Restoration Through Christ: Embracing Our Divine Image
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truth of humanity being created in the image and likeness of God. This concept is not just about physical resemblance but encompasses our spiritual, intellectual, and emotional capacities. We are unique among all creation, endowed with the ability to love, think rationally, and exercise free will. This divine image also grants us the authority to rule over creation, representing God on earth.
However, the fall of Adam introduced sin and death into the world, affecting all his descendants. Sin is not merely about actions but is an inherent condition passed down from Adam. This separation from God is the greatest hindrance to the multi-dimensional relationship He desires with us. Despite this, God’s love for humanity is so immense that He provided a solution through Jesus Christ, the second Adam. Jesus’ obedience and sacrifice offer us a path to righteousness and eternal life, restoring the choice that Adam took away.
The resurrection of Jesus promises us new, immortal bodies, free from the curse of sin and death. This transformation is a testament to God’s ultimate plan for humanity—to bring us back to a state of eternal communion with Him. As believers, we are called to be peacemakers, reconciling others to God through our talents, time, and treasures. The work of the church is crucial in this mission, and we must utilize all resources at our disposal, including modern technology, to spread the gospel effectively.
### Key Takeaways
1. Created in God's Image: Being made in God's image means we possess unique attributes like rational thought, creativity, and the ability to love and choose. This divine resemblance grants us authority over creation and makes us God's representatives on earth. Our purpose is to reflect God's character and rule with His wisdom and love. [03:52]
2. The Consequence of Sin: Adam's disobedience introduced sin and death into the world, affecting all his descendants. Sin is not just about actions but an inherent condition that separates us from God. This separation hinders the multi-faceted relationship God desires with us, making reconciliation through Jesus Christ essential. [14:59]
3. Jesus, the Second Adam: Jesus Christ, unlike Adam, was not born in sin and His obedience provides a path to righteousness for all. Through His sacrifice, we are offered a choice to accept eternal life and be restored to a right relationship with God. This choice erases the consequences of Adam's sin from our account. [21:21]
4. Transformation and Eternal Life: The resurrection promises believers new, immortal bodies, free from the curse of sin and death. This transformation signifies the ultimate victory over death and the fulfillment of God's plan for eternal communion with humanity. Our current bodies, subject to decay, will be replaced with glorified ones. [28:48]
5. Call to Reconciliation: As believers, we are called to be peacemakers, using our talents, time, and treasures to reconcile others to God. The work of the church is critical in spreading the gospel, and we must leverage all available resources, including technology, to reach a broader audience. Our mission is to restore humanity to its original state before the fall. [33:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:46] - Introduction and Sound Check
[02:52] - Creation of Man in God's Image
[03:52] - Understanding Image and Likeness
[05:29] - Man's Unique Capabilities
[06:58] - Man's Authority Over Creation
[08:14] - Representing God on Earth
[09:28] - Purpose of Man's Creation
[10:19] - The Gift of Free Will
[11:50] - The Fall of Adam
[12:44] - Inherited Sin from Adam
[14:17] - The Consequence of Adam's Sin
[15:53] - Introduction of Death
[17:26] - Sin as a Hindrance to God's Purpose
[19:01] - The Role of the Law
[20:44] - Death Reigned from Adam to Moses
[21:21] - Jesus, the Second Adam
[22:23] - The Gift of Eternal Life
[24:00] - Personal Responsibility for Sin
[25:07] - The Choice Restored by Jesus
[26:47] - The Impact of Adam's Sin on Our Bodies
[28:48] - Transformation and Immortality
[30:20] - The Promise of New Bodies
[32:27] - The Work of the Church
[33:00] - Creation Awaits the Sons of God
[34:00] - Are You a Peacemaker?
[35:27] - Using Our Gifts for Reconciliation
[37:38] - The Role of Technology in Evangelism
[40:14] - Reaching the Younger Generation
[41:48] - The Need for Excellent Content
[43:28] - The Harvest is Plentiful
[44:33] - Focus on Jesus, Not Motivational Speaking
[46:44] - The Importance of Time, Talent, and Treasure
[48:56] - The Church's Voice in Society
[49:35] - Challenge to Use Our Resources for the Gospel
[52:21] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:26-27 (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."
2. Romans 5:12 (NIV): "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned."
3. 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 (NIV): "So it is written: 'The first man Adam became a living being'; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:26-27, what are the unique attributes that humans possess by being made in God's image? How does this relate to our authority over creation? [03:52]
2. What does Romans 5:12 say about the origin of sin and its impact on humanity? How does this passage explain the concept of inherited sin? [14:17]
3. In 1 Corinthians 15:45-49, how are the first Adam and the last Adam (Jesus) contrasted? What does this passage say about the transformation of our bodies? [27:18]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of believers as peacemakers and representatives of God on earth? [33:00]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be created in the image and likeness of God beyond physical resemblance? How does this understanding affect our view of human dignity and purpose? [03:52]
2. How does the concept of inherited sin from Adam challenge the idea of personal responsibility for sin? How does Jesus' role as the second Adam provide a solution to this problem? [21:21]
3. What is the significance of the resurrection and the promise of new, immortal bodies for believers? How does this hope influence our daily lives and attitudes towards death? [28:48]
4. In what ways are believers called to be peacemakers and reconcilers in today's world? How can we use our talents, time, and treasures to fulfill this mission? [34:00]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on being made in God's image, how can you better exercise your unique attributes like rational thought, creativity, and the ability to love in your daily life? [03:52]
2. Considering the impact of inherited sin, how can you personally embrace the reconciliation offered through Jesus Christ? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God? [14:17]
3. How does the promise of a transformed, immortal body affect your perspective on current physical challenges or fears about death? How can this hope bring comfort and motivation? [28:48]
4. In what specific ways can you act as a peacemaker in your community or workplace? Identify one person or situation where you can actively work towards reconciliation this week. [34:00]
5. How can you use modern technology to spread the gospel and reconcile others to God? What practical steps can you take to create or share excellent content that glorifies God? [37:38]
6. Reflect on your use of time, talents, and treasures. Are there areas where you can contribute more to the mission of the church? What specific actions will you take to align your resources with God's purpose? [46:44]
7. Think about a recent situation where you had the opportunity to share your faith but hesitated. What can you do differently next time to boldly proclaim the gospel? [51:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Reflecting God's Image
Description: Being created in God's image means we possess unique attributes such as rational thought, creativity, and the ability to love and choose. This divine resemblance grants us authority over creation and makes us God's representatives on earth. Our purpose is to reflect God's character and rule with His wisdom and love. This understanding should shape how we view ourselves and our responsibilities in the world. We are not just another part of creation; we are endowed with a special role and purpose. [03:52]
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: How can you reflect God's character in your daily interactions and decisions today?
Day 2: The Consequence of Sin
Description: Adam's disobedience introduced sin and death into the world, affecting all his descendants. Sin is not just about actions but an inherent condition that separates us from God. This separation hinders the multi-faceted relationship God desires with us, making reconciliation through Jesus Christ essential. Understanding the depth of sin's impact helps us appreciate the necessity of Jesus' sacrifice and the importance of living a life that seeks to bridge the gap between humanity and God. [14:59]
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: In what ways do you see the effects of sin in your life, and how can you seek God's help to overcome them?
Day 3: Jesus, the Second Adam
Description: Jesus Christ, unlike Adam, was not born in sin and His obedience provides a path to righteousness for all. Through His sacrifice, we are offered a choice to accept eternal life and be restored to a right relationship with God. This choice erases the consequences of Adam's sin from our account. Jesus' life and sacrifice are central to our faith, offering us a way to reconnect with God and live in His grace. [21:21]
1 Corinthians 15:21-22 (ESV): "For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the second Adam change your perspective on His role in your life?
Day 4: Transformation and Eternal Life
Description: The resurrection promises believers new, immortal bodies, free from the curse of sin and death. This transformation signifies the ultimate victory over death and the fulfillment of God's plan for eternal communion with humanity. Our current bodies, subject to decay, will be replaced with glorified ones. This hope should inspire us to live with an eternal perspective, valuing what truly matters in light of God's promises. [28:48]
Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV): "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
Reflection: How does the promise of a transformed, immortal body influence the way you live your life today?
Day 5: Call to Reconciliation
Description: As believers, we are called to be peacemakers, using our talents, time, and treasures to reconcile others to God. The work of the church is critical in spreading the gospel, and we must leverage all available resources, including technology, to reach a broader audience. Our mission is to restore humanity to its original state before the fall. This calling requires us to be proactive in our efforts to share God's love and truth with the world. [33:00]
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to use your talents, time, and treasures to help reconcile others to God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "My brothers and sisters, God made you so that he can have a multi-dimensional, a multi-faceted relationship with you. And if you look through the Bible, you will see different facets, or different aspects of what God wants from you and I. Different aspects, different facets of the relationship that he desires from you and I. In one dimension, he wants us to be his friends. In another dimension, he calls us his son. In other places, he refers to us as his bride. He wants you to know him." [10:19] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We serve a God who truly loves us. We serve a God who doesn't want anybody to perish. That is why in John 3, 16, the Bible says, For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. What does it mean not to perish? It means that you don't die. So the reason why God sent Jesus is to realize, remove death from the conversation of some people. Amen? Which people? Those that believe in him." [21:53] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The promise of God is that in Christ body will be transformed. And it will never die. Somebody shout Hallelujah. You know, Paul ends this description of what will happen to our bodies by saying always work enthusiastically for the Lord because nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. The work of the church is critical God's plans for the end. The work of the church is critical to taking humanity back into the garden of Eden and giving them a choice." [32:27] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Bible says all of creation is waiting expectantly for the manifestation of the sons of God. We are very critical parts of God's plan to restore all of humanity to the position that they had before Adam sinned. You and I we have been saved for such a time as this. Romans 8 19 Creation is waiting for you. Don't you ever say they are waiting for you. Why is creation waiting for you? Because creation is waiting for deliverance from the law of sin and death." [33:00] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Listen God has gifted you everything you have talent, time, treasure is a gift from God because there are people who do not have what you have. You wake up in the morning and say Father I thank you. If I tell all of us now to give thanks to God all of us will give thanks because we recognize that we stand, we live, we move we eat by the grace and mercy of God. What we have is a gift from God but we need to understand that those gifts are given not just for us to consume but so that we can be a part of reconciliation." [34:56] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "But another meaning to being made in the image of God is that we are his governing authority over all of creation. Remember the Bible says God made man in his own image so that, so that he may rule. One of the reasons why we are made in the image of God is so that we can rule by being made in the image of God. God is giving us authority over all of creation that in the olden days, kings and rulers would have their images placed all over the areas where they had authority and those images, those statues were considered the king's representative and people were required to worship them as if the king was right there." [08:14] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sin is what opened the door to death. In summary, it was Adam's fault. It was Adam's fault. His sin made all his descendants sinners. And just as he died because of his sin, all his descendants died. Amen? And this is the problem with sin. Sin is a hindrance. It is a hindrance to God's purpose. Remember I said God made man to have a multi-dimensional, multi-faceted relationship with man. The biggest hindrance, the only hindrance to that relationship is sin. Sin is an obstacle to God's eternal purpose for creation." [16:41] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Adam took away the choice of whether we were sinners or not. And one could make an argument that this is very unfair. I didn't choose to sin. It was Adam who made the choice. And all of humanity gets to pay the price. Do you understand what I'm saying? Do you remember when we were, well, some of us, when we were kids, if you grew up in Nigeria, I don't know what happened in other African countries or the West, but where I grew up, if you come from a large family, multiple siblings, maybe four or five, and you are the eldest, if one person messes up, you, who had nothing to do with it, you are responsible." [22:23] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The gospel ministry of reconciliation needs your time. Don't deceive yourself. It needs your talent. And needs your treasure. Listen, I thank God for technology. I thank God for technology. Technology has made it easier for us to preach the gospel. Amen? When Jesus walked the face of the earth, everybody was walking. There were no cars. And then go back into the 70s and 80s and 90s before the advent of the internet. If we wanted to do evangelism, we had to walk around knocking on doors and giving out tracts. We're laying people on the highway, yelling at people in buses." [37:38] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Bible says that the harvest is plentiful. But the laborers they are few. Pray ye the Lord of the harvest that he sent his laborers and can I tell you something I prayed and I am praying and guess what I can see a lot of laborers. Oh yes this church is full. This church is full. You know what that tells me? God did not send just pure warmers here. You know why this church has filled up? Because we are talking about Jesus. There are churches who do motivational speaking better than us. Pastor Tosin, have you? There are churches who do gimmicks and props better than us." [43:28] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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