Created with Purpose: Embracing the Sovereignty of Elohim

Summary

Today’s focus is on the profound truth that each of us is intentionally created by God—Elohim, the all-powerful Creator. Just as a crafted stool points to a designer, our very existence points to a purposeful, sovereign God who formed us with care and intention. The name Elohim, first revealed in Genesis 1:1, is not a generic label but a declaration of God’s might, majesty, and fullness. It speaks to His authority as the One who spoke the universe into being, who is above all things, and who holds all things together. This name also hints at the mystery of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—working in perfect unity from the very beginning.

Recognizing God as Elohim calls for a response. First, it challenges us to raise Him high and seek Him first in every area of our lives. In a world that constantly pulls our attention toward created things—success, comfort, possessions—it is easy to let God slip down our list of priorities. Yet, everything good flows from Him, and He alone deserves our worship and adoration. The busyness of life is not an excuse to neglect the One who gives us life and purpose.

Second, knowing Elohim means resting in His sovereign power. He is not a distant Creator who set the world in motion and walked away. He is intimately involved, sustaining and ruling over all creation. Even when uncertainty and anxiety threaten to overwhelm us, we are invited to cast our cares on Him, trusting that He is in control and that nothing is too hard for Him.

Finally, understanding God as Elohim frees us to relinquish our grip on the things of this world. We are not called to worship the creation but the Creator. Though we often rebel and pursue our own way, God, in His mercy, made a way for us to be restored through Jesus Christ. Our value and purpose are found not in what we possess or achieve, but in being made in His image and redeemed by His grace. The invitation is to dwell in Him, to let go of the illusion of control, and to find our strength, hope, and identity in the One who formed us and loves us beyond measure.

Key Takeaways

- Created with Purpose by Elohim
Just as a crafted object points to its maker, our lives testify to a Creator who designed us with intention and care. We are not accidents or products of chance; every detail of our being is the result of God’s purposeful handiwork. This truth should shape our identity and give us confidence in our value and calling. [04:57]

- The Name Elohim Reveals God’s Power and Majesty
Elohim is not a generic term for God but a name that encapsulates His might, authority, and the fullness of His being—including the mystery of the Trinity. This name appears repeatedly in the creation account to remind us that all things begin and end with Him. Understanding this deepens our faith and anchors our trust in His unchanging character. [10:46]

- Seek the Creator Above All Else
Life’s busyness and the allure of created things can easily distract us from the One who deserves our highest devotion. We are called to raise God high and seek Him first, not as an afterthought but as the center of our lives. True fulfillment and purpose are found when we prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. [19:03]

- Rest in God’s Sovereignty, Not in Our Own Control
The illusion of control is a heavy burden, but Elohim invites us to rest in His sovereign power. He holds time, history, and our personal circumstances in His hands. Trusting in His control brings peace amid uncertainty and frees us from the anxiety of trying to manage what only He can. [25:01]

- Relinquish What You Hold Too Tightly and Embrace Redemption
Our tendency is to cling to the things of this world—possessions, achievements, even our own sense of worth. Yet, Elohim calls us to let go, recognizing that our true value is found in being made in His image and redeemed through Christ. Only by surrendering to Him can we experience the restoration and strength He offers, living out the purpose for which we were created. [30:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Introduction & Student Ministry Sunday
[02:30] - Aurora Missions Trip Team Prayer
[03:17] - Honoring Graduates and Prayers
[04:57] - Created with Purpose: The Crafted Stool
[07:26] - The Importance of God’s Names
[09:03] - Elohim in Genesis 1:1
[10:46] - The Meaning and Majesty of Elohim
[11:54] - Elohim: The Foundation of Creation
[12:48] - The Power of God’s Word in Creation
[13:43] - Proclaiming the Creator in a Skeptical World
[15:54] - Raise Him High, Seek Him First
[18:24] - Reprioritizing Life for God
[21:09] - Making Space for God and Community
[22:31] - Resting in God’s Sovereignty
[25:01] - Letting Go of the Illusion of Control
[28:55] - Created for Relationship, Redeemed by Grace
[30:24] - Relinquishing Our Stuff to God
[31:53] - The Invitation to Surrender and Trust
[32:37] - Closing Reflections and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Elohim: Created with Purpose"

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### Bible Reading

- Genesis 1:1
In the beginning, God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth.

- Psalm 139:13
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

- Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

---

### Observation Questions

1. In Genesis 1:1, what name is used for God, and what does this name reveal about His character?
*(see [09:03])*

2. According to Psalm 139:13, what is God’s role in our creation? What words are used to describe how He made us?
*(see [04:57])*

3. In Matthew 6:33, what does Jesus say should be our first priority, and what is the promise attached to it?
*(see [20:18])*

4. The sermon mentioned that Elohim is not a distant creator but is intimately involved in our lives. What evidence from the Bible or the sermon supports this idea?
*(see [10:46])*

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. The name Elohim is plural in form but refers to the one true God. What might this teach us about God’s nature, especially in light of the Trinity?
*(see [10:46])*

2. The sermon compared our lives to a crafted stool, saying both point to a designer. How does understanding that we are intentionally created by God affect the way we see ourselves and others?
*(see [04:57])*

3. The sermon challenges us to “raise Him high and seek Him first.” What are some ways people might unintentionally let God slip down their list of priorities?
*(see [15:54])*

4. The idea of “resting in God’s sovereignty” was emphasized. How does trusting in God’s control change the way we handle anxiety or uncertainty?
*(see [24:23])*

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “It’s easy to get distracted pursuing the creation instead of the Creator.” What are some specific things in your life that tend to distract you from seeking God first? How can you practically reprioritize this week?
*(see [19:03])*

2. When you think about your schedule, is there a regular time set aside for God—prayer, Bible reading, or meeting with other believers? If not, what is one change you could make to create that space?
*(see [21:09])*

3. The message encouraged us to “let go of the illusion of control.” Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to trust God’s sovereignty? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him?
*(see [25:01])*

4. The sermon reminded us that our value is found in being made in God’s image and redeemed by Christ, not in what we possess or achieve. Are there things—possessions, achievements, or even relationships—that you are holding onto too tightly? How can you begin to loosen your grip?
*(see [30:24])*

5. The preacher shared that “the closer we are to Him, the easier it will be to rest in Him.” What is one step you can take this week to grow closer to God?
*(see [24:23])*

6. The message highlighted the importance of community and being poured into by others. Are you currently in a relationship where you are being discipled or discipling someone else? If not, what is one step you could take to pursue this kind of relationship?
*(see [21:56])*

7. The sermon ended with the question: “Will we turn? Will we give our life to the Elohim that we serve or will we find our own way?” What is one area where you sense God calling you to deeper surrender or trust?
*(see [31:53])*

---

Devotional

Day 1: Elohim—The All-Powerful Creator

God is Elohim, the all-powerful creator who spoke the universe into existence, demonstrating His unmatched authority, might, and sovereignty over all things. He is not a distant or impersonal force, but the One who intentionally designed every detail of creation, including each of us, with purpose and care. The world around us, from the vastness of the heavens to the intricacies of life, is a testament to His creative power and majesty. As we reflect on the name Elohim, we are reminded that nothing is outside of His control and that our lives are not accidents, but part of His intentional design. [10:46]

Genesis 1:1 (ESV)
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Reflection: When you look at the world around you today, what is one specific aspect of creation that reminds you of God’s power and intentional design? How can you let that truth shape your sense of purpose today?



Day 2: The Heavens Declare His Glory

All of creation proclaims the glory of Elohim, pointing us to the reality of an intelligent, powerful Designer who is worthy of our worship. The beauty and order of the universe are not random or accidental, but are evidence of God’s handiwork and majesty. Even as the world increasingly denies the Creator, Scripture reminds us that the heavens and the earth continually testify to His existence and greatness. We are called not only to recognize this truth, but also to boldly proclaim the glory of Elohim to those who do not know Him, joining creation in declaring His praise. [13:43]

Psalm 19:1-2 (ESV)
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally point someone in your life to the glory of God you see in creation this week?



Day 3: Seek Him First

Because Elohim is the creator and sustainer of all, He deserves to be first in our lives—not an afterthought or just another item on our busy schedules. It is easy to let the demands and distractions of life crowd out our time with God, but we are called to raise Him high and seek Him above all else. This means intentionally prioritizing time for worship, prayer, and fellowship with other believers, and being willing to let go of lesser things that compete for our attention. When we seek God first, everything else finds its proper place, and we live in alignment with the purpose for which we were created. [20:18]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Reflection: What is one specific change you can make in your schedule this week to put God first and seek Him above all else?



Day 4: Rest in His Sovereign Power

Elohim is not only the creator, but also the sovereign ruler who upholds and sustains all things. In a world filled with uncertainty and anxiety, we are invited to rest in the truth that God is in control—He changes times and seasons, and nothing happens apart from His will. Letting go of the illusion of control frees us to trust Him with our worries and anxieties, knowing that He cares for us and holds every circumstance in His hands. Drawing near to God through His Word and prayer enables us to experience His peace and strength, even when life feels overwhelming. [24:23]

Daniel 2:21 (ESV)
He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to let go of control? How can you surrender it to God and rest in His sovereignty today?



Day 5: Created for Relationship and Purpose

We are not only created by Elohim, but also made in His image and invited into a personal relationship with Him. Despite our rebellion and sin, God made a way for us to be restored through Jesus Christ, offering us forgiveness, redemption, and a renewed purpose. Our value is not found in the things of this world, but in being God’s most prized creation, loved and pursued by Him. As we let go of what we hold too tightly and dwell in Him, we discover the strength, hope, and identity that only He can provide. [28:55]

Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally embrace your identity as God’s beloved creation today, and how might that change the way you relate to Him and others?

Quotes

There is something in every name of God that can cultivate faith in our souls. Whether we know him as Jehovah, Elohim, El Shaddai, or Lord, or by any other name by which he has chosen to reveal himself, each title becomes a foundation for our confidence.When we understand the meaning behind his names, they serve to strengthen and nurture faith in the hearts of his people. [00:08:17] (00:00:25 seconds) Edit Clip

Not only should we raise him high and seek him first, but Elohim reminds us to rest in his sovereign power.Rest in the sovereignty of God.That's what the name Elohim points us to, is that God is sovereign. And what sovereign means is he's the sustainer of all. He upholds creation and holds creation in his hands. He's also supreme over all. Nothing happens without him allowing it to happen. And we can't always comprehend how that is or why that is, but God is in control. [00:22:20] (00:00:34 seconds) Edit Clip

The closer we are to him, the easier it will be to rest in him.If we're in his word, if we're praying, it's easy. It's easy to lean into him.It's hard to lean into people you don't even know.Are you pursuing your relationship with God? Because the encouragement is that God is in control. And he tells us in 1 Peter 5, 7, cast our anxieties on him because he cares for us.Cast our anxieties on him. He's in control. We're not. [00:24:23] (00:00:33 seconds) Edit Clip

Despite being all -powerful creator God he chose to have a relationship with us he chose to create us he's personal he's intentional he made us with a purpose right out of anything in God's creation he says that we as people are his most prized possession we are valued above anything else in creation yeah the animals are cool the mountains are cool the oceans the plants the Sun the moon the stars they're all cool but nothing was made in the image of God like we were Genesis 1 27 reminds us of that right so right so God. So Elohim created man in his own image. In the image of God, he created him male and female. He created them. [00:28:06] (00:00:49 seconds) Edit Clip

We're not only created intentionally by God, but we are created to be in a personal relationship with him.But since Adam and Eve and every human since then, we've rebelled from that, both inherited sin and within our own choices.We've chosen to run from what the creator created us to do.We pursue our own truth. We pursue our own lies. We've all sinned. We've all fallen short of the glory of God, lying, cheating, stealing, lust, idolatry, hateful thoughts, envy, pride. We all wrestle with these different things. But what the incredible part about Elohim is our creator God, he created a way.He didn't leave us in our brokenness. He didn't leave us in our rebellious state. He sent his son Jesus, and through Jesus, and only through Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, can we be made new? Can we be restored to the purpose that we were created for? [00:28:55] (00:01:01 seconds) Edit Clip

The one who spoke the world into being, the one who formed us with purpose, the one who loves us more than anything we can comprehend, he not only created us, but he made a way when we rebelled from that purpose to be brought back into his eternal plan.We can do that, but not in our own power, only through him. [00:31:57] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

So the question remains is, will we turn?Will we give our life?to the Elohim that we serve or will we find our own way?Is God calling us to submit in a deeper way than we already have? Are there things in our life that have come to the top of our to -do list that honestly shouldn't be there?I know it's true for me. I pray that it's true for you. [00:32:18] (00:00:21 seconds) Edit Clip