This week’s class will focus on Genesis 1:1 and the topic of the Trinity. As we begin our study in the book of Genesis, it is important to set the foundation with our understanding of God’s greatness, perfection power and hesed (a word we will cover in class). The pace will pick up each week, but starting out slow, and getting a grasp on the big picture is critical to Bible study.

Defending our faith and developing a Biblical worldview based on our understanding of God’s Word takes time and practice, and must be part of a lifetime commitment we make to the LORD. It should form our purpose and identity in everyday life as we grow closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, modeling Him to our family, friends and neighbors. As Christians, it is more important than ever to know what we believe, and why we believe it, and then apply that to who we are on a consistent basis, and this can only be done if we know Jesus and what His Word teaches.

All class sessions include a time for prayer and reflection, a presentation, and a Bible study section. You will find the presentation overview and Bible study questions below. Basic answers to the Bible study will be also be posted for your review there and, or as a leader’s guide.

Watch the presentation on this topic:

Foundations Bible Study, Session Three: Genesis Chapter One and The Trinity

Review and Reflection

1.  Prayer Cards:

Do you have anyone that you are hoping to share what you are learning with? Write that person(s) name down on your prayer card along with any other prayer request you might have, and exchange with your table group at the end of the evening.

2.  Review from last week’s class: Why is it important to consider the hermeneutical method? What did we learn about steps 1 and 2 for the book of Moses?

Focus Verse:

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

Genesis 3:15 ESV

Presentation

Genesis Outline for the Hermeneutics Step 3 – Context:

Chapters 1-11:  The Antediluvian Epoch

• Creation and the Fall
• The Promise and curse
• Noah, the Flood and God’s Judgment
• A new world and the Tower of Babel

Chapters 12-50:  The Patriarchal Period

• Abraham-Isaac-Jacob-Joseph = the start of the Hebrew Nation of Israel
• The Covenant (the Genesis 3:15 Promise begins to unfold)

Review of the importance of hermeneutics and the author-audience-purpose for the book of Genesis

Recommended resource: the Bible Project – Genesis 1 through 11 Overview

Bible Study

Each week, we are encouraging you to take some dedicated time and spend it in God’s Word. Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

Practice Step 3 – Context for the Hermeneutical Method

1.  Read Genesis Chapter One

2.  Discuss the context: What does it say? (You can use your notes for each section).

3.  Let’s go over some important concepts and questions for these chapters to help with Step 4: Interpretation…

Basic Answers from the class notes:

This week we will cover question one from the eight questions assigned in last week’s homework:

1.  What are some characteristics we can list about God from our reading in these chapters? What are some things you can add to that list that you know to be true of God?

2.  Make a chart of, or list, the things God did for each day of creation in chapter 1.

3.  How many times does God say “it was good” and why do you think He said that?

4.  How many times is the word “kind” used; how and why?

5.  What did God do on the seventh day, and why?

6.  Chapter 2, verse 4, begins the re-telling of what God did on day six with more detail. What are some things you notice about this day that makes it different from all the others?

7.  What does God say to Adam in verses 2:16-17? Discuss why you think He gave him that command.

8.  What does God say specifically about man and woman in 1:27 and 2:24? How can we reflect on that for our culture today?

Jot down any questions you have for the shelf…

1.  What are some characteristics we can list about God from our reading in these chapters? What are some things you can add to that list that you know to be true of God?

One of the most important answers to question one comes in the concept of the Trinity. The Triune nature of God is a critical concept for Christians to grasp. It is the answer to what we find presented in Scripture, both concerning the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We find a multitude of passages that make reference to the three persons being God, therefore, we should be able to articulate why we see that happen.

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God…

• The Bible always assumes, and never argues, God’s existence.
• Although everything we know to exist had a beginning, God has always been.
• God created the known rules of our universe: According to Physics and Chemistry everything that exists has time, force, energy, space and matter…

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

In the beginning = time

God = force

Created = energy

The heavens = space

and the earth = matter

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God…

• God = The Hebrew word used here is the noun Elohim, which is plural (three or more) – It is a term that denotes majesty and all-power within
• The verb (action) Elohim is singular when used with the word bara (create/created from nothing—bara is only used in the act of creation)
• Elohim indicates the Trinity working together from the very beginning and the active participation of Father, Son and Holy Spirit in creation, from the beginning (also in 1:26-27).
• LORD God = YHWH Elohim (personal and powerful)
  • LORD=YHWH (I AM) the personal God

There is one God

Examples from Scripture:

• Deuteronomy 6:4 (THE SHEMA) 
• 1 Corinthians 8:4
• Galatians 3:20
• 1 Timothy 2:5

THE TRINITY: ONE IN BEING AND THREE IN PERSONS

THE ESSENCE AND NATURE OF GOD:

THE TRINITY

Genesis 1:1

Each Member of the Trinity is God

Examples from Scripture:

• The Father is God (John 6:27; Romans 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2)
• The Son is God (John 1:1, 14; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:20)
• The Holy Spirit is God(Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16)

The Members of the Trinity are distinguished from one another

• In the Old Testament, “LORD” is distinguished from “Lord” (Genesis 19:24; Hosea 1:4)
• The LORD has a Son (Psalm 2:7, 12; Proverbs 30:2-4)
• The Spirit is distinguished from the “LORD” (Numbers 27:18) and from “God” (Psalm 51:10-12)
• God the Son is distinguished from God the Father (Psalm 45:6-7;  Hebrews 1:8-9)
• *In the New Testament, Jesus speaks to the Father about sending a Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17)

*This shows that Jesus did not consider Himself to be the Father or the Holy Spirit

The Person of the Father
…is the Authority, Perfect in Holiness, Receiver of Worship in Heaven

The Father:

• He is the ultimate source or cause of the universe (1 Corinthians 8:6; Revelation 4:11); divine revelation (Revelation 1:1); salvation (John 3:16-17); and Jesus’ human works (John 5:17; 14:10)
• We pray to the Father through Jesus (Matthew 6:9-13; John 14)

The Father initiates all things

The Person of the Son
…is the Redeemer, Source of life for humans, Intercessor with the Father

Jesus The Son:

• The agent through which the creation happened and through which it is maintained (1 Corinthians 8:6; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17)
• The agent of Divine revelation (John 1:1, 16:12-15; Matthew 11:27; Revelation 1:1)
• The agent of Salvation (2 Corinthians 5:19; Matthew 1:21; John 4:42)
• The agent of prayer (John 14)

The Father does all these things through the Son, who functions as His agent

The Person of the Holy Spirit
…is the Counselor, Comforter, Agent of the Father’s Will

The Holy Spirit:

• The power behind the creation and maintenance of the universe (Genesis 1:2; Job 26:13; Psalm 104:30);
• The power of Divine revelation (John 16:12-15; Ephesians 3:5; 2 Peter 1:21);
• The power of Salvation (John 3:6; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:2)
• The power through which Jesus works (Isaiah 61:1; Acts 10:38).

The Father does all these things by the power of the Holy Spirit

Conclusion to the topic of Trinity

• The Trinity is not a problem for Christians it is a solution to what is taught in Scripture.
• For our finite minds created by an infinite God cannot, nor should not, be able to comprehend His entire being, yet the Father has given us a way to know Him personally, and that is through His Son, Jesus.
• And, Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to teach us through the Scriptures, and to guide us during our time here on this earth.

In the Bible, names often have real significance. In Jewish thought, the name by which a person is called indicated the character or nature of the person insofar as it is revealed and known. This is always true of the names of God (originally given in the Hebrew). Much can be learned of the nature and attributes of God from the names by which He has revealed Himself.

The revelation of God by His names is usually made in connection with some need of His people. The names of God demonstrate that God is humanity’s true resource for solving human problems. The names of God tell us something about His revealed attributes, character, and essence.

How did the name “Jehovah” arise?

In Hebrew, place the vowels from “Adonai” on the consonants of the word “Yahweh” and the result is the hybrid “Jehovah.” Jews feared saying the name of God (Leviticus 24:16*), YHWH, so they began to use “Jehovah.”

NAMES OF GOD	MEANING	REFERENCE EXAMPLES	SIGNIFICANCE
Elohim (2,570 times) el-o-HEEM   (The we and us in Genesis shows us the Trinity from the beginning)	God, The All-Powerful One Creator	Genesis 1:1-3 Numbers 23:19 Deuteronomy 10:17 Psalm 19:1; 68	He is the only supreme and true God. This name is derived from a verb, “to be smitten with fear.” It refers to God’s power and might. It is the masculine plural noun that seldom occurs in the singular. In Genesis 1 Bara (singular) Elohim (plural) used together it relates to the Trinity. The noun (Elohim) is plural, the verb is singular. It can be interpreted: God is three (persons); God is one (being).
YHWH/Yahweh (Jehovah) (about 6,000 times) YAH-way       Yahweh Elohim	The LORD (large caps in the English) “I AM” The One Who Is; The Self-Existent One LORD GOD Personal and Powerful Indicates both God’s immanence and transcendence	Genesis 2:4 Exodus 6:2,3 Malachi 3:6	The proper name of the divine person that speaks of God eternally existing. YHWH is derived from the imperfect form of the verb “To Be.” It has always been regarded as the most sacred and personal name of God. The Jews avoided using this name because of Leviticus 24:16, “The one who blasphemes the name of Yahweh shall surely be put to death.” * God revealed this name to Moses. Jesus used this term 7 times in the Gospel of John to show His identity as YHWH (I AM)
Adonai (450 times) ah-doe-NI	The LORD; My Great LORD	Deuteronomy 6:4 Psalm 8 Isaiah 40:3-5 Ezekiel 16:8 Habakkuk 3:19	God alone is the head over all. God is the Master and majestic LORD. God is our total authority. This is the term that the Jews frequently employ when discussing Deity. The Jews pronounced the word Adonai in place of YHWH when reading the Hebrew Bible.
El (230 times) el	The Strong One	Exodus 15:2 Numbers 23:22 Deuteronomy 7:9	It is the simplest name by which God is designated the true God.
El Elyon (50 times) el EL-yuhn	God Most High; The Exalted One	Genesis 14:17-20 Psalm 7:17; 78:35 Isaiah 14:13-14 Daniel 4:34	He is above all gods; nothing in life is more sacred. Used in Hebrew poetry and is found frequently in Genesis and Psalms.
El Olame el o-LAHM	The Everlasting or Eternal God	Genesis 21:33 Psalm 90:1-2 Isaiah 40:28-31	God is unchangeable, timeless, infinite and immortal. He is the beginning and the end, He works what He purposes throughout the ages.
El Roi el ROY	God Who Sees	Genesis 16:11-14 Psalm 139:7-12	God oversees all creation and the affairs of all people, events and circumstances.
El Shaddai el-shaw-DIE	God Almighty	Genesis 17:1-3; 35:11 48:3; 49:25 Psalm 90:2; 91:1	God is all-powerful, all-abundant and the all-sufficient source of all of our blessings.
Yahweh Yireh/ Jehovah Jireh juh-HO-vah jI-rah	The LORD Will Provide	Genesis 22:13-14 Psalm 23	God will provide for our real needs. Abraham called the place where God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead of Isaac: “The Lord will provide.”
Yahweh Tsebhaoth/ Jehovah Sabaoth juh-HO-vah        sah-bah-OATH	Lord Of Hosts (Hosts refers to armies but also to all the heavenly powers) Yahweh of Hosts LORD of Heaven’s army	1 Samuel 1:3; 17:45 Psalm 46:7 Isaiah 6:1-3 Malachi 1:10-14	God’s mightiest, most exalted royal name. The most comprehensive expression of His worldwide power. God is our savior and protector. He is the King of Glory, surrounded by angelic hosts, who rules Heaven and Earth in the interest of His people, and receives glory from all His people. He is the divine commander of Israel’s army on earth, heavenly bodies and of angels in Heaven.
Yahweh Nissi/ Jehovah Nissi juh-HO-vah NEE-see	The LORD Is My Banner; He goes before us and leads us	Exodus 17:15-16 Deuteronomy 20:3-4 Isaiah 11:10-12	We should always remember God for helping us because He always has – He fights our battles. Name of the alter built by Moses after defeating the Amalekites at Rephidim.
Yahweh Elohe Yisrael/ Jehovah Elohe Yisrael el el-o-HAY yis-raw-ALE	LORD God Of Israel	Genesis 33:20 Exodus 5:1 Psalm 59:5; 68:8 Zephaniah 2:9	He is the God of the nation of Israel who is distinct and separate from all false gods and idols of the world.
Yahweh Shalom/ Jehovah Shalom juh-HO-vah shah-LOME	The LORD Is Peace	Numbers 6:22-27 Judges 6:22-24 Isaiah 9:6	God gives us peace so we need not fear. Name of the alter built by Gideon at Ophrah to memorialize God’s message “Peace be unto thee.” Used as a greeting in Jewish culture.
Yahweh Tsidkenu/ Jehovah Tsidkenu juh-HO-vah tsid-KAY-noo	The LORD Is Our Righteousness	Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:16 Ezekiel 36:26-27	God is our standard for right behavior. He alone can make us righteous. God promised to send a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right (Jesus is that King).
Yahweh Shammah/ Jehovah Shammah juh-HO-vah SHAHM-mah	The LORD Is There; The LORD Is my companion	Ezekiel 48:35 Psalm 46	God is always present with us. God revealed to Ezekiel that the name of the New Jerusalem shall be “The LORD is there.”
Yahweh Raah/ Jehovah Rohi juh-HO-vah RO-hee	The LORD Is My Shepherd	Psalm 23 Isaiah 53:6	The LORD protects, provides, directs, leads, and cares for His people. He is the Good Shepherd. Jesus is our Shepherd!
Yahweh-Ropheka/ Jehovah Rapha juh-HO-vah RAH-fah	The LORD Who Heals	Exodus 15:25-27 Psalm 103:3; 147:3	God provides the final cure for spiritual, physical, and emotional sickness. God can, and will, heal us. Jesus is our Great Physician!
Yahweh/Jehovah Mekaddishkem juh-HO-vah mek-KAH-dish-KIM	The LORD Who Sanctifies	Exodus 31:12-13 Hebrews 13:12	God sets us apart as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, holy unto God, a people of His own. He cleanses our sins and helps us mature.
Immanuel ih-MAN-u-el	God With Us; The Great I AM in personal form	Isaiah 7:14; 8:8-10	(Jesus) God in our midst. Isaiah the Prophet said that the child born to the virgin would be called “Immanuel.”
Attiq Yomin	Ancient Of Days	Daniel 7:9,13	God is the ultimate authority. He will one day judge all nations.
YHWH’s Hesed	God’s love, faithfulness, compassion, grace and mercy for His people.	Exodus 20:6; 34:6-7 Nehemiah 1:5 Daniel 9:4 Jeremiah 32:18	This word is indescribable and beyond all understanding, but reflects God’s heart and covenant love for His people. Jesus’ offer of salvation is rooted in this term.

HOMEWORK

Practice step three, Context, for the Hermeneutical Method

• Read Genesis Chapters One and Two
• Re-read by taking notes for each section – you can also answer the focus questions for each chapter to help with your notes

FOCUS QUESTIONS FOR GENESIS CHAPTERS 1 AND 2 (we did question one this week)

1. What are some characteristics we can list about God from our reading in these chapters? What are some things you can add to that list that you know to be true of God?
2. Make a chart of, or list, the things God did for each day of creation in chapter 1.
3. How many times does God say “it was good” and why do you think He said that?
4. How many times is the word “kind” used; how and why?
5. What did God do on the seventh day, and why?
6. Chapter 2, verse 4, begins the re-telling of what God did on day six with more detail. What are some things you notice about this day that makes it different from all the others?
7. What does God say to Adam in verses 16-17? Discuss why you think He gave him that command.
8. What does God say specifically about man and woman in 1:27 and 2:24? How can we reflect on that for our culture today?

Jot down any questions you have for the shelf…

Please continue to join us each week for Foundations Bible Study – the book of Genesis!

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in!  Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

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Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15