Genesis Chapter 1: In the Beginning, Creation Unfolds (Part Two)

Key Themes & Lessons

Genesis Chapter 1 highlights the creation of the world and everything within it. It emphasizes that God, through His divine power and wisdom, created the heavens, earth, and all living creatures in a structured, purposeful manner (Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:27). (Yes, no cosmic accidents or alien blueprints involved.) This chapter teaches that everything created by God is good (Genesis 1:10, Genesis 1:12, Genesis 1:18, Genesis 1:21, Genesis 1:25, Genesis 1:31) —even mosquitoes, apparently. And that humanity is made in God’s image, entrusted with dominion over the earth and its creatures (Genesis 1:26, Genesis 1:28). (Basically, Earth came with a "Handle With Care" tag.)

Humans were given the responsibility to care for their home and planet as stewards of the earth, ensuring that all of God's creation flourished and remained in harmony under their guidance and protection. (So no, tossing your trash out the car window is not in the original Hebrew.) They were accountable to God for how they handled this responsibility. It also underscores the order and harmony of creation, which reflects God’s greatness (Genesis 1:3, Genesis 1:9, Genesis 1:14). (Think of it as divine interior design—perfect light placement included.)

Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:27, “And God went on to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:10, “God called the dry land Earth, but the collecting of the waters, he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:10, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:12, “And the earth began to produce grass, seed-bearing plants and trees yielding fruit along with seed, according to their kinds. Then God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:12, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:18, “and to dominate by day and by night and to make a division between the light and the darkness. Then God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:18, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:21, “And God created the great sea creatures and all living creatures that move and swarm in the waters according to their kinds and every winged flying creature according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:21, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:25, “And God went on to make the wild animals of the earth according to their kinds and the domestic animals according to their kinds and all the creeping animals of the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:25, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:31, “After that God saw everything he had made, and look! it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:26, “Then God said: “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and the domestic animals and all the earth and every creeping animal that is moving on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:28, “Further, God blessed them, and God said to them: “Be fruitful and become many, fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:3, “And God said: “Let there be light.” Then there was light." (Genesis 1:3, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:9, “Then God said: “Let the waters under the heavens be collected together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so.” (Genesis 1:9, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:14, Then God said: “Let there be luminaries in the expanse of the heavens to make a division between the day and the night, and they will serve as signs for seasons and for days and years.” (Genesis 1:14, New World Translation)

Reflection Questions

1.) What does this tell me about Jehovah God?

Jehovah God is the Creator of all things. This chapter reveals His immense power and wisdom in creating the heavens and earth, as well as all living creatures, from the formless void to a structured, beautiful world. His work is purposeful, and everything He creates is declared "good." (Genesis 1:1,27) (Spoiler alert: “good” means very good—like divine five stars on Yelp.)

Jehovah God is orderly and intentional. The creation process is carefully laid out, and each day has a specific purpose, showing God's organized nature and His role as the sovereign Creator (Genesis 1:3,9). (Take notes—He didn’t even need a planner or a second cup of coffee.)

2.) How does this section of the Scriptures contribute to the Bible’s message?

Foundation for understanding God’s relationship with creation. Genesis 1 provides the foundational understanding that God created the world and everything in it, which ties into the larger Biblical narrative of God’s sovereignty, His love for His creation, and the role of humanity within it (Genesis 1:1,31.) (This isn’t just backstory—it’s the ultimate origin story, and yes, it outshines every superhero movie.)

The introduction of humanity’s purpose. The creation of humans in God’s image is a critical part of the Bible’s message, setting the stage for understanding humanity's purpose on earth, including the responsibility to care for creation (Genesis 1:26,28.) (Plot twist: your life comes with divine responsibility—cape optional.)

Genesis 1:1,27, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And God went on to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:1,27, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:3,9, “And God said: “Let there be light.” Then there was light. After that God saw that the light was good, and God began to divide the light from the darkness. Then God said: “Let the waters under the heavens be collected together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, but the collecting of the waters, he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:3,9, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:1,31, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. After that God saw everything, he had made, and look! it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.” (Genesis 1:1,31, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:26,28, “Then God said: “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and the domestic animals and all the earth and every creeping animal that is moving on the earth. Further, God blessed them, and God said to them: “Be fruitful and become many, fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26,28, New World Translation)

3.) How can I apply this in my life?

Recognize God’s power and purpose. Acknowledging that God is the Creator of all things can inspire reverence and humility in how we view the world and our place in it. (And maybe make us think twice before yelling at the weather or stomping on ants.) It reminds us to respect nature, recognizing that it was made by God for His purposes (Genesis 1:3,10).

Reflect on our role as stewards. Since humanity is created in God’s image and given dominion over the earth, we are entrusted with the responsibility to care for it and all living creatures. (Yes, even that one plant you keep forgetting to water.) This can encourage environmentally conscious actions and a greater appreciation for life (Genesis 1:28,29).

4.) How can I use these verses to help others?

Encourage appreciation for creation. These verses can help others understand the beauty and order of God's creation and inspire them to live in harmony with nature, reflecting on its goodness and purpose (Genesis 1:9,31). (Bonus: It’s a great conversation starter that doesn’t involve debating pineapple on pizza.)

Highlight humanity’s value and purpose. Sharing the truth that humans are made in God's image can encourage others to recognize their inherent dignity and purpose, fostering a sense of responsibility and moral clarity in how they live and interact with others (Genesis 1:26,28). (Spoiler alert: You're not just here to pay bills and forget passwords.)

Genesis 1:3,10, “And God said: “Let there be light.” Then there was light. God called the dry land Earth, but the collecting of the waters, he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:3,10, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:28,29, “Further, God blessed them, and God said to them: “Be fruitful and become many, fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving on the earth.” Then God said: “Here I have given to you every seed-bearing plant that is on the entire earth and every tree with seed-bearing fruit. Let them serve as food for you.” (Genesis 1:28,29, New World Translation)

Genesis 1:9,31, “Then God said: “Let the waters under the heavens be collected together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, but the collecting of the waters, he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. After that God saw everything, he had made, and look! it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.” (Genesis 1:9,31, New World Translation)

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Apply What You Learn in Your Life Now

Coming This Thursday, July 24: We’re excited to release the companion eGuide, Genesis Chapter 1: In the Beginning, Creation Unfolds — “A Guided Journal for Chronological Bible Study”—designed not just to help you read the Bible but to actively apply what you learn to your daily life. This practical tool will guide you in reflecting on Scripture, capturing insights, and taking spiritual steps that transform ordinary days into holy journeys. (Because let’s face it, even your Monday mornings could use a little divine upgrade.)

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Quiz: How Well Do You Know Genesis Chapter 1?

1. What does Genesis Chapter 1 reveal about Jehovah God?

a. He created only the heavens

b. He created the earth and everything in it

c. He is not the creator of humanity

d. He only made animals

2. What is the main message in Genesis Chapter 1 regarding God’s creations?

a. Everything was made by chance

b. All of God’s creations were declared "good"

c. Only humans were created perfectly

d. The earth is chaotic and disordered

3. What does Genesis Chapter 1 teach us about humanity's role in creation?

a. Humans were created to rule over all of creation

b. Humans were created as equal partners with God

c. Humans were made in God’s image and given dominion over the earth

d. Humans were created to live apart from nature

4. What does Genesis Chapter 1 tell us about the purpose of humans?

a. To live as independent beings

b. To care for and rule over all creation

c. To worship God from a distance

d. To dominate and destroy nature

5. According to Genesis Chapter 1, what did God see after completing each day of creation?

a. That it was imperfect

b. That it was good

c. That it was incomplete

d. That it was chaotic

6. What does Genesis 1:26 suggest about the relationship between humanity and the rest of creation?

a. Humans were to rule over animals without care

b. Humans were made in God's image and entrusted with dominion over all living creatures

c. Humans were to avoid interacting with the earth

d. Humans had no responsibility to care for animals or the earth

7. How does Genesis Chapter 1 highlight the order of creation?

a. God created everything in random order

b. Creation followed a purposeful and structured sequence

c. The earth was created before light

d. Creation happened in a chaotic and unsystematic manner

8. How can we apply the teaching of stewardship from Genesis Chapter 1 in our own lives?

a. By living in disregard of the earth

b. By taking care of the environment and all of God's creation

c. By ignoring our role in nature

d. By using resources without concern for their depletion

9. What responsibility do humans have according to Genesis 1:28?

a. To take dominion over the fish but not the animals

b. To be fruitful, multiply, and care for all living creatures on earth

c. To worship only on holy days

d. To isolate themselves from the rest of creation

10. Why is Genesis Chapter 1 significant in understanding our purpose and connection to God’s creation?

a. It teaches us that creation was an accident

b. It highlights humanity’s role as stewards and caretakers of the earth

c. It tells us to exploit nature for personal gain

d. It ignores the relationship between humans and nature

Answer Key

b. He created the earth and everything in it
b. All of God’s creations were declared "good"
c. Humans were made in God’s image and given dominion over the earth
b. To care for and rule over all creation
b. That it was good
b. Humans were made in God's image and entrusted with dominion over all living creatures
b. Creation followed a purposeful and structured sequence
b. By taking care of the environment and all of God's creation
b. To be fruitful, multiply, and care for all living creatures on earth
b. It highlights humanity’s role as stewards and caretakers of the earth

Nourish & Reflect

1. What part of this article stirred your spirit the most—and why?

(AKA: What had you pausing mid-scroll like, “That was for me”?)

2. Where in your life do you see this spiritual truth applying right now? (Is it calling you in your relationships, your prayer life, your patience… or maybe that area you really didn’t want to talk about?)

3. What would shift in your life if you actually committed to walking this out for a week?

(Just seven days—No need to part the Red Sea. Just part with some excuses.)

4. After applying this truth, what did you notice? Did anything in your heart or habits start to shift?

(Or did life try to test you the second you hit “amen”? Be honest—we’re not judging.)

5. If you faced spiritual resistance or setbacks, what’s one way you can press through it?

(Tap into your inner prayer warrior. What would your spiritually mature, fruit-bearing self say right now?)

6. Do you have questions, insights, or lingering thoughts from this reading? (You know, that one part where your spirit perked up and said, “Let’s go deeper.” Share it—we love those Holy Spirit “aha” moments.)

Your reflections don’t just matter—they might be ministry to someone else. Drop your thoughts in the comments below: What pierced? What prompted prayer? What planted a new seed of faith? Someone else may need the very insight God gave you today.

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Bibliography

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (2013). New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.