Instructions for Genesis

These are general instructions for the reading of Genesis.

Genesis falls into two segments. The first, chapters 1 through 11, covers four major events. The second segment, chapters 12 through 50, covers the lives of four major characters.

As you read chapter by chapter train yourself to ask the 5W's and one H about the text: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? You should ask questions such as: Who is speaking? What is happening? When is it happening? Where will it happen? Why was this said or done and what were the consequences? How did it happen? And how is it supposed to be done? Etc.

Mark in a distinctive way in the repeated words or phrases which are key to understanding the content of the chapter. There are several keywords you should look for throughout the book of Genesis: “God said or commanded”, “generations of”, “covenant”, “altar”, “circumcised”, “Abram/Abraham”. You may want to write these words on an index card and use it as a bookmark to study Genesis.

The timing of events can be very important. When you see a time phrase, draw in the margin an appropriate symbol and the color of your choice so you will be able to see it immediately.

In the margin, summarize the main things which occur in the chapter. List them in the order in which they occur. You may even want to number them.
As you study you will gain insights into God's character and ways. As you read each chapter, in the margin, note what you learn about God.

Genesis is often referred to as the book of beginnings; it is the seedbed of truth. This is because the word of God is a Progressive Revelation. Progressive revelation means that truth is unveiled over a period of time throughout various books of the Bible. God doesn't say everything He has to say about a particular subject at one time or in one place. Rather He will introduce a truth and progressively reveal more and more about it.

In conclusion I hope this is a helpful tool to get us started in reading. If you're behind in your reading don't worry about it, but one thing I'm encouraging you to do is not wait until the night before to read all the verses. This is not a test in which we are trying to cram for, but the transforming Word of God. Let His word soak into you and reveal His truth about Himself and areas of sin that we must turn over to Him. I look forward to being on this journey with all of you.
Brian