INTRODUCTION: In this portion of Scripture, we have the six days of creation. During this time God brought shape and order to the universe and then filled it with plants and animals. The creation of man on the sixth day win be reserved for a later lesson.
I. IMPORTANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION.
Before we begin our study of the six days of creation, there are several matters we might note:A. Notice that the work of creation was done by God's word [verses 3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, and 24; Hebrews 11:3]. His great works are all performed in this way. Souls are saved [I Corinthians 1:21; Romans 10:17], Christians are cleansed [John 17:17], and judgment falls on the wicked [Revelation 19:15], all through the instrumentality of God's word. Theologians refer to God's spoken Word, His written Word, and to Jesus Christ as the incarnate Word [John 1:1 and 14].
B. Often people ask if the days of Genesis 1 are literal twenty-four hour periods. The answer is yes.
Consider the following:
1. Whenever the Hebrew word yom is used with a number (first, second, etc.) it always refers to a literal day.2. These days are connected to the ordinary rotation of the earth [verse 16]. Each day had a morning and an evening [verse 8].
There are many other proofs, but these are obvious and should suffice. There is no reason to interpret the Bible otherwise.
C. In Hebrew culture to name something was to assert dominion over it. God's naming of the parts of the universe reveals His sovereign power over it [verses 5, 8, and others]. While we take this for granted, yet it is a great revelation to people who worship a multitude of gods, who each rule a part of the universe.
II. THE FIRST DAY - verses 3-5.
The first thing created by God was light. Light in many respects is like God [James 1:17; I John 1:5]. It is used to represent God's holiness, knowledge, and life-giving power. The creation of light is also used as a picture of the New Birth [II Corinthians 4:6]. In salvation, Christ brings light to a darkened soul [1 John 5:20].III. THE SECOND DAY - verses 6-8.
On the second day God made the firmament. The word firmament means "expanse." It refers to the sky around us. Before the second day, the waters were everywhere as liquid and vapours. God separated the waters upon earth from those in the clouds above. This left the atmosphere around us, as we know it.IV. THE THlRD DAY - verses 9-13.
On the third day God separated the land from the waters [Job 38:11]. Before this time, the earth was covered with water. Also on this day, all forms of vegetation were made. Notice that with the creation of life, it was mentioned that it would propagate after its kind [verse 12]. This was no doubt made clear to contradict all false theories in advance (spontaneous generation, evolution, and other false theories).V. THE FOURTH DAY - verses 14-19.
On the fourth day God made the heavenly bodies as we know them. Possibly they already existed [verse 1], but did not shine or serve their present purpose. At any rate, on the fourth day, the sun, moon, planets, and stars began to shine. The purpose is given in verse.14.Note: The firmament of verse 8, is different from that of verse 15. Both are expanses, but one refers to the place where the birds fly and the other to outer space.
VI. THE FIFTH DAY - verses 20-23.
On the fifth day God created the animals which live in water and also the birds. Notice again, that each propagate after its kind.VII. THE SIXTH DAY - verses 24-26.
On the sixth day God created all land animals and insects. Notice that with each day of creation, God was well-pleased with His work [verse 25]. Every part was good and the whole was very good [verse 31]. This was all before the curse blighted God's creation. Even today, with sin's damage, we marvel at the power, wisdom, and goodness of God in creation. What beauty, variety, and complexity are manifest. Creation still reveals God [Psalm 19:1-3].CONCLUSION: Only God can make a world. Likewise, only God can make a Christian. The physical creation is used to illustrate God's saving grace maniested in the New Birth [II Corinthians 5:17]. The word creature is an old English word for "creation" or "something created."
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