Created in God's Image: Embracing Our Divine Purpose
Summary
In the sermon, I was reminded of the fundamental truth that we were created by God. This truth, which is the foundation of our faith, was a staggering revelation to the first hearers of Genesis 1 and 2, who lived in a world where people worshipped all sorts of false gods. The sermon emphasized that everything, from the pine trees of East Texas to the mountains of Nicaragua, was created by God. This also means that we, as individuals, were created by God. This realization should lead us to praise the mighty maker of heaven and earth and stop attempting to run our own lives, but instead, bow our lives before God saying, "Your will be done, not mine."
The sermon also highlighted that we were not only created by God but were created in God's image. This means that we were created to reflect the glory of God. Whether we are stay-at-home moms, retirees, bus drivers, factory workers, office workers, or business owners, we were created to reflect the glory of God. The sermon also touched on the current culture's gender confusion and provided a biblical response to it, emphasizing that the first chapter of the Bible clearly states that male and female were created in the image of God.
Key Takeaways:
- We were created by God, which means we are not God. This realization should lead us to stop trying to run our own lives and instead submit to God's will. #!!55:19!!#
- We were created in God's image, which means we were created to reflect the glory of God. This is our purpose, regardless of our occupation or stage in life. #!!01:04:00!!#
- The first chapter of the Bible clearly states that male and female were created in the image of God, providing a biblical response to the current culture's gender confusion. #!!57:06!!#
- It's never too late to return to our creator. Despite our shortcomings and disobedience, God still deems us good and worthy. #!!01:06:51!!#
Study Guide
Takeaways from the sermon:
1. We are created by God, and this is a fundamental and foundational truth. We are not God, and we should remember this as we go about our lives, praising the mighty maker of heaven and earth and submitting our will to His. #!!55:19!!#
2. We are created in God's image, and this means we are created to reflect His glory. As we go about our week, we should live with purpose, reflecting God's glory in all we do. #!!01:04:00!!#
Bible reading:
1. Genesis 1
2. Genesis 2
Observation questions:
1. What does Genesis 1 tell us about the nature of God as the creator?
2. How does Genesis 2 describe the creation of man and woman?
Interpretation questions:
1. What does it mean to be created in God's image according to Genesis 1 and 2?
2. How does being created by God and in His image influence our understanding of our purpose and identity?
Application questions:
1. How can you reflect God's glory in your daily life this week?
2. In what ways have you been trying to run your own life instead of submitting to God's will?
3. How does understanding that you are created in God's image change how you view yourself and others?
4. Can you share a specific instance where you felt you were reflecting God's glory in your actions or decisions?
5. How can you live with purpose this week, knowing that you were created to reflect God's glory?
Devotional
Day 1: Created by God
We were created by God, a fundamental and foundational truth that is often overlooked. This truth is staggering, not just to the first hearers of Genesis, but also to us in our modern, pleasure-seeking world where many function as their own gods. Remember, you are not God, but you were created by Him. [54:26]
Job 33:4 - "The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life."
Reflection: How does acknowledging that you were created by God change your perspective on your life and your actions?
Day 2: Created in God's Image
Not only were we created by God, but we were also created in His image. This means we are deemed very good by God and are meant to reflect His glory. As you go about your week, remember that you were created to reflect the glory of God. [56:20]
Genesis 1:27 - "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
Reflection: How can you better reflect God's glory in your daily life?
Day 3: God's Intimate Creation
God's creation of man was an intimate act, forming man from the dust and breathing life into him. This depiction of God as intimate and personal is a reminder of His closeness and care for us. [51:02]
Psalm 139:13 - "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb."
Reflection: How does understanding God's intimate act of creation affect your relationship with Him?
Day 4: God's Purpose for Us
God has a purpose for us. Whether you're a stay-at-home mom, a retiree, a bus driver, or a CEO, you were created to reflect the glory of God. Live this week with purpose, knowing that you were created by God to reflect His glory. [01:04:00]
Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Reflection: How can you live out God's purpose for you in your current circumstances?
Day 5: Returning to the Creator
It's never too late to return to your Creator. Despite our shortcomings and disobedience, God deemed us so good that He sent His Son to redeem us. As we continue to read the story of Genesis, we see this truth time and time again. [01:06:51]
Jeremiah 24:7 - "I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart."
Reflection: How can you return to your Creator and live in the light of His redemption?
Quotes
1. "We were created by God. In fact, everything was created by God. This would have been staggering news to the first hearers of Genesis 1 and 2. The first hearers of this word lived in a world of worship where people worshiped all sorts of false gods. Genesis 1 teaches that all of those things were created by the one true God." - 51:57
2. "You were created by God and you were created in His image so that you might reflect his glory to a lost and dying world that has yet to see his goodness. So as you go about this week, may you live it with purpose." - 01:04:00
3. "It's never too late to run to your creator. It's never too late to return to your creator because as we've already discussed this morning, he formed you and he deemed you very good." - 01:06:51
4. "As one's created in the image of God, every person has value. As one's created in the image of God, every person has purpose. This is why the church stands on the side of life. As Believers, we are pro-life from the womb to the tomb." - 59:14
5. "We were created for God's glory. The book of Isaiah chapter 43 Verse 7 at the tail end of a powerful passage we hear this line everyone who is called by my name whom I created for my glory whom I formed and made. God formed us, God made us, and he created us for his glory." - 01:02:04
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