in our society? What kind of impact do they have?

How can someone avoid making the mistakes their parents made?

How can someone avoid passing their own sins on to their children?

Should parents talk to their children about the generational sins in their family? Why or why not? Is there a more advantageous time for a conversation like this?

Spend time as a group praying for the spiritual protection of your children and the generations to follow.

Leaving It Behind (Genesis 12)

Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island. You can only have two of the following items, which will you choose? Explain why.

• a spear
• extra clothes
• a box of old newspapers
• 10 cans of spam
• an axe
• 100 feet of rope
• a book of matches

How did you decide which things you didn't need?

What are some thing in your present life that you have or want but probably don't need?

Read Genesis 12:1-4. Which part of these verses is most interesting to you?

In your opinion, which of God's instructions to Abram were most difficult to obey? Why?

Why do you think God wanted Abram to leave his country? Why do you think God didn't tell Abram where to go right away? What do you think God wanted Abram to learn?

Of all the promises God made in these verses, which do you think meant the most to Abram? Why?

What promises from God mean the most to you? Why?

If God were to ask you to leave something, what do you think he would ask you to leave or give up? Why did you choose that? Are you willing to give it up? Why or why not?

Having talked about this passage, what do you believe you need to do this week in order to be obedient to God? How can this group help you?

Sin and Consequences (Genesis 4)

-- These questions are taken directly from Calvary's GROW journal, so they are not necessarily designed to be a complete small group study.  They are however intended to help someone think through the implications of the text. --


Why do you think Cain’s offering didn’t please the LORD?  


Apart from money, what are other offerings we might offer to God?  


What things in our lives might keep us from making offerings that are pleasing to God?

Make a list of the consequences of Cain’s sin.  

How would our attitude toward sin change if we thought about the consequences first?  

How should we treat people who find themselves dealing with the consequences of sin?

Compare Genesis 4:9-16 to Genesis 3:8-24.  What things are similar? What things are different?  What do these passages teach us about ourselves?

What kind of a person do you think Lamech was?  Why?  

What things did he do wrong?  

What was his attitude about himself? What was his attitude toward God?  How did he treat others?  

In what ways do you sometimes act like Lamech?

What do you think it means that “people called on the name of the LORD?”  

When you call on the LORD, what do you say?  

What things do you need from the LORD?  

What things do you need to tell the LORD?

Offering Our First and Best to God (Genesis 4)

When have you had fun giving someone else a gift?  What did you give them?  Why was it fun?  How did they respond?

When have you given someone a bad gift?  What made it bad?  How did you feel afterward?

What is the best gift you have ever given?

How do we give gifts to God?  What kind of gifts does God want from us?

Read Genesis 4:1-5.

Why do you think Cain and Abel were offering these gifts?

Both Cain and Abel were offering the results of their own labor as gifts to God.  Read the verses closely and discuss how their offerings were different.  (What are the precise words used to describe each offering?)

Why do you think God accepted Abel's offering but not Cain's?

Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly instructed people that they should sacrifice the first and the best of their crops and flocks.  Why do you think He wanted them to give up their first and best?  How does that kind of offering point to Jesus?

Make a list of all the things in our lives we can offer to God.  How would it look to offer the "first and best" of our lives to Him?  Would this be easy or difficult?  Why?

What are one or two first and best things you can offer this week?  How can this offering help you become more Christlike, generous, or inviting?

How can the group pray for you and help you?

Leaving It Behind: Genesis 12

What are two or three possessions you would never want to part with? Why?

Why is giving things up often so difficult? What are some situations when giving things up is very easy?

Read Genesis 12:1. God tells Abraham (still called "Abram" in this passage) to leave his city, his friends, and his family (each translation differs, but this is a close approximation).

Which of these three do you think would be most difficult to leave (city, friends, family)? Why?

Why do you think God asked Abraham to leave? Why couldn't he have stayed where he was and received God's blessing?

Read Luke 9:57-62. What did Jesus say these people needed to leave behind in order to follow him?

Read Matthew 19:16-22. What did Jesus say this person needed to leave behind in order to follow him?

If Jesus were to interact with people today, what kinds of things do you think he would tell them to leave behind in order to follow him?

What are the things you think God might be telling you to leave behind so that you can follow him? Why is this hard to do?

How can this group encourage you as you seek to follow God?

Flattery and the Painful Truth (Genesis 3)

Do you like to be flattered? Why or why not?

When is flattery good? When is it bad?

Read Genesis 3:1-5. How did the serpent "flatter" Eve?

In what ways was the serpent's message a "feel good" message?

Read Genesis 3:6-7. Did the serpent's promises come true? Why or why not?

Would you rather have someone tell you the painful truth, or would you rather have them save you the pain by leaving you in the dark? Why?

Read Genesis 3:14-19. What part of these verses is most depressing? Why?

With which of these verses can you identify? How have you experienced the truth of these words?

Most of God's words in these verses are descriptive of different kinds of dysfunction that resulted from Adam and Eve's sin. How have you observed the sin of others (or your own) create dysfunction?

Why do you think God wanted Adam and Eve to know what the results of their choice were going to be? How do you think these words benefited them?

What was God's solution to the dysfunction caused by Adam and Eve? How does this solution apply to us?

What steps can you take to rely on Christ as the solution for the dysfunction in your life?

Contentment: Think About What You Have, Not What You Don't Have (Genesis 2-3)

Preparation: The following notes and ideas are solely for you to use as you prepare to teach this week. Feel free to use them as you wish or don’t use them at all!

Observations from the story:

Genesis 2-3 is the story of God’s ideal creation and man’s role in ruining it. Within this story is a powerful lesson about relying on God’s provision instead of desiring the things we don’t have.

1. Genesis 2 – What Adam and Eve had…

• A complete creation – With the creation of Eve, everything that had been made was deemed “good” by God. No better assessment could be made than for the ultimate being to give full approval. Everything necessary to sustain life (not just life, but the life God intended) was present. Adam and Eve had at their fingertips an abundance of all they could ever need.

• An ideal living space – God placed Adam and Eve in the garden he had created for them. This was the first custom made home. God provided trees that were good for food, but were also pleasing to look at. God did not just provide a utilitarian system by which to sustain living organisms, He was an artist perfectly combining form and function to create the best possible living environment for His image bearers. He provided a river to flow through the garden, sustaining the plants, the animals, and the people. He provided the Tree of Life (check out Revelation 22 for an interesting description of the Tree of Life).

• A Clear Purpose – God’s expectations for Adam and Eve were very simple. They were to be his representatives to the new creation. He called them His “image-bearers” and He instructed them to rule over the earth and over the creatures on the earth. Their job was not to be tyrants, but rather they were to be stewards, caring for creation in the same way God would. Along with the responsibility, He gave Adam authority over the animals, even allowing Adam to name them.

• Freedom with Guidelines – God provided the ideal freedom to Adam and Eve in that he identified the limitations of their freedom. Not only did God give Adam and Eve permission to eat from all the trees in the garden, He encouraged them to “freely eat”. The only guideline he gave them was that they were not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which He explained would result in death. This is the ideal type of freedom for humans.

• An Ideal Relationship – The crown of creation was the woman. She was the completion of the man. Together they were the ideal image of God. Just as God is a three-in-one unity with diversity, the man and the woman became a two-in-one unity with diversity. Genesis 2:24 describes this relationship as two people who have become “one flesh”. Verse 25 says they were “naked, and they felt no shame”. Their oneness was the ideal intimacy. They had nothing to hide from one another, they were completely open and honest with one another. Their relationship is the type of relationship we all desire and pursue.

• Summary: Adam and Eve were given everything they could possible need and desire. Nothing that was necessary for their health, happiness, and fulfillment had been withheld.

2. Genesis 3 – What Adam and Eve Didn’t Have…

• Essentially, there was nothing they didn’t have (except one tree).

• Unfortunately, they focused on the one thing they didn’t have instead of the many amazing things they had.

3. What Happened?

• Much can be said about the role of the serpent in deceiving Eve. Many lessons can be learned from this passage about deception and how to handle temptation (It is an interesting study to cross-reference the temptations Jesus faced with the approach the serpent took tempting Eve).

• The decision Adam and Eve ultimately made was a result of choosing to focus their attention on the one thing they didn’t have .

  • The fruit they weren’t to eat was “pleasing to the eye and good for food”(3:6) -- Ironically part of the rational that Eve used for eating the forbidden fruit was also true of all the other trees. Genesis 2:9 says that all the trees were pleasing to the eye and good for food. When we take our eyes off God’s provision, we quickly lose perspective of how great His provision is. As our eyes wander to the things we haven’t been given, it doesn’t take long for the thing God has given us to lose our luster. Ultimately, our perspective can shift so that we mistakenly believe the things we don’t have are more desirable than what we possess, even though God has promised to always provide us with what we need.

• Ignoring God’s overwhelming and generous provisions for them, they chose to be “self-reliant” and look-out for their own welfare. Once Adam and Eve decided that they knew their needs better than God did, they were on a one-way path toward destruction. Choosing to pursue their wrong-headed desires instead of relying on God’s gifts led them into separation from God, and loss of their ideal home, job, and relationship with each other.

4. What Does This Mean for Us?

The following are some simple statements to consider as you seek to discover some applicational principles from this passage:

• Sin takes root when we choose to look away(or reject) God’s provision.

• Whether it is the serpent deceiving us, or us deceiving ourselves, we choose to fixate on what we do not have rather than what we do. This often requires us to have a “puffed-up” view of ourselves as we consider ourselves as deserving of more than we truly are.

• Saying, “I deserve it” is a sure sign that we are on the cusp of sin.

• Contentment is never having to say, “I deserve it.”

• The more I “count my blessings”, the less I’ll worry about what I don’t have.
  
  

Central Theme of Lesson: Think About What You Have, Not What You Don’t Have!

Sharing Life:

• Remember, everyone should at least know everyone else’s names. Take some time to make sure this is the case before you move on.

• Ask the group members if any of them have a “story” to share from the past week. If appropriate, take a moment to pray for the “life situations” of the group members as they are revealed (remember, you’ll take more time later for group prayer).

• Have as many people as possible answer the following question: Describe the most perfect meal you can imagine. What are the most “tempting” elements of the meal?

Formative Time:

This time is designed to be a discussion driven lesson, every question can be answered by one or several students. You may need to supplement or change these questions as necessary for your group. You are free to use these questions in any way that you deem appropriate for your group.

• What place on earth do you think is closest to being like the Garden of Eden?

  • Since this is a somewhat subjective question, people may need a minute to think about it. Be prepared to give your own answer first, however, if someone has an answer immediately, let them kick off the discussion. If necessary, ask follow-up questions to the different members who answer (Have you been there? Give us descriptive details about that place…)

• In chapter two, what is the most appealing element of God’s creation? Why?

  • If needed, point out the different aspects of creation that are described in chapter two (the Garden, the trees for food, the river, the animals, God’s instructions, Adam’s responsibility…)

• Which of the following words best describes God’s initial creation. Why?

  • Complete

  • Ideal

  • Perfect

  • Good

  • Unbelievable

• Which of the serpent’s arguments do you think made the most sense to Eve? Why?

  • “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”

  • “You will not surely die”

  • “God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

• Read Genesis 2:9 and Genesis 3:6. What do you think made the tree of the knowledge of good and evil so much more appealing than the other trees?

  • The only difference was the acquisition of knowledge. Apparently, the desire to have more knowledge was what drove Eve to eat from the forbidden fruit. Point out that the knowledge gained by eating the fruit was apparently something God didn’t think Adam and Eve needed.

• Why do you think Adam and Eve were attracted to something God hadn’t given them? What are some of the things we are attracted to that God has not given to us?

  • Depending on the discussion, this might be a good place to talk about what it means to covet, and how “chasing” the things God hasn’t given us can distract our attention from the things God has given us and wants us to have.

• Why do you think Adam and Eve lost sight of all the good things God had provided for them?

  • Talk about our tendency to take our eyes off God’s provision when we start to focus on all the things we don’t have. Discuss how illogical it was for Adam and Eve to give up all the things God had provided just to get the one thing He hadn’t.

• What good things has God provided for you that you tend to lose sight of?

• What is a simple step you can take this week to pursue the development of contentment in your life?

Developmental Time:

• Ask the group members if anyone would like to share something they’ve been doing differently in their life recently that demonstrates spiritual growth. Encourage each other to set “formative” goals for the coming week.

• Take time for group members to share prayer requests.

• Pray for the given requests. Try to vary the way you do prayer time from week to week so it is more than just “vain repetitions”. Some ideas are:

  • One person prays

  • Pray for each request as it is given

  • Sentence prayers around the circle

  • Partner (or threes) prayer

  • Silent Prayer

  • Have group members write prayers out and then read them.

  • Etc… (you’re creative!)

• Remind group members of their commitment for the week and encourage them to carry it out!

Christmas: Learning from Jesus' Geneology (Matthew 1)

Talk about your best memory of your grandparents (or some older relative). What is a positive thing (tradition, character trait, etc.) that has been passed to you from previous generations of your family?

Why do you think some people are so proud of their family's heritage?
Why do you think some people aren't as proud of it?

As a group, read Matthew 1:1-17.

1 A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham:
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,
3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,
Perez the father of Hezron,
Hezron the father of Ram,
4 Ram the father of Amminadab,
Amminadab the father of Nahshon,
Nahshon the father of Salmon,
5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,
Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,
Obed the father of Jesse,
6 and Jesse the father of King David.
David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife,
7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
Abijah the father of Asa,
8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram,
Jehoram the father of Uzziah,
9 Uzziah the father of Jotham,
Jotham the father of Ahaz,
Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,
10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,
Manasseh the father of Amon,
Amon the father of Josiah,
11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.
12 After the exile to Babylon:
Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,
Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
13 Zerubbabel the father of Abiud,
Abiud the father of Eliakim,
Eliakim the father of Azor,
14 Azor the father of Zadok,
Zadok the father of Akim,
Akim the father of Eliud,
15 Eliud the father of Eleazar,
Eleazar the father of Matthan,
Matthan the father of Jacob,
16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.

Which names in this list stand out?
What are some of the stories that come to mind as you think about these people?

Which of the characters in this list had a questionable past?
Talk about the darker side of some of these people.

Most of us aren't willing to talk about the "dirty laundry" in our family's past.
Why do you thank God wanted these people included in this list?

Read Genesis 12:1-3.

1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.
2 "I will make you into a great nation
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you."

How is Jesus the fulfillment of this promise?

The list of names in Matthew 1 begins with Abraham.
Look at how many generations passed before God fulfilled his promise to Abraham.
How does this list of names illustrate God's faithfulness?

Why is it so hard to wait on God sometimes?
When have you been forced to be patient because circumstances weren't what you wanted?
How did God work?...or are you still waiting?

What is an issue in your life right now that you need patience in dealing with?
How can the group help or pray for you in this?

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Need another Christmas-based small group study? Try this one:
Are You Looking for a Sign? (The Star)

True Faith Leads us to Wait Patiently (Hebrews 11)

By faith Joseph, at the end of his life made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.

1. Who is a person who you admired for the way they lived at the end of their life? What are some lessons you learned from watching that person?

2. Why do you think leaving Egypt was important to Joseph? (read Genesis 50:24-25) Why do you think he wanted his bones carried out of Egypt?

When God finally delivered Israel from Egypt 400 years later, He was foreshadowing the work of Jesus on the cross. Israel's deliverance from Egypt is symbolic of our delivery from sin.

3. What kinds of sins do people you know need to be delivered from? What keeps them from finding their way out of their sin?

4. Tell your group about someone you know who has been delivered from a difficult sin. How has that person inspired you?

5. Think about a situation in your life you would like God to deliver you from. If you desire, share with the group.

By reminding his family that they would someday leave Egypt, Joseph was setting an example of faith.

6. How should you act while you wait for God's deliverance? What should you do (or not do)? What if you never see God's deliverance?

7. What is God speaking to you through the story of Joseph? How can the group help you this week?

True Faith Leads to Sacrifice (Hebrews 11)

What would you be willing to give up for one million dollars?
- a year of chocolate?
- food for a week?
- the ability to talk for 48 hours?
What is the greatest sacrifice you have made in the past few years? Why did you make it? Was it worth it?

What factors do you consider when deciding whether or not to make a sacrifice?

Read Hebrews 11:17 and have someone in the group summarize Genesis 22.

Often, the longer you wait for something, the more precious it is when you finally receive it. Have you ever seen new parents who are over-protective? Why do you think first time parents are so protective of their children?

Since they waited so long for Isaac, do you think Abraham and Sarah were protective of him? Why do you think God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac?

What is the one thing you would not want God to ask you to give up for him? Why?

How can our children and families sometimes become "idols" to us? What might we do to avoid letting our families be a spiritual roadblock?

What is something you believe God wants you to give up for him? What is the first step you can take toward offering that sacrifice?

Basking in the Majesty of God (Psalm 8)

Think of someone you admire, and tell the group three reasons why that person is so great.

Go around the group and have everyone share one attribute of God that they admire.

As a group, read Psalm 8.

Verse 3 talks about the work of God's hands. Talk about a recent time when your observation of nature has caused you to be awed by God.

Have a few people rewrite and quote verse 4 in their own words.

What types of words and phrases would you use to draw a comparison between God and man?

When compared to God, how do you feel about yourself? Why?

Read verses 5-6. Why do you think God gave these responsibilities to humanity?

Read Genesis 1:28. Give examples of how people can go about carrying out these responsibilities.

God has chosen to work through humans to accomplish his will on earth. What are some things we can do to be better "employees" of God?

What can you do to ensure that your everyday activities properly reflect the majesty of God?

Spend some time in prayer as a group. Specifically, give thanks to God for His majesty, and for the great privilege of partnering with Him in His work.

Joseph: Healing Relationships (Genesis 50)

As a group, read Genesis 50:15-26.

Why were Joseph's brother's afraid? Do you think they had valid reasons to be afraid? Why or why not?

If you were Joseph, How would you have responded to your brothers in this situation?

Would Joseph have been right to take revenge on his brothers? Why or why not?

As a group, rewrite Joseph's response in your own words.

Why do you think Joseph responded this way?

How have you been hurt by other people in the past?

What does the big story of Joseph teach you about God's plan and working behind the scenes?

Can God work through your relational hurts and disappointments? How might that happen?

Are there relationships in your life, where you need to take Joseph's approach?

Joseph on Temptation Island!

Use Genesis 39 as your guide to go through these questions.

Who are the main characters in this story?

Make a list of Joseph's successes in verses 1-6.

What do you think was Joseph's biggest temptation in this chapter? Why?

Have several people talk about how they respond to temptation in their lives.

How did Joseph respond to the temptation? Was this a one time temptation or a regular occurrence?

How do you deal with repetitive temptations in your life?

What advice do you think Joseph would give you about resisting temptation?

What was the result of Joseph's response to temptation? Does this seem fair to you? Why or why not?

Discuss whether or not "fairness" is a part of God's plan, or whether or not "fairness" is always a good thing.

How does this episode of Joseph's life end? (vs. 21) How can this ending give you hope in your life?

Basics: Redemptive History (Genesis-Revelation)

This study is probably much too long for one session, unless you have 2 hours. It might work to have people go through the first section on their own, or to use these questions to construct a short teaching time in which you can summarize the overview of redemptive history.

In my opinion, it's the five questions at the end that are most important.

Note the illustrated guide at the bottom of the study.

1. How important is Jesus?
2. Why?
3. Have you ever thought, "It wasn't supposed to be this way?" What was going on?
4. Read Genesis 1:31. What are examples of how our world has become less than "good"?
5. How did Adam and Eve's disobedience bring this brokenness about? (Read Genesis 3:11-12,23-24)
6. According to Genesis 4, what were some of the consequences of sin on Adam and Eve's family? How do we still see some of these same consequences today?
7. Over the centuries, how effective have mankind's efforts been to eradicate the effects of sin?
8. Why do you think man is unable to rid himself of sin's consequences?
9. What does it mean that men have fallen short of God's glory?(Romans 3:23)
10. How does Jesus remedy the failure of mankind?(Romans 5:8)
11. Why was it necessary for Jesus to die?
12. How does Jesus' death make us into "new creatures?" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
13. How did God intend for his new creation to become ministers of reconciliation? (2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Matthew 28:19-20)
14. What are you most looking forward to when God finalizes the new creation (Revelation 21)

----------GETTING PERSONAL----------

1. Have you ever sinned? When did you first "fall"?
2. How has your sin kept you from being the person God created you to be?
3. How have you attempted to remove the effects of sin from your own life? How have you failed?
4. How important is Jesus?
5. Why?

Sin (Genesis 3)

This study is part of the "basics" series. All these studies consist of more questions than a group will be able to address in one setting. However, if someone takes the time to walk through each question and give significant thought to the answers, they will hopefully come away with a fuller understanding of the basic doctrines being taught.

"Sin" is based largely on Genesis 2,3. Many of the questions refer to the story of Adam and Eve which appears in those chapters.

1. From where does sin come?
   
2. What caused Eve to sin? What caused Adam to sin?
   
3. Why was the serpent’s suggestion tempting to Eve? What makes sin tempting to us?
   
4. To what degree are all people sinners? What void in our lives are we trying to fill when we sin?
   
5. How are pride and/or selfishness connected to our sin?
   
6. List all of God’s commands in Genesis 2. Are they reasonable?
   
7. At what point in Genesis 3 do you think Eve sinned? Why?
   
8. Is sin more than just “disobedience to God?” Why or why not?
   
9. According to Romans 3:23, all have fallen short. Fallen short of what?
   
10. What does it mean to be righteous?
    
11. List as many of God’s commands to us as you can. 
    
12. How would you define “sin”?
    
13. Who is affected by our sin? Who is offended by our sin?
    
14. How did Adam and Eve’s sin impact their relationship with each other? With creation? With God?
    
15. How does our sin negatively impact our relationships? Examples?
    
16. What were the immediate effects of Adam and Eve’s sins? What were the long term effects of their sin?
    
17. What are some examples of immediate and long term effects of our sin?
    
18. How many times did Adam and Eve sin in Genesis 3?
    
19. Why does sin seem to multiply itself? Why is sin often addictive?
    
20. What does it mean to confess your sins?
    
21. What is repentance? How is repentance different than confession?
    
22. How do people pay restitution for sins?
    
23. How do these things help to remedy our sins?
    
24. What is the role of Jesus in remedying our sins?
    
25. What impact does Jesus have on the immediate consequences of our sin? The long term consequences?
    
26. Since Jesus has paid for our sins, do we need to make restitution for them? Why or why not? How does the Bible support your position?
    
27. Does sin hold power over Christians? Why or why not?
    

The Creator and the Creation (Romans 1)

This study is based on Romans 1:18-25.  It is important to understand and move toward the understanding that God is the creator and is not to be confused with the creation in any way!  This is a foundational thought for all Biblical understanding.

FOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT “CREATION”:

1. It was made by God
   
2. It points to God
   
3. It is a resource, not a source
   
4. It is incapable of receiving worship or service
   

20 Questions

• Are men really ungodly and righteous? Why or why not?
  
• By whose standards are these judgments made?
  
• What makes someone ungodly or unrighteous?
  
• What truths about God do people suppress? Why?
  
• What are the attributes of God that are clear to everyone?
  
• How can creation point us to God?
  
• Does it matter that God is immortal?
  
• If God is the creator, what –if any– is our responsibility to him?
  
• Why wouldn’t someone want to believe that God is the creator?
  
• What do you think it means to “worship the creature”? Do people worship the creature today?
  
• How does suppressing God’s truth make it easier for people to claim “wisdom”?
  
• What is “wisdom”? Who is someone most non-believers think is wise?
  
• Do people prefer “black and white” wisdom or “gray”? Why? Does God see in black and white?
  
• Why does God consider man’s wisdom to be “futile thinking”? Can you think of an example of this?
  
• In what way are men’s hearts darkened and foolish? Does this apply to everyone? Why or why not?
  
• How are people “without excuse”? For what? To whom?
  
• Why is God wrathful?
  
• Who is in danger of facing God’s wrath?
  
• How is God’s wrath evident today?
  
• How will it be evident in the future?
  

Loving Your Brother (1 John 3)

Clear-Cut Commands in this Passage:

1. Love one another
2. Do not be like Cain
3. Do not be surprised if the world hates you
4. Lay down your life for your brothers
5. Love with actions not words

 

Implications:

1. Our love for one another should be:
   1. familial -- brotherly  (cain is the negative example)
   2. sacrificial
   3. clearly demonstrated
2. We might not always be loved
   1. The world might hate us
   2. The reason is because we are different
   3. Moving from the realm of darkness/death to the realm of light/life means a significant life change
   4. Don't expect people in the world to exhibit that life change
3. The World's Standard and Ours
   1. It's expected that the world will hate
   2. It's not accepted when brothers do

 

Contrasts:

1. World -- Death -- Hate -- Words?
2. Brothers -- Life -- Love -- Actions?

 

DISCUSSION:

• What were some of your thoughts that resulted from the verse studies you did?
• What are some of the themes that seemed to be repeated throughout the passage? (love, action, living in Christ)
• Look at the list of "FIVE COMMANDS".  Which of these is the easiest to keep?  Which is the most difficult?  Why?
• Together read Genesis 4:3-8.  What were Cain's biggest mistakes?  Why?
• How might we sometimes act like Cain?
• Talk about a time you have been tempted to compare yourself to someone else.  Have you ever "villainized" someone in your mind to make you feel better about yourself?  Did it work?
• Why does John not expect people in the "world" to love?  What is different about a Christian that would make them a loving person?
• Give a practical example of how verse 16 might be put into action. (lay down your life for your brother)
• What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us love one another?  How can we allow the Spirit to have more control in our life?
• What is something you can do this week to obey the five commands we talked about?