Transformed by Truth: The Power of God’s Word in Genesis 1:1-8
It’s a blessing to be here today as we open the Word of God together.
I pray that today’s message will both challenge and encourage you as we explore the beginning of all things: the Creation story in Genesis.
The Creation narrative in Genesis is not just a historical account, it is a declaration of God’s power, His creativity, and His intentionality. Our journey will take us through Genesis 1:1-8, and we’ll see how God’s truth, right from the very beginning, has the power to transform our lives today.
Genesis 1:1-8 (NLT): 1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light 'day' and the darkness 'night.' And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day. Then God said, 'Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.' And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens. God called the space 'sky.' And evening passed and morning came, marking the second day."
Point 1: God is the Creator of All Things (Genesis 1:1-2)
From the very first verse of the Bible, we are confronted with a profound truth: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
God is not only the Creator, but He is also eternal, existing before the beginning of time as we know it.
The Hebrew word used for "created" is “bara”, which is significant because it implies creation ex nihilo, or creation out of nothing.
This is something that only God can do—bringing something into existence from nothing.
Theologian Wayne Grudem explains, “God is separate from His creation. He is not part of it, for He has made it and rules over it.”
The fact that God created everything reminds us of His sovereignty.
The Apostle Paul echoes this in Colossians 1:16 (NLT): “For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see... Everything was created through him and for him.”
When we understand that everything, including our very lives, was created by God and for God, it should compel us to worship and surrender to His authority.
Imagine an artist carefully crafting a beautiful sculpture. The sculpture has no life of its own, no purpose outside of what the artist has given it.
In the same way, our lives have no true meaning apart from the One who created us. We were made by Him and for Him. When we recognize this, we are freed to live in the fullness of what God intended for us.
Point 2: God Brings Order Out of Chaos (Genesis 1:2-4)
Genesis 1:2 describes the earth as “formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters.” But God didn’t leave it that way.
Verse 3 tells us that God spoke light into the darkness: “Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”
The Hebrew word for “said” here is “amar”, which conveys not just the act of speaking but the power and authority in the spoken word.
God’s Word brings order out of chaos.
In the same way, God brings order to the chaos in our lives.
In John 1:1-5, we see this theme continue as the apostle writes, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God... The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
Jesus is the Word, the Logos, who brings light into our darkness. When we invite Jesus into our lives, He brings order, purpose, and clarity.
Consider a messy, disorganised room. At first glance, it might seem overwhelming. But with time and effort, you can clean and organise it, transforming chaos into order.
That’s what God does in our lives. He takes the mess and confusion and brings peace and purpose.
As author Max Lucado said, “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.”
God wants to bring light into the darkest areas of your life.
Point 3: God’s Word is Powerful and Transformative (Genesis 1:3-5)
Notice in Genesis 1:3 that God’s method of creation is through speaking. “Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”
God’s Word has creative power.
In fact, throughout the creation account, we see the repeated phrase, “Then God said… and it was so.”
The spoken Word of God carries with it the power to create and transform.
The writer of Hebrews tells us in Hebrews 4:12 (NLT): “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
God’s Word is not just words on a page. It is living, active, and able to bring about change in our lives.
Imagine a sculptor chiseling away at a block of marble. With each strike of the hammer, the rough stone begins to take shape, until a beautiful statue emerges.
That’s what God’s Word does in our lives. It shapes us, molds us, and transforms us into His image.
As pastor and author John Piper said, “The Word of God is not a dead letter. It is living and active because God Himself stands behind it and is ever at work in the world and in our lives through His Word.” When we engage with God’s Word, we open ourselves up to His transforming power.
Point 4: God Brings Separation and Clarity (Genesis 1:6-8)
In verses 6-8, we see God separating the waters, creating the sky. This act of separation brings clarity and structure to creation.
God’s work of separation is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.
He separates light from darkness, day from night, land from sea, and eventually, He calls His people to be separate from the world.
In 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NLT), Paul urges believers: “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.”
God calls us to be distinct, set apart for His purposes.
This separation doesn’t mean isolation from the world, but it does mean living with a different set of values and priorities that reflect God’s kingdom.
Think of a gardener pruning a plant. The gardener cuts away the dead and overgrown branches to allow for new growth.
In the same way, God separates us from the things that hinder our growth so that we can flourish in His kingdom.
As Francis Chan once said, “Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to.”
When we allow God to bring separation and clarity in our lives, we make room for His presence and power.
Conclusion and Call to Action:
In conclusion, the creation story is not just about the origins of the universe.
It’s about God’s sovereignty, His power, and His desire to bring order, clarity, and transformation to our lives.
God is still speaking today, and His Word still has the power to create, transform, and bring light into our darkness.
So, how do we respond?
First, we need to recognise God as the Creator of all things and surrender to His authority in our lives.
Second, we must invite God to bring order out of the chaos we might be experiencing.
Third, we need to engage with His Word daily, allowing it to shape and transform us.
Finally, we must be willing to let God separate us from anything that hinders our walk with Him, living lives that are distinct and set apart for His glory.
Call to Action:
If there’s an area of your life that feels formless or chaotic, invite God into that space today.
Ask Him to speak His Word over it, bringing light and order.
Spend time in Scripture this week, asking God to reveal Himself to you in new ways.
And be willing to allow God to do the work of separation in your life, pruning away anything that doesn’t align with His purposes.
As you do, you’ll experience the transformative power of His truth.
Let us pray.
