Focusing on the first half of Genesis, these fourteen Bible studies by Charles and Anne Hummel ask you to consider what it means that the One who called the world into being also calls you to serve him.

Introduction

Getting the Most Out of Genesis 1-25
This section introduces the topic, explains the structure followed in each study and offers tips for those approaching the study on their own as well as those participating in a group.

Session One

The Creation
The creation account reveals that God brings order, beauty and harmony out of an originally chaotic situation. In what areas do you need to trust God to produce these qualities in your life?
Genesis 1:1–2:3

Session Two

Adam & Eve
Note the responsibility and instructions given to Adam in verses 15-17. What do they reveal about the life God originally intended for us?
Genesis 2:4-25

Session Three

The First Sin
What mistakes do Adam and Eve make? Have any of these kinds of mistakes led you to disobey God?
Genesis 3

Session Four

Cain & Abel
Cain is told that sin is crouching at the door and he must master it. What happens when we refuse to admit that we are on the wrong track?
Genesis 4–5

Session Five

The Flood
How do current newspaper and TV headlines illustrate some ways our civilization resembles Noah's?
Genesis 6–7

Session Six

The Rainbow
How is the sign of the rainbow especially appropriate to God's promise? How have you seen his grace at work in your life?
Genesis 8:1–9:17

Session Seven

The Tower of Babel
Why do you think all human efforts to achieve world unity fall short of what God desires?
Genesis 9:18–11:32

Session Eight

Abram's Call
How does the Lord save Abram from his own deception? Describe a time when you took matters into your own hands instead of trusting God's faithfulness. What were the results for you and others involved?
Genesis 12–13

Session Nine

Conflict & Covenant
The first time we read that Abram believed the Lord is Genesis 15:6. Explain in your own words what it means that the Lord "credited it to him as righteousness."
Job 35; 36:13-16

Session Ten

Ishmael & Isaac
It has been ten years since Abram and Sarai entered Canaan. What action does Sarai now suggest? How can our impatience with God's timetable lead us into unbelief and even disobedience?
Genesis 16–17

Session Eleven

Sodom & Gomorrah
In this dialogue, what can you learn about Abraham's attitude toward the wicked cities and toward the Lord? In what ways can we intercede with God for our city, our state and our country because of its sins?
Genesis 18–19

Session Twelve

Political & Family Crises
Seeing the effects of Abraham's fear and lack of trust, what can we learn from this account to help us deal with the ongoing fears we have?
Genesis 20–21

Session Thirteen

The Sacrifice of Isaac
Based on Abraham's example what does it mean to "fear" God?
Genesis 22–23

Session Fourteen

A Wife for Isaac
Abraham's servant did not ask for a vision or miraculous event but for guidance through clear signs in natural circumstances. When has God guided you this way?
Genesis 24:1–25:11

Leader's Notes

This section includes information on preparing and leading studies, components of small groups, selected discussion questions, and background notes and suggestions for each study.

Leader's Notes: included with master PDF for download

Total number of pages - 67 pages

Charles Hummel (d. 2004) was director of faculty ministries for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA and president of Barrington College in Rhode Island. He wrote fifteen books and Bible study guides, including The Galileo Connection and Freedom from Tyranny of the Urgent. Anne Hummel (d. 2008) had extensive experience leading Bible study groups and training Bible study leaders. She also worked with special needs children at Elm Park Daycare Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Bible Studies on Genesis

The Gospel in Genesis

Genesis 1-25: Creation, Abraham & Isaac

Genesis 25-50: Jacob & Joseph

Genesis: Promised Land Living