Adult Lesson Plan: Genesis 1–2;Moses 2–3;Abraham 4–5

Opening Connection
Imagine standing amid the chaos of a demanding week—family needs pulling one way, work pressures another, and your own spirit feeling unformed and void, much like the earth described as “without form, and void” and “empty and desolate” (Genesis 1:2; Abraham 4:2). Yet the Creation accounts in Genesis 1–2, Moses 2–3, and Abraham 4–5 remind us that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are masterful Creators who bring order from disorder. “By mine Only Begotten I created these things,” declares the Father (Moses 2:1). As we study these chapters, consider how Their ongoing creative work in our lives can transform emptiness into divine purpose, filling us with light and life as we become like Them.

Scripture Discovery
Invite class members to pair up for a guided scripture hunt across the parallel Creation accounts. Provide handouts with key phrases: “without form, and void” (Genesis 1:2; Abraham 4:2); “let there be light” (Genesis 1:3; Moses 2:3; Abraham 4:3); and “created...in [mine] own image” (Genesis 1:27; Moses 2:27; Abraham 4:27). In pairs, have them mark similarities and differences in Genesis 1:1–25, Moses 2:1–25, and Abraham 4:1–25, noting what these reveal about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ as the Creator, the world, and ourselves. Reconvene for 5-minute reports: What does God teach us about His power and purpose?
Next, transition to Genesis 1:26–27; Moses 2:26–27; Abraham 4:26–27. In small groups of 3–4, cross-reference with Mosiah 3:19 (“For the natural man is an enemy to God...”) and Ether 12:27 (“weaknesses...that [we] may be made strong”). Discuss: How does being created in God’s image counter the idea that all our thoughts and desires are approved by Him without need for improvement?

Core Gospel Principles
These accounts reveal foundational doctrines that build our understanding of God’s plan.

1. Jesus Christ is the Creator under the Father’s direction. “By mine Only Begotten I created these things” (Moses 2:1; see also Genesis 1:1–25; Abraham 4:1–25). This teaches Christ’s divine role, as echoed in Doctrine and Covenants 101:32–34.

2. We are created in God’s image, male and female. “God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:26–27; see Moses 2:26–27; Abraham 4:26–27). President Russell M. Nelson testified in “God’s Greatest Creation” (Gospel Library): the human body is “miraculous,” a “magnificent gift to cherish” (“Your Body: A Magnificent Gift to Cherish,” Liahona, Aug. 2019).

3. Marriage between man and woman is ordained of God. “Adam and Eve were joined together in marriage for time and for all eternity by the power of [the] everlasting priesthood” (Russell M. Nelson, “Lessons from Eve,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 87; see Genesis 1:27–28; 2:18–25; Moses 3:18, 21–24; Abraham 5:14–18; “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”).

4. We are stewards over God’s creations. “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over...every living thing” (Genesis 1:28; Moses 2:28; Abraham 4:28; see Doctrine and Covenants 59:16–21; 104:13–18). Elder Gérald Caussé taught, “Our Earthly Stewardship” (Liahona, Nov. 2022).

5. God sanctified the Sabbath day. “God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work” (Genesis 2:2–3; Moses 3:2–3; Abraham 5:2–3; see Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–13).

Interactive Learning Activities

1. Partner Case Study Discussions (10 minutes): Divide into pairs with scenarios like: “A young adult feels worthless amid career setbacks—how does knowing we are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27) change their self-view?” or “A family debates screen time versus nature—apply stewardship from Genesis 1:28 and Doctrine and Covenants 59:16–21.” Pairs discuss applications, then share one insight class-wide.

2. Small Group Workshops (15 minutes): Form groups to research one principle: Group 1 on Creation (Moses 2:1–25), Group 2 on image of God (with President Nelson’s video “God’s Greatest Creation”), Group 3 on marriage (“The Family: A Proclamation”), Group 4 on stewardship/Sabbath. Each prepares a 2-minute teaching moment with visuals like creation pictures or hymns (“All Creatures of Our God and King,” Hymns, no. 62).

3. Personal Reflection Sharing (10 minutes): Individually journal: “Because I know I am created in God’s image, I choose to…” (from CFM manual). Invite 3–4 volunteers to share, fostering reverence for sacred bodies (“Your body is sacred,” For the Strength of Youth, pages 22–29).

Life Application Bridge
These truths anchor our adult responsibilities. In marriage and family, honor the eternal union of Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:24), treating it with priesthood power’s sacredness. As parents, teach children stewardship by exploring creations together, as in “The Creation of the Earth” (Old Testament Stories, 8–12). In careers, subdue chaos through Christlike creativity, subduing the earth responsibly (Genesis 1:28). Church service becomes Sabbath delight—“The Sabbath Is a Delight” (Gospel Library)—resting as God did (Genesis 2:3). Personally, counter natural tendencies (Mosiah 3:19) by cherishing our divine image, transforming daily struggles into growth toward godliness.

Personal Study Guide
Day 1 (Jan 12): Genesis 1:1–25; Moses 2:1–25; Abraham 4:1–25. Reflect: What does this teach about Jesus as Creator? Cross-ref: D&C 101:32–34.
Day 2 (Jan 13): Genesis 1:26–27; Moses 2:26–27; Abraham 4:26–27. Journal: “Because I am in God’s image, I choose…” Watch “God’s Greatest Creation.”
Day 3 (Jan 14): Genesis 1:27–28; 2:18–25; Moses 3:18, 21–24. Read “The Family: A Proclamation.” Ponder eternal marriage.
Day 4 (Jan 15): Genesis 1:28; Moses 2:28; Abraham 4:28. Study D&C 59:16–21, 104:13–18; “Environmental Stewardship,” Gospel Library.
Day 5 (Jan 16): Genesis 2:2–3; Moses 3:2–3; Abraham 5:2–3. Watch “The Sabbath Is a Delight.” List Sabbath delights (D&C 59:9–13).
Day 6 (Jan 17): Review all; Mosiah 3:19; Ether 12:27. Share testimony via photo of creation.
Day 7 (Jan 18): Sing “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29); prepare commitment.

Unified Closing
From formless void to sanctified Sabbath, these accounts testify of Creators who invite us into Their work. As President Nelson reminds us, our bodies are magnificent gifts—let that truth guide us. I bear testimony that studying the Creation has deepened my awe for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, filling my own emptiness with Their light. What commitment will you make this week? Perhaps cherish your body through sacred choices, honor marriage’s divinity, or steward a creation. Share briefly if moved, then close in prayer, inviting the Spirit to make these truths alive in your lives. (Word count: 1,048)