Reflecting God's Glory: Understanding Our Divine Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound question of "Who are we?" by exploring the concept of Imago Dei, which means being created in the image of God. This understanding is foundational to our identity and purpose. We began by acknowledging that God is the creator of all things, and He creates with intention and goodness. This sets the stage for understanding our purpose, which is to bear the image of God and reflect His glory.
We discussed the importance of catechism in solidifying truths about God, ensuring the continuation of our faith, and addressing life's existential questions. Catechism helps us pass down a robust faith to future generations, preventing the generational break that often occurs when the stories of God's faithfulness are not shared.
The sermon emphasized that our purpose is not self-centered but God-centered. Instead of asking, "What is my purpose?" we should ask, "God, what was your intent in creating me?" This shifts the focus from self-discovery to divine purpose. We explored Genesis 1, where God created mankind in His image, male and female, to rule over creation and be fruitful and multiply. This duality of male and female together reflects the fullness of God's image.
We also addressed the cultural issues of toxic masculinity and femininity, emphasizing that any deviation from God's intent leads to toxicity. True masculinity and femininity reflect God's initiating and invitational nature, respectively. We are called to honor God with our bodies and our sexuality, understanding that our sexuality is missional, relational, holy, and sacred.
Finally, we discussed the importance of sanctification and self-control, which are possible through the Holy Spirit. Our bodies and lives exist to honor and please God, and we must continually submit our desires and actions to Him. This process of sanctification is ongoing and requires daily reliance on the Holy Spirit.
### Key Takeaways
1. Imago Dei and Our Purpose: We are created in the image of God, and our primary purpose is to bear His image and reflect His glory. This understanding shifts our focus from self-centered questions to God-centered ones, asking, "God, what was your intent in creating me?" This divine purpose is foundational to our identity and calling. [32:00]
2. Generational Faithfulness: Catechism is crucial for solidifying truths about God and ensuring the continuation of our faith. By passing down a robust and full faith to future generations, we prevent the generational break that occurs when the stories of God's faithfulness are not shared. This continuity is essential for maintaining a strong and vibrant faith community. [29:42]
3. God's Intent in Creation: God is the creator of all things, and He creates with intention and goodness. Understanding this helps us see that our lives are not arbitrary but are part of God's intentional design. This perspective helps us align our lives with God's will and purpose, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. [36:59]
4. Sanctification and Self-Control: Our bodies and lives exist to honor and please God. Sanctification is an ongoing process that requires daily reliance on the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, we gain the self-control needed to honor God with our bodies and actions. This process is not about immediate perfection but about continual growth and submission to God's will. [01:06:00]
5. Redemption of Sexuality: Our sexuality is missional, relational, holy, and sacred. It is created by God and has a divine purpose. In a culture that often distorts and undermines God's design, we are called to redeem sexuality by upholding biblical values, abstaining from sexual immorality, and living holy lives. This redemption process involves daily submission to God and reliance on the Holy Spirit. [01:16:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:20] - Church Updates and Announcements
[28:14] - Introduction to Catechism
[28:59] - Importance of Catechism
[29:42] - Generational Faithfulness
[30:32] - Understanding Our Heritage
[31:24] - Recap of Previous Week
[32:00] - Who Are We?
[32:50] - Created in the Image of God
[33:43] - Genesis 1: Creation Story
[34:53] - Prayer for Understanding
[36:00] - Imago Dei: A 48-Lane Highway
[36:59] - Assumptions About God
[38:34] - The Reality of Sin
[39:22] - Jesus: Our Path Forward
[40:31] - The Flawed Question
[42:07] - God's Intent in Creating Us
[42:50] - Reflecting God's Glory
[43:32] - Attacks on the Image of God
[44:20] - Male and Female Together
[45:36] - God's Intent in Creating Men
[46:58] - Toxic Masculinity
[48:20] - Toxic Femininity
[50:20] - Partnership in Marriage
[51:23] - Extremes of the Feminist Movement
[51:57] - Creative and Invitational Nature of God
[53:03] - God's Original Mission
[54:24] - Jesus Affirms God's Design
[55:14] - The Importance of Covenant
[56:22] - Cultural Attacks on God's Design
[58:10] - Ideologies Opposing God's Glory
[59:52] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[01:00:36] - Centering God's Glory in Our Purpose
[01:01:34] - Honoring God with Our Bodies
[01:03:00] - Self-Control and Spiritual Maturity
[01:05:16] - Rejecting God's Instruction
[01:06:00] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Self-Control
[01:07:11] - Overcoming Sin with the Holy Spirit
[01:08:29] - The Process of Sanctification
[01:09:41] - Offering Our Bodies as Living Sacrifices
[01:10:09] - Honoring God with Our Sexuality
[01:11:12] - Sexuality as Missional and Sacred
[01:13:16] - Redeeming Sexuality
[01:16:00] - Upholding Biblical Values
[01:17:26] - Submitting Our Desires to God
[01:18:08] - Setting a Pattern of Submission
[01:19:11] - Honoring God with Our Function
[01:20:31] - Pursuing Righteousness
[01:21:06] - Ephesians 1: Our Divine Calling
[01:22:19] - The Spiritual Battle
[01:23:32] - The Enemy's Attack on the Next Generation
[01:24:09] - Our Call to Rule and Create
[01:25:14] - Offering Our Bodies as Living Sacrifices
[01:25:44] - Exalting God with Our Lives
[01:28:39] - Leaning into the Process of Sanctification
[01:29:16] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:26-28 (NIV)
> "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'"
2. Ephesians 1:3-5 (NIV)
> "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will."
3. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (NIV)
> "It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:26-28, what responsibilities were given to mankind when they were created in the image of God?
2. In Ephesians 1:3-5, what are the spiritual blessings mentioned, and what is the purpose of these blessings?
3. What does 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 say about God's will for our lives, particularly in relation to our bodies and behavior?
4. The sermon mentioned the concept of "Imago Dei." What does this term mean, and how does it relate to our identity and purpose? [32:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are created in the image of God (Imago Dei) change the way we view our purpose and identity? [32:00]
2. What role does catechism play in ensuring generational faithfulness and the continuation of our faith, according to the sermon? [29:42]
3. The sermon discussed the cultural issues of toxic masculinity and femininity. How does the biblical understanding of male and female roles help address these issues? [46:58]
4. How does the process of sanctification and reliance on the Holy Spirit help us in exercising self-control and living holy lives? [01:06:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your understanding of being created in the image of God. How does this understanding influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [32:00]
2. Catechism was highlighted as crucial for passing down faith. How can you actively participate in teaching and sharing your faith with the next generation? [29:42]
3. The sermon emphasized asking, "God, what was your intent in creating me?" instead of "What is my purpose?" How can you shift your focus from self-discovery to seeking God's purpose for your life? [42:07]
4. Discuss a time when you struggled with self-control. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to help you in areas where you need growth and sanctification? [01:06:00]
5. The sermon addressed the redemption of sexuality. What steps can you take to honor God with your sexuality and uphold biblical values in a culture that often distorts God's design? [01:16:00]
6. How can you practically honor God with your body in your daily life? Consider areas such as health, purity, and actions. [01:00:36]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of ruling and creating as part of our divine function. What is one specific way you can use your gifts and talents to contribute to God's kingdom this week? [01:20:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Created in God's Image
Description: Understanding that we are created in the image of God (Imago Dei) is foundational to our identity and purpose. This concept shifts our focus from self-centered questions to God-centered ones, asking, "God, what was your intent in creating me?" By recognizing that our primary purpose is to bear His image and reflect His glory, we align our lives with His divine purpose. This understanding helps us see that our lives are not arbitrary but are part of God's intentional design, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. [32:00]
Genesis 1:27-28 (ESV): "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 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.'"
Reflection: How does knowing you are created in the image of God change the way you view your daily actions and decisions? What specific steps can you take today to reflect God's glory in your life?
Day 2: Passing Down Faith
Description: Catechism plays a crucial role in solidifying truths about God and ensuring the continuation of our faith. By passing down a robust and full faith to future generations, we prevent the generational break that occurs when the stories of God's faithfulness are not shared. This continuity is essential for maintaining a strong and vibrant faith community. Teaching and sharing these truths help us address life's existential questions and ensure that our faith remains alive and active in the hearts of the next generation. [29:42]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can share the stories of God's faithfulness with the younger generation in your life? How can you incorporate catechism into your daily routine to ensure the continuation of faith?
Day 3: God's Intent in Creation
Description: God is the creator of all things, and He creates with intention and goodness. Understanding this helps us see that our lives are not arbitrary but are part of God's intentional design. This perspective helps us align our lives with God's will and purpose, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. By recognizing that God has a specific intent in creating us, we can better understand our role in His grand narrative and live in a way that honors Him. [36:59]
Isaiah 45:18 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): 'I am the Lord, and there is no other.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt your life lacked purpose. How does understanding God's intentional design for your life change your perspective? What steps can you take today to align your actions with God's will?
Day 4: Sanctification and Self-Control
Description: Our bodies and lives exist to honor and please God. Sanctification is an ongoing process that requires daily reliance on the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, we gain the self-control needed to honor God with our bodies and actions. This process is not about immediate perfection but about continual growth and submission to God's will. By daily submitting our desires and actions to Him, we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, transforming us into the image of Christ. [01:06:00]
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 (ESV): "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with self-control? How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to help you grow in sanctification and honor God with your actions today?
Day 5: Redeeming Sexuality
Description: Our sexuality is missional, relational, holy, and sacred. It is created by God and has a divine purpose. In a culture that often distorts and undermines God's design, we are called to redeem sexuality by upholding biblical values, abstaining from sexual immorality, and living holy lives. This redemption process involves daily submission to God and reliance on the Holy Spirit. By honoring God with our bodies and our sexuality, we reflect His holiness and fulfill His purpose for our lives. [01:16:00]
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (ESV): "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
Reflection: How can you honor God with your sexuality in a culture that often distorts it? What specific steps can you take today to uphold biblical values and live a holy life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our purpose as created beings is to bear the image of God, and in doing so, reflect the glory of God. If you walk away with nothing else today, walk away with this. My purpose on the planet is to, in bearing the image of God, reflect the glory of God." [43:32] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you want to discover who you are, what is your purpose? What is your calling? Why are you here? It doesn't start with you and it doesn't end with you. It starts and ends with God. And in God, you find the answer that you're looking for." [42:07] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The goal is not that you would control yourself. The goal is that you would commune with God. And that in your communion with God, He would work into you the self-control that you need." [01:06:00] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We redeem sexuality. We bring it back to its original intent. We honor God with our bodies and honor God with our sexuality. We uphold biblical values. Not because we're traditional or because we're political. But because it is God's word. And God's word is good and his intent and his will are good." [01:16:00] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You are called to rule. You are called to build. You are called to create. There is purpose and intention and great things that are in you. Are you with me today? Come on, are you thankful that God created you with purpose?" [01:24:38] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Catechism, it matters so much. Because we have something to do with it. We have something to pass on to the next generation. It ensures the continuation of our faith. And third, it speaks to life's existential questions." [30:32] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is the creator of all things. If we don't agree on this, then we will not understand any other word that I say today. We got to agree. God is the creator of all things. Number two. God creates with intention. You might say God creates according to his will. God has a will. And he creates within accordance of that will. But number three. God's will or his intent is good." [36:59] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We have to acknowledge that sin is part of the equation. And it is possible that when it involves a human being that sin is somewhere in the mix. And guess what? None of you are absolved from this. This is all of you. Not me, but you. Absolutely. No. This is all of us. We got a sin nature." [39:22] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We honor God with our body. Here's how you do it. You honor God with your body. Honor God with your body. 1 Thessalonians 4, verse 1. As for other matters, this is the Apostle Paul speaking to the Thessalonian church. This is the first letter that he wrote. As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God." [01:01:34] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We redeem it. We pursue Jesus. We let the Holy Spirit form and shape us. What does it look like for you? In your marriage. In your relationships. In your singleness. In your habits. To again. And I would say to set a pattern of submitting your sexuality to God. Because today is not the last day that you'll need to. You'll have to tomorrow too. It's something that we have to do." [01:18:08] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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