Embracing Our Dignity: The Sanctity of Creation

 

Summary

In Genesis 2:5-9, we find a profound depiction of creation that lays the foundation for understanding who we are and who God is. This passage is not just a historical account but a theological framework that informs our ethics and worldview. It begins with the creation of man from the dust, highlighting our humble origins and the intimate act of God breathing life into us. This act sets humanity apart, imbuing us with dignity and sanctity. Unlike the rest of creation, which God spoke into existence, humanity was formed with care and purpose, reflecting the sanctity of life.

The garden in Eden is more than a physical location; it is a sanctuary, a place of fellowship between God and man. This sacred space underscores the sanctity of the creator-creature relationship, which is foundational to our existence. In this relationship, we owe God obedience and worship, recognizing Him as the Creator King. This understanding is crucial as we navigate the ethical challenges of our time.

Secularism, with its aggressive stance, seeks to profane what God has declared sacred. It diminishes the sanctity of life, gender, marriage, work, and even the creator-creature relationship. This worldview leads to a society that is indifferent to God, where belief in Him becomes optional. Such indifference is the ultimate profane act, as it disregards the majesty and holiness of God.

In response, we are called to stand firm on the truths of Genesis 1 and 2, upholding the sanctity of life and the natural order established by God. Our ultimate hope, however, is not in societal structures but in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Despite the fall, the image of God in us remains, though marred. Christ, the perfect image of God, redeems and restores us, offering hope and salvation. Our message to the world is one of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, the only true hope in a secular age.

Key Takeaways:

- The Sanctity of Life and Creation: Humanity's creation from dust, with God's breath of life, signifies our unique dignity and sanctity. This foundational truth calls us to humility and gratitude, recognizing our dependence on God for life and purpose. [03:06]

- The Creator-Creature Relationship: Our relationship with God as Creator King demands obedience and worship. This relationship is the cornerstone of ethics and the natural order, emphasizing our duty to honor God above all. [10:04]

- Secularism's Profaning Influence: Secularism seeks to diminish the sacredness of life, gender, marriage, and work, leading to a society indifferent to God. This worldview challenges us to uphold the sanctity of what God has declared holy. [20:16]

- Standing Firm on Biblical Truths: In a culture that often contradicts biblical principles, we are called to adhere to the truths of Genesis 1 and 2. This involves recognizing the sanctity of life and the natural order, resisting cultural pressures to compromise. [33:40]

- The Hope of the Gospel: Despite the fall, the image of God in humanity remains, though marred. Our ultimate hope lies in Jesus Christ, who redeems and restores us. The gospel is our message of hope and transformation in a secular world. [39:22]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:32] - Introduction to Genesis 2
- [01:21] - The Creation of Man
- [02:12] - The Unique Dignity of Humanity
- [03:06] - The Sanctity of Life
- [05:03] - The Garden as Sanctuary
- [06:39] - The Creator-Creature Relationship
- [08:14] - God's Sovereignty in Creation
- [10:04] - The Foundation of Ethics
- [11:47] - The Sanctity of Gender and Marriage
- [13:27] - The Sanctity of Work
- [15:31] - The Profaning Influence of Secularism
- [20:16] - Secularism's Impact on Society
- [25:44] - Humanity's Dignity and Secularism's Challenge
- [33:40] - Standing Firm on Biblical Truths
- [39:22] - The Hope of the Gospel
- [42:46] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Genesis 2:5-9
- Psalm 8:3-5
- 2 Corinthians 4:4

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Observation Questions:

1. In Genesis 2:5-9, what specific actions does God take in the creation of man, and how do these actions differ from the creation of other living things? [03:06]

2. How does the sermon describe the garden in Eden, and what significance does it hold in the relationship between God and humanity? [05:53]

3. According to the sermon, what are the key elements that secularism seeks to profane, and how does this contrast with the biblical view of sanctity? [20:16]

4. What does the sermon identify as the ultimate hope for humanity in a secular age, and how is this hope connected to the gospel of Jesus Christ? [39:22]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the creation of man from dust and the breath of life in Genesis 2:7 emphasize the unique dignity and sanctity of human life? What implications does this have for how we view ourselves and others? [03:06]

2. The sermon mentions the "Creator King" and our duty to Him. How does this concept shape our understanding of ethics and our responsibilities as believers? [10:04]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that secularism challenges the sanctity of life, gender, and marriage? How should believers respond to these challenges according to the sermon? [20:16]

4. The sermon highlights the image of God in humanity as marred but not lost. How does this understanding affect our view of redemption and restoration through Christ? [39:22]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea that humanity is created from dust and given life by God's breath. How does this perspective influence your sense of humility and gratitude in daily life? [03:06]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the Creator-Creature relationship. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of obedience and worship in your personal relationship with God? [10:04]

3. Considering the secular challenges mentioned in the sermon, what practical steps can you take to uphold the sanctity of life, gender, and marriage in your community? [20:16]

4. The sermon calls for standing firm on biblical truths. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel pressured to compromise. How can you resist this pressure and remain faithful to Genesis 1 and 2? [33:40]

5. The hope of the gospel is central to the sermon. How can you actively share this message of hope and transformation with someone in your life who is indifferent or apathetic towards God? [39:22]

6. Reflect on the concept of secularism making belief in God optional. How can you ensure that your faith remains a central, non-negotiable part of your life rather than an optional belief? [30:39]

7. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Is there an area in your life where you need to repent and seek restoration through Christ? How can you take steps towards this change? [41:58]

Devotional

Day 1: Humanity's Unique Dignity and Sanctity
Humanity's creation from the dust, with God's breath of life, signifies our unique dignity and sanctity. This foundational truth calls us to humility and gratitude, recognizing our dependence on God for life and purpose. Unlike the rest of creation, which God spoke into existence, humanity was formed with care and purpose, reflecting the sanctity of life. This act sets humanity apart, imbuing us with dignity and sanctity. As we reflect on our origins, we are reminded of the intimate relationship we have with our Creator, who has given us life and purpose. [03:06]

Genesis 2:7 (ESV): "Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature."

Reflection: In what ways can you express gratitude today for the life and purpose God has given you?


Day 2: The Creator-Creature Relationship
Our relationship with God as Creator King demands obedience and worship. This relationship is the cornerstone of ethics and the natural order, emphasizing our duty to honor God above all. The garden in Eden is more than a physical location; it is a sanctuary, a place of fellowship between God and man. This sacred space underscores the sanctity of the creator-creature relationship, which is foundational to our existence. In this relationship, we owe God obedience and worship, recognizing Him as the Creator King. [10:04]

Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."

Reflection: How can you intentionally honor God in your daily routine today, acknowledging Him as your Creator and King?


Day 3: Secularism's Challenge to the Sacred
Secularism seeks to diminish the sacredness of life, gender, marriage, and work, leading to a society indifferent to God. This worldview challenges us to uphold the sanctity of what God has declared holy. Secularism, with its aggressive stance, seeks to profane what God has declared sacred. It diminishes the sanctity of life, gender, marriage, work, and even the creator-creature relationship. This worldview leads to a society that is indifferent to God, where belief in Him becomes optional. Such indifference is the ultimate profane act, as it disregards the majesty and holiness of God. [20:16]

Colossians 2:8 (ESV): "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where secular values have influenced your thinking. How can you realign this area with God's truth today?


Day 4: Standing Firm on Biblical Truths
In a culture that often contradicts biblical principles, we are called to adhere to the truths of Genesis 1 and 2. This involves recognizing the sanctity of life and the natural order, resisting cultural pressures to compromise. Our ultimate hope, however, is not in societal structures but in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Despite the fall, the image of God in us remains, though marred. Christ, the perfect image of God, redeems and restores us, offering hope and salvation. [33:40]

Ephesians 6:13 (ESV): "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."

Reflection: What is one biblical truth you find challenging to uphold in today's culture? How can you stand firm in this truth today?


Day 5: The Hope of the Gospel
Despite the fall, the image of God in humanity remains, though marred. Our ultimate hope lies in Jesus Christ, who redeems and restores us. The gospel is our message of hope and transformation in a secular world. Christ, the perfect image of God, redeems and restores us, offering hope and salvation. Our message to the world is one of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, the only true hope in a secular age. [39:22]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: How can you share the hope of the gospel with someone in your life today? What practical steps can you take to communicate this message of transformation?

Quotes

"Well, a more beautiful portrait of our creation could not be painted than that portrait which is painted for us in Genesis chapter 2. I want to look at Genesis chapter 2 verses 5 to 9 with you. These verses are absolutely foundational to who we are and they also show us foundationally who God is. As we discuss ethics over these next three days, this is the beginning of ethics, these opening pages of Genesis. So, I invite you to turn with me to Genesis chapter 2. We will look at verses 5 to 9 and consider them together." [00:00:32]

"We see in this text this beautiful, almost mystical, scene of this mist arising from this creation that has just been spoken into existence, and as Genesis 2 recalls for us, has yet to be formed. And then God comes into the scene and causes all of this vegetation to rise, causes all of these animals to be put on the land mass, causes all of the fish to be put into the sea, all of the birds to be put in the air. But this passage pauses for a moment to talk about that special creation of Adam." [00:02:23]

"This is the first picture we have of our identity as human beings. We are of dust, feeble, frail, finite. Calvin uses this to remind us that this points fundamentally to humility. And then, so unlike everything else in creation, where God simply speaks into existence all the magnificent creatures and beasts and flora and fauna, so unlike that, and in anthropomorphic expression, God, as it were, reaches down and grabs this hand full of dust and He forms it like a skilled potter would form clay." [00:03:33]

"Once we see that man is created, we see that God has a place for man, a place as a garden. If you have a garden, a garden is somewhat of a sanctuary, isn't it, somewhat of a break from the hustle and bustle, somewhat of a break from all of the macadam and the concrete that surrounds us. A sanctuary is a garden. We know this particular garden. This garden, very curiously, in this text we are told it is a garden in Eden." [00:05:34]

"We have man, we have a place, and we have a purpose. We are put into this creation to work. We see it here, but we see it later in chapter 2 where we are told to work and to keep it. And this is pre-fall, this commission to work, but above all in this text we have God. I don't know if you notice this, but I want to point out two things that we learn about God in just these verses. One is that God is the singular sole sovereign actor." [00:07:21]

"This emphasizes the sole sovereign agent of creation is God, but then notice the name of God. In chapter 1 it is God. Here four times we have the compound name, "the Lord God," and "Lord" is Jehovah and "God" is Elohim, and Jehovah means "pre-existent," "self-existent." If Dr. Sproul were here, he would want us to talk about the aseity of God, but he would pronounce it "as-ee-ity" of God because he is from Pittsburgh and that is why he did that." [00:08:59]

"And so, God the perfect being is the source of all being. So, He is Jehovah, the pre-existent One, the self-existent One. And then we have Elohim, "Mighty in battle." It speaks of a king. To say the Lord God is to say, "The Creator King." And it is a very quick implication, isn't it, what do we creatures owe to the Creator King? Obedience and worship; and therein is the basis and the foundation of all ethics and of all laws." [00:10:12]

"We can plumb a little bit deeper here as we look at this passage. We see, of course, the sanctity of life. Let's think through this idea of sanctity. The opposite is profanity or vulgar, which has come to mean negative or dirty language. In its purest etymological form it simply means "common." And so, the vulgar or the profane is the common, and so the holy or that which is sanctity is the uncommon, the extraordinary." [00:11:43]

"And then there is the sanctity of work. Work is not a result of the fall. Thorns and sweat and frustration and conflict and toil; that is a result of the fall, but work is not a result of the fall. There is a sanctity to work. That is what God made us to do. Adam and Eve enjoyed the fruits of their labor. And as we see the codification of what is the universal law in the Ten Commandments, as we see the codification of what has been present from the very beginning of creation of the universal order of things, even personal or private property, has sanctity; the fruits of one's work." [00:15:01]

"And what does the secularist do? It exchanges the crown of glory and honor to be of or related to the lower animals, but at the base of all of this is the profaning of the creator-creature relationship. And so, we have it: gratitude, obedience, worship; and in secularism, ingratitude. We have done all this ourselves. We have made all this ourselves. We have accomplished all of this ourselves. Man is the measure of all things. And that leads to disobedience, and that leads to idolatry." [00:27:58]

"Follow Genesis 1 to 2, not culture. Follow Genesis 1 to 2, not culture. We actually watched this movie before. It was in 1880 to 1920. And those who knew better, they are the cultural elites. Those who knew better said there is a different account than that found in Genesis 1 to 2 of the creation of all things and of man, and they proposed a radically different alternative. And then they said, "What are you going to do? Put your head in the sand like some ostrich? Are you going to go be some medieval person or are you going to get with the times and recognize that an ancient book has been superseded by the collective wisdom of autonomous man?" And we call it modernism." [00:33:40]

"Our ultimate hope is in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our ultimate calling is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now, here is something that is full of hope and joy and wonder. If you go back to Genesis 1:27, it is very clear we are created in the image of God and then we transgress the law and that image of God remains in us. Go to James, "With one side of your mouth you bless God, with the other side of your mouth you curse man who is made in the image of God." That is a post-fall New Testament text carrying the image of God forward for all of humanity." [00:38:32]

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Transcript
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