Embracing Our Identity as God's Image-Bearers
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gather as a church family to celebrate not only the beautiful weather but also the beginning of a new sermon series that I've been praying and preparing for over several months. This series, inspired by Timothy Tennant's book "For the Body," aims to help us be more present and available to those God brings into our lives. My heart is heavy with the cultural confusion that hinders us from being fully present as Jesus modeled. This confusion manifests in various ways, such as gender and sexual identity issues, same-sex marriage, adultery, digital pornography, and more. These issues contribute to a culture of confusion that affects our ability to love and help one another effectively.
We know that confusion is a tactic of our enemy, the devil, but God's strategy is clear in Scripture. For instance, 1 Corinthians 14:33 tells us that God is not a God of confusion but of peace. Today, we begin with the foundational truth that creation is good, as stated in Genesis 1 and 2. God created everything, and at the end of each day, He saw that it was good. On the sixth day, He created human beings in His image, and it was very good. This foundational truth helps us understand that our bodies are created in the image of God, or the Imago Dei.
Being created in God's image means we are designed to reflect Him in three key ways: dominion, co-creation, and as physical representations of God's presence. We are to steward the world, be fruitful and multiply, and reflect God's moral capacities. However, sin has tainted this design, introducing shame and confusion. Despite this, Scripture consistently reinforces the goodness of God's creation and our role as His image-bearers.
As we move forward in this series, I encourage you to read Genesis 1 and 2, reflect on how the image of God shines through you, and engage in conversations about these challenging topics. Let's lean in together as a community to better understand the theology of the body and counter the confusing narratives of our culture.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Creation is Good: The foundational truth from Genesis 1 and 2 is that God's creation, including human beings, is inherently good. This goodness is affirmed repeatedly as God looks at His creation and declares it good. Understanding this helps us see our bodies as valuable and trustworthy, designed to reflect God's image. [49:19]
2. We Are Image-Bearers: Being created in the image of God (Imago Dei) means we are designed to reflect God's character and presence. This involves dominion, co-creation, and moral capacity. Our bodies are not just physical entities but are meant to be a reflection of God's glory and presence in the world. [53:58]
3. Cultural Confusion vs. Divine Clarity: The cultural confusion we face today, from gender identity to digital addictions, is a tactic of the enemy to divide and distract us. However, God's Word provides clarity and peace. Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 14:33 remind us that God is not a God of confusion but of peace, guiding us to live in harmony with His design. [43:16]
4. The Impact of Sin: Sin has introduced shame, confusion, and brokenness into God's good creation. Genesis 3 shows how sin distorts our understanding and experience of our bodies. Despite this, God's original design remains good, and through Christ, we can seek redemption and restoration. [01:03:55]
5. Engaging with Culture: To effectively engage with the confusing narratives of our culture, we must be rooted in a clear theology of the body. This involves understanding and embracing our role as God's image-bearers and reflecting His presence in our daily lives. By doing so, we can counteract the destructive narratives and bring God's truth to those around us. [01:10:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[39:54] - Celebrating Together
[40:38] - New Sermon Series Introduction
[42:01] - Cultural Confusion
[43:16] - God's Strategy vs. Enemy's Tactics
[43:56] - Manifestations of Confusion
[45:02] - Postures and Reactions
[46:05] - Leaning In
[47:11] - Theology of the Body
[48:29] - Creation is Good
[49:19] - Genesis 1 and 2
[50:06] - Sixth Day of Creation
[51:02] - Image of God
[52:44] - Design Decision
[53:58] - Reflection of God
[55:57] - Cultural Challenges
[57:10] - Three Key Themes
[58:40] - Dominion and Stewardship
[01:00:14] - Co-Creation
[01:01:52] - Physical Representation
[01:03:55] - Impact of Sin
[01:06:58] - Biblical Reinforcement
[01:10:04] - Engaging with Culture
[01:13:07] - Practical Next Steps
[01:14:30] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:24-31
2. 1 Corinthians 14:33
3. Psalm 24
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:24-31, what did God create on the sixth day, and how did He describe His creation? ([50:06])
2. What does 1 Corinthians 14:33 say about God's nature in relation to confusion and peace? ([43:16])
3. In the sermon, what are some examples of cultural confusion mentioned that affect our ability to be fully present? ([43:56])
4. How does Psalm 24 describe the relationship between physical creation and God's presence?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be created in the image of God (Imago Dei) according to Genesis 1:26-27? How does this shape our understanding of human dignity and purpose? ([53:58])
2. How does the concept of God not being a God of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33) provide clarity in the midst of cultural confusion? ([43:16])
3. The sermon mentions that sin has introduced shame and confusion into God's good creation. How does Genesis 3 illustrate this impact, and what does it mean for us today? ([01:03:55])
4. How does Psalm 24 reinforce the idea that our physical bodies are a testimony of God's presence?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Genesis 1:31 where God saw all that He had made and declared it "very good." How can this perspective change the way you view your own body and the bodies of others? ([51:02])
2. The sermon encourages us to lean into conversations about challenging topics. What steps can you take to engage in meaningful discussions about cultural confusion with grace and truth? ([46:05])
3. How can you practically reflect God's image in your daily life through dominion, co-creation, and being a physical representation of God's presence? ([57:10])
4. Considering 1 Corinthians 14:33, how can you cultivate peace in your personal life and community amidst the cultural confusion? ([43:16])
5. The sermon suggests reading Genesis 1 and 2 and reflecting on God's handiwork. What specific aspects of creation stand out to you, and how do they inspire you to see God's goodness in the world? ([01:13:07])
6. Think about a person in your life who might be struggling with issues of identity or confusion. How can you support them in understanding their value as an image-bearer of God? ([01:13:07])
7. The sermon mentions the importance of being fully present as Jesus modeled. What distractions or cultural narratives do you need to address in your life to be more present and available to those around you? ([42:01])
Devotional
Day 1: The Inherent Goodness of Creation
Description: The foundational truth from Genesis 1 and 2 is that God's creation, including human beings, is inherently good. This goodness is affirmed repeatedly as God looks at His creation and declares it good. Understanding this helps us see our bodies as valuable and trustworthy, designed to reflect God's image. This perspective is crucial in a world where cultural confusion often distorts our view of ourselves and others. By recognizing the inherent goodness of creation, we can begin to counteract these negative narratives and embrace our God-given worth. [49:19]
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: How does recognizing the inherent goodness of God's creation change the way you view yourself and others today? Can you identify one way to honor this truth in your daily interactions?
Day 2: Reflecting God's Image
Description: Being created in the image of God (Imago Dei) means we are designed to reflect God's character and presence. This involves dominion, co-creation, and moral capacity. Our bodies are not just physical entities but are meant to be a reflection of God's glory and presence in the world. This understanding calls us to a higher standard of living, where our actions, words, and thoughts align with God's nature. Embracing this truth can transform how we engage with the world and fulfill our purpose as His image-bearers. [53:58]
Colossians 3:10 (ESV): "And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively reflect God's character in your daily life? Identify one specific area where you can improve and make a plan to act on it today.
Day 3: Clarity Amidst Cultural Confusion
Description: The cultural confusion we face today, from gender identity to digital addictions, is a tactic of the enemy to divide and distract us. However, God's Word provides clarity and peace. Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 14:33 remind us that God is not a God of confusion but of peace, guiding us to live in harmony with His design. By grounding ourselves in Scripture, we can navigate these challenging issues with wisdom and grace, offering a counter-narrative to the confusion that pervades our culture. [43:16]
1 Corinthians 14:33 (ESV): "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints."
Reflection: What is one area of cultural confusion that you struggle with? How can you seek God's clarity and peace in this area through prayer and Scripture today?
Day 4: The Impact of Sin
Description: Sin has introduced shame, confusion, and brokenness into God's good creation. Genesis 3 shows how sin distorts our understanding and experience of our bodies. Despite this, God's original design remains good, and through Christ, we can seek redemption and restoration. Recognizing the impact of sin helps us understand the root of our struggles and the need for God's grace. It also empowers us to pursue healing and wholeness, knowing that God's design for us is still good and redeemable. [01:03:55]
Romans 5:12 (ESV): "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where sin has caused shame or confusion. How can you invite God's redemption and restoration into this area today?
Day 5: Engaging with Culture
Description: To effectively engage with the confusing narratives of our culture, we must be rooted in a clear theology of the body. This involves understanding and embracing our role as God's image-bearers and reflecting His presence in our daily lives. By doing so, we can counteract the destructive narratives and bring God's truth to those around us. Engaging with culture from a place of clarity and conviction allows us to be a light in the darkness, offering hope and truth in a world that desperately needs it. [01:10:04]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you be a light in your community today? Identify one specific action you can take to reflect God's truth and love to those around you.
Quotes
1. "So we're living in a culture of increasing confusion. Confusion that separates and divides and hurts our ability. To help one another and to effectively love each other. Now, we know. Right as believers, as Christians, right? This is a tactic, right? This is a tool of our enemy, our great adversary, the devil. We know that this is not God's plan. It's not God's strategy, right? God's strategy for us is certainly clear in the scripture." [43:16] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Confusion about gender and sexual identity. Confusion about same sex marriage. Normalizing adultery. The rise of digital pornography, adults cohabitating, a desensitization with reality. And what I mean by that is examples like growing addictions to violent video games that involve first person killing, a widening acceptance of abortion and a disregard for life. These social beliefs and behaviors, among a host of other things, contribute to an absolute and ever expanding culture of confusion." [43:56] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So whatever your posture is this morning, however you're hearing these words as I begin today, what I want to ask you to do today and in the following weeks is to simply lean in. Lean in with me, lean in with your church family, lean in with your community as we engage a conversation that sometimes is just difficult. That sometimes we are left with a wonder, what do we believe? Or how do we move forward? Or how do we love in a manner that our culture is saying it's not possible?" [46:05] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I believe that God has revealed his plan for human life through the body. And each week we're going to follow kind of the structure that Timothy Tennant sets in his book and look at several building blocks that will help us better understand the theology of the body and stronger, a stronger foundation for our relationship with all people by addressing and maybe even working towards eliminating some of the confusion and divisions that have hindered us." [47:11] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The foundational truth that we ought to embrace here in this is that our bodies are created in the image of God. Or as academic theologians like to say, the Imago Dei. This that is we humans are made in body to reflect God to others. So here's what I want you to do. I want you to look around this morning. Look at the people around you. Don't look at me. You've been looking at me. Look around this morning and let me ask you a simple question. Do you see God?" [54:59] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "It is imperative that we realize that we are a part of this culture and whether our response is uh our response is a lack of response or a response directly to it we are either contributing to the confusion or we are being the reflection of the imago dei that we were designed for there is no middle ground we are either reflecting the image that God wants us to reflect or we're contributing to the confusion that is swirling around us." [57:10] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I share this with you because today's emerging assumption is precisely the opposite. The heart, by many accounts, is considered to be trustworthy, a trustworthy guide. And our body is what is deceiving you. The body is what's deceiving us. I don't know how many times I've said it, how many times I've preached it. If you've been to our church for a long time, you've heard me say this over and again, right? Your feelings will lie to you, right? Our feelings will lie to you. The truth is our hearts will lie to us." [01:10:04] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "A clear theology of the body is rooted in the image of God. And it provides for us a positive vision to counter the confusing and destructive narratives of our modern culture that our modern culture is struggling with. Over the next couple of weeks, we're going to continue and add more building blocks as we talk through some of the more confusing and challenging things that we are facing as a culture today, as a people." [01:11:35] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I want to leave you with a couple of practical next steps this week as we kind of move forward and prepare to continue to make this real for us. And that is, first and foremost, I want you to spend some time, maybe a few different times, reading through Genesis chapters one and two. And while you do that, focus specifically on God's handiwork. What exactly makes creation so good?" [01:13:07] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "God, I believe that you can redeem it. I believe, God, that you can give us a good pathway forward. I believe, God, that you can open our hearts and our minds. God, that you can develop the pathway that allows for relationship and conversation, that we can grow together as we lean into you and your plans for us. God, I pray that you would ready our hearts over these next few weeks as we continue to add increasing building blocks to give a more full-orbed understanding of the work of creation in the body as you have given it to us." [01:16:12] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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