Discussion Guide | Why? | The Goodness of God | Genesis 1
Gathering Question:
When is a time in the last few weeks where you have been struck by beauty or filled with gratitude?
Gathering Prayer.
Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your voice as we work through this study. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray, Amen.
Opening Questions
- What stood out to you in the sermon?
- What insights did you gain?
- What questions did it raise?
Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God…” (God is transcendent)
- How would you describe the transcendence of God in your own words?
- Why is it important to remember that God is transcendent?
Genesis 1:1- 2:3
- What stands out to you from this reading? What do you notice?
- Why do you think this was written with so much repetition and symmetry?
- Compare two worldviews. How would you live if the universe (and you) is random and accidental? How would you live if the universe (and you) is created by God’s purpose and will?
God saw it was tov (good)
“The Christian tradition has said, and indeed sung, that the glory belongs to God the creator. It is his voice we hear echoing off the crags, murmuring in the sunset. It is his power we feel in the crashing of the waves and the roar of the lion. It is his beauty we see reflected in a thousand faces and forms. (NT Wright, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense)
- What are some times where you find yourself struck by tov (goodness)? (Maybe you can give some big moments or every day kind of moments.)
- Tov isn’t accidental. It comes from God. Why do some of us have a hard time recognizing God’s hand in the goodness of creation?
- What practical difference should it make in our lives that God calls his creation good?
Closing Prayer.