Opening Discussion:
- We started this week's conversation by watching this clip from The Bible Project.
Activation:
- Repeated themes in Genesis 1–11
- How is the story of Cain and Abel commonly preached?
- What is the author's purpose for the story of Cain and Abel?
- Does the common approach to preaching the story of Cain and Abel the same as the author's purpose for the story?
- Compare and contrast the genealogies of Cain and Seth
- What is the function of Genesis 6:1–8 in the author's overall narrative of Genesis 2–11?
- How do the New Testament authors interpret and apply the story of Cain, Abel and Seth?
At-Home Skills Practice:
- Step 1: Oh look, we’re reading through Genesis 1–11 again this week. This time around I want you to come up with a main idea statement for this entire section (chapters 1–11). Bring this with you to class so we can discuss it together.
- Step 2: Now, develop a main idea statement for the entire narrative about Noah (6:9–9:28). Don’t forget to incorporate the rather odd story of Noah’s drunkenness at the end of chapter 9. It’s part of the “chunk” of the author’s “account” of Noah, so it must have some kind of function in the narrative. Bring this with you to class so we can discuss it together.
- Step 3: Compare and contrast the author’s descriptions of Adam and Noah. In what ways does Noah echo themes/phrases/images that the author developed in the story of Adam? Make a list of what you notice. Bring this with you to class so we can discuss it together.
- Read: Now is a good time to get caught up on the reading in Stuart and Fee's book (if you're doing that) How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Try to get through chapters 1–3.
