Created in God's Image: Embracing Our True Worth

Devotional

Day 1: Created in the Image of God with Purpose

Every human being is intentionally and lovingly created by God, not by accident or chance, but as the pinnacle of His creation, reflecting His image and purpose. Your life is a gift from a loving Heavenly Father who delights in you, regardless of how you may feel about yourself. This foundational truth means that your existence is not random, but the result of God’s deliberate choice and design, and He takes joy in who you are. [11:43]

Genesis 1:26-27 (ESV)
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself today that your life is not an accident, but a purposeful creation of God who delights in you?

Day 2: The Intrinsic Value of Every Human Life

Because all people are made in the image of God, every human life—regardless of age, ability, or circumstance—has intrinsic, unearned value and is precious in God’s sight. This truth calls us to treat every person with compassion and dignity, especially the most vulnerable, and to recognize that our worth and the worth of others is not determined by society, ability, or circumstance, but by God’s loving creation. [22:19]

Genesis 1:31 (ESV)
And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Reflection: Who in your life or community might need to be reminded of their God-given value, and how can you show them compassion and dignity this week?

Day 3: God’s Delight Is Not Dependent on Our Feelings

God’s delight in you is not based on your feelings or self-perception, but on the unchanging reality that He made you in His image and loves you deeply. Even when you struggle to take delight in yourself or feel disconnected from who you are, God’s love and purpose for you remain steadfast, and He invites you to rest in the truth of His intentional creation. [19:25]

Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.

Reflection: When you struggle with negative feelings about yourself, how can you anchor your identity in God’s unchanging delight and purpose for you?

Day 4: Forgiveness and Restoration Are Found in Christ

No matter what mistakes or guilt you carry, God’s love and forgiveness are available to you through Jesus Christ, who gave His life so you could be restored to an intimate relationship with God. There is nothing you can do that will make God cast you away as unworthy; instead, He invites you to receive His forgiveness, freedom from guilt, and the assurance of His love through faith in Christ. [23:06]

Romans 8:1-2 (ESV)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Reflection: Is there a past mistake or burden of guilt you need to bring to Jesus today, trusting in His complete forgiveness and love?

Day 5: Finding Your True Identity and Purpose in God

You were created to be in relationship with God, and it is only in Him that you find your true identity, purpose, and fulfillment. When you seek your foundation in God, you discover a love and meaning that cannot be found anywhere else, and you are invited to build your life on the truth of who He says you are. [27:15]

Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can seek your identity and purpose in God today, rather than in the shifting opinions or expectations of others?

Sermon Summary

Genesis 1 reveals the profound truth that every human life is intentionally created by God, not as an accident or a product of chance, but as a gift of love from a gracious Heavenly Father. God’s act of creation is purposeful, and humanity stands as the pinnacle of His creative work. Unlike the rest of creation, which God simply spoke into being, the creation of humanity is marked by a divine conversation within the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—signifying both the uniqueness of human beings and the relational nature for which we were made. Being created in God’s image means that every person, regardless of gender or circumstance, possesses intrinsic value and dignity. This truth is not only foundational for understanding our own worth but also shapes how we view and treat others.

The image of God in humanity is not about physical appearance but about the capacity for relationship, reason, creativity, and moral responsibility. We are made to know God intimately, to reflect His character, and to exercise stewardship over creation. This unique relationship is not based on mere obedience to commands, like a well-trained pet, but on genuine intimacy and love. God delights in us, not because of our feelings or performance, but because He made us and declared us “very good.” Even when our feelings falter or we struggle with our identity, God’s purpose and delight in us remain unchanged.

This understanding has profound implications for contemporary issues such as gender identity, abortion, and assisted suicide. The Bible affirms that every person—regardless of their struggles or past decisions—is loved by God and bears His image. Compassion, not condemnation, is the response we are called to embody. The sanctity of life extends from the unborn to the elderly, and our value is not determined by utility, ability, or societal standards, but by God’s creative intent.

Ultimately, true fulfillment and self-understanding are found not in self-definition or societal affirmation, but in relationship with the Creator. We are restless and incomplete apart from Him, but in Christ, we are invited to rediscover our true identity and purpose. God’s love is not only the foundation of our worth but also the source of forgiveness and new life, offered freely to all who turn to Him.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Intentionality in Creation Every human life is the result of God’s deliberate and loving choice. We are not accidents or products of random chance, but are spoken into being by a God who knows and purposes each of us. This truth gives profound meaning to our existence and calls us to live with gratitude and purpose, recognizing that our lives are gifts from a loving Father. [11:43]
2. The Image of God and Human Dignity Being made in God’s image means that every person, regardless of gender, ability, or circumstance, possesses inherent worth and dignity. This foundational truth challenges us to treat every individual with compassion and respect, seeing them as God sees them. Our value is not earned or diminished by our feelings, achievements, or failures, but is rooted in God’s creative act and delight in us. [13:55]
3. Compassion in the Face of Struggle For those wrestling with identity, especially in areas like gender dysphoria, the Bible offers both truth and compassion. God’s design is not a source of shame but of assurance: He made each person intentionally and delights in them, even when they struggle to delight in themselves. The church is called to be a place of understanding, support, and love, reflecting God’s heart to all who feel disconnected or misunderstood. [18:28]
4. The Sanctity of Life in a Broken World The intrinsic value of human life extends from conception to natural death. In a culture wrestling with issues like abortion and assisted suicide, God’s Word affirms the preciousness of every life, including the voiceless and vulnerable. Yet, this affirmation is always coupled with grace: those who carry guilt or regret are not cast away, but are offered forgiveness and restoration through Christ. [23:06]
5. True Identity and Fulfillment Found in God Our deepest restlessness and longing for identity are met only in relationship with our Creator. Being made in God’s image means we are designed for intimacy with Him, and only in Him do we find our true selves. As we build our lives on this foundation, we discover a love and purpose that surpasses all other sources of meaning, and we are empowered to see ourselves and others through God’s eyes.

** [27:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:48] - The Who and Why of Creation
[09:23] - God’s Word as the Foundation
[10:51] - Humanity: Not an Accident
[11:43] - Life as a Gift from God
[13:04] - Dominion and Reflecting God’s Image
[13:55] - Unique Relationship with God
[14:58] - Illustrating Intimacy: The Dog Analogy
[15:57] - Male and Female in God’s Image
[18:28] - Compassion and Gender Identity
[19:25] - God’s Delight Despite Our Feelings
[20:13] - The Danger of Rejecting God’s Design
[21:12] - The Value of Life: Abortion and Assisted Suicide
[23:06] - Forgiveness and Restoration in Christ
[23:56] - God’s Declaration: Very Good
[24:54] - Communion: Assurance of Salvation
[25:32] - Living Out God’s Value for Life
[27:15] - Finding Our True Identity in God
[27:56] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 1:26-31 (ESV) —
> 26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
>
> 27 So God created man in his own image,
> in the image of God he created him;
> male and female he created them.
>
> 28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
>
> 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.
>
> 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.
>
> 31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Observation Questions

In Genesis 1:26, what is different about the way God creates humanity compared to the rest of creation? ([11:43])
According to verse 27, how does the Bible describe the creation of male and female? What does this say about their value and identity? ([15:57])
What responsibilities does God give to humanity in verses 28-30? How do these reflect God’s own character? ([13:04])
In verse 31, how does God’s declaration about humanity differ from his statements about the rest of creation? ([23:56])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon points out that God has a conversation within Himself (“Let us make man in our image”). What does this reveal about God’s nature and about the kind of relationship He desires with us? ([11:43])
The phrase “in the image of God” is not about physical appearance. According to the sermon, what does it mean to be made in God’s image, and how does this shape our understanding of human dignity? ([13:55])
The sermon addresses struggles with identity, including gender. How does the truth that God intentionally created each person impact the way we view ourselves and others who may feel disconnected or struggle with their identity? ([18:28])
The sermon discusses the sanctity of life in the context of abortion and assisted suicide. How does the belief that every person is made in God’s image influence Christian responses to these issues? ([21:12])

Application Questions

The sermon says, “Your life is a gift, and it’s a gift from a loving Heavenly Father.” How does this truth challenge the way you see your own worth and purpose, especially during times when you feel insignificant or unwanted? ([11:43])
Think of someone in your life who is different from you—maybe in ability, background, or beliefs. How can you show them the dignity and compassion that comes from recognizing they are made in God’s image? ([13:55])
The sermon calls the church to be a place of understanding and support for those struggling with identity. What are some practical ways our group or church can create a more welcoming and compassionate environment for people wrestling with these issues? ([18:28])
When you hear about issues like abortion or assisted suicide in the news or in conversation, how do you usually respond? How might the truth of the sanctity of life change your attitude or actions toward those affected by these issues? ([21:12])
The sermon says, “God’s delight in you is not dependent on your feelings today.” When you struggle with self-worth or identity, what steps can you take to remind yourself of God’s unchanging love and purpose for you? ([19:25])
The early church was known for caring for the vulnerable, even when it was costly or inconvenient. Is there a specific group or individual in your community who needs to experience God’s love through your actions? What is one thing you can do this week to show them they matter? ([25:32])
The sermon says, “We can only find ourselves again when we find our lives in God.” What does it look like for you, personally, to seek your identity and fulfillment in your relationship with God rather than in achievements, feelings, or the approval of others? ([27:15])

Sermon Clips

We reflect God's image in the way that we're able to respond most of all to God in a way that is totally unique to us. There's a freedom in humanity that is not found in any other species, an ability to know God, to be able to reason and to think, to have a relationship with God that isn't possible for any other animals, even the angels long to look in to understand these things that we're able to understand by God's kindness. [00:14:03] (34 seconds) #UniqueInGodsImage

Whatever you might feel, and we all know how crippling our feelings can be, God intentionally and wonderfully made you who you are. And I want you to know that even if you don't take delight in who you are this morning, God still does. His delight in you is not dependent on your feelings today. His delight is declared in the fact that he has made you in his image. [00:19:25] (29 seconds) #DelightInGodsCreation

God declares that you are loved, that he formed you in your mother's womb in love, and you reflect his image. You cannot make yourself more human as you draw away from this reality. And the very real danger, if I may be honest with you, is that you might make yourself less human as you reject who God is and what he's made you to be. You see, you find your humanity in the foundational reality that God has made you who you are and delights in it. [00:20:03] (35 seconds)

You cannot make yourself more human as you draw away from this reality. And the very real danger, if I may be honest with you, is that you might make yourself less human as you reject who God is and what he's made you to be. You see, you find your humanity in the foundational reality that God has made you who you are and delights in it. [00:20:13] (28 seconds) #RejectingGodLessensHumanity

The same value that God has for the unborn child, he also has for you. Nobody is cast away by God as unworthy. There is nothing that we can do that means God cannot forgive us and does not love us. [00:23:06] (16 seconds) #UnconditionalForgiveness

``He is so committed to that love that he sent his only son into the world so that through his life of obedience to God the Father, his willingness to lay down his life on the cross, his defeating sin and death by rising again three days later was so that we could repent of our mistakes, receive his forgiveness, and long that you would have the assurance that you are indeed set free from the guilt of the past. [00:23:22] (28 seconds) #VictoryThroughChrist

Being made in the image of God is about realizing that we can only find ourselves again when we find our lives in God. We spoke about it last week as being finding our true north. It's about finding and discovering that God is our foundation, and on Him we build the truth into our lives of who we are and who we're not. [00:27:15] (23 seconds) #FoundationInGod

God made you in love, with purpose. He longs that you would delight in finding your purpose, in finding yourself in Him. And when you find Him, what you discover is a great love. [00:27:39] (16 seconds) #PurposeAndDelightInGod

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the primary way God chooses to speak to us?

How does being made in God's image influence human worth?

What biblical truths affirm the value of every human life?