Understanding Our Need for God in His Design

 

Summary

In our journey to understand our place in God's grand design, we embark on a series that grapples with the profound question: Why does God need me? This question, while seemingly straightforward, may not be the right one to ask. Instead, it may be more appropriate to explore why we need God. As we approach Easter, we reflect on the power of the resurrection and its ability to reconcile us with God, despite the chasm sin has created.

As we delve into this exploration, we consider the concept of Imago Dei, the Latin term for "image of God," as presented in Genesis 1:26-31. This passage reveals that humanity was created in God's image, to have dominion over creation and to live in harmony with it. The term Imago Dei invites us to consider our likeness to God, not just in appearance but in essence.

The story of Peter Schleimel, who sold his shadow to the devil, serves as a metaphor for our relationship with God. Schleimel's shadow represents his connection to God, and by selling it, he loses his place in society and the love of his life. This tale prompts us to consider our own shadows as reminders of God's constant presence in our lives.

We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, to live out our faith in tangible ways. Our shadows, growing darker as the light of Christ shines brighter within us, symbolize our growing faith and the impact we have on the world. As we deepen our relationship with God, we become more aware of our purpose and the unique role we play in God's plan.

In summary, God does not need us in the way we might think; rather, God desires a relationship with us. We are created to reflect God's image, to be stewards of creation, and to live out our faith in service to others. Our journey is not to prove our worth to God but to understand how we can best serve God's kingdom here on earth.

Key Takeaways:

- The concept of Imago Dei, the image of God, is foundational to understanding our intrinsic value and purpose. We are not mere accidents of nature but intentional creations, fashioned to reflect the divine. This reflection is not just in our physical being but in our capacity for relationship, creativity, and stewardship. [32:37]

- The story of Peter Schleimel serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of severing our connection with God. It illustrates the importance of our spiritual "shadow," the evidence of God's presence in our lives. When we embrace our identity as bearers of God's image, we find true fulfillment and purpose. [40:57]

- Our shadows can be seen as a metaphor for our faith journey. As we grow closer to God and the light of Christ shines through us, our spiritual shadows become more pronounced. This signifies the impact we have on the world as we live out our faith and share God's love with others. [36:58]

- The question "Why does God need me?" can be reframed to "Why do I need God?" This shift in perspective emphasizes our dependence on God for our identity, purpose, and the ability to love and serve others. It is not about God's need for us but our need for God's guidance and presence in our lives. [25:05]

- Our role as Christians is to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, to embody God's love and grace in the world. This calling is not just a responsibility but a privilege, as it allows us to participate in God's redemptive work and to be a living testament to the transformative power of God's love. [44:09]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:26-31 (NRSV)
> Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth." So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 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 air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth." God said, "See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food." And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Genesis 1:26-31 say about the creation of humanity and their role in creation?
2. How does the concept of Imago Dei (image of God) appear in Genesis 1:26-31? ([29:39])
3. What metaphor is used in the sermon to describe our relationship with God, and what does it signify? ([40:03])
4. How does the story of Peter Schleimel relate to the sermon’s message about our connection with God? ([38:05])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be created in the "image of God" according to Genesis 1:26-31? How does this shape our understanding of human purpose and value?
2. The sermon suggests that our shadows symbolize our faith journey. How does this metaphor help us understand our relationship with God and our role in the world? ([36:58])
3. How does the story of Peter Schleimel illustrate the consequences of severing our connection with God? What lessons can we draw from this story about maintaining our spiritual "shadow"? ([40:03])
4. The sermon reframes the question "Why does God need me?" to "Why do I need God?" How does this shift in perspective change our approach to faith and service? ([24:02])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the concept of Imago Dei. How does understanding that you are made in the image of God affect your daily life and interactions with others? ([29:39])
2. The sermon emphasizes being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. What are some tangible ways you can live out this calling in your community this week? ([44:09])
3. Consider the metaphor of our shadows growing darker as the light of Christ shines brighter within us. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God and let His light shine through you more clearly? ([36:58])
4. The story of Peter Schleimel warns against losing our spiritual "shadow." Are there areas in your life where you feel disconnected from God? What actions can you take to restore and strengthen that connection? ([40:03])
5. The sermon suggests that our journey is not to prove our worth to God but to understand how we can best serve God's kingdom. How can you shift your focus from seeking validation to seeking ways to serve others in your daily life? ([24:02])
6. Reflect on the idea that God desires a relationship with us. How can you cultivate a deeper, more personal relationship with God in your prayer and devotional life? ([43:07])
7. The sermon encourages us to see our shadows as reminders of God's presence. How can you become more aware of God's presence in your everyday activities and decisions? ([36:58])

Devotional

Day 1: Reflecting the Divine Image
We are not accidents of nature but intentional creations, designed with a purpose that goes beyond our physical existence. The concept of Imago Dei, the image of God, is a profound reminder that we are fashioned to reflect the divine in our capacity for relationship, creativity, and stewardship. This reflection is not limited to our appearance but extends to our essence, our ability to love, to create, and to connect with others and the world around us. As bearers of God's image, we are called to recognize our intrinsic value and to live in a way that honors the divine likeness within us. This understanding of our identity is foundational to how we interact with the world and with the divine.

"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." (Genesis 1:26-27 ESV)

Reflection: How can you honor the image of God in yourself and in others today, through your actions, words, and thoughts? [32:37]

Day 2: The Shadow of Divine Presence
The story of Peter Schleimel, who lost his shadow and with it his connection to society and love, serves as a poignant metaphor for our spiritual life. Our spiritual "shadow" can be thought of as the evidence of God's presence in our lives. When we maintain our connection with God, our shadow is a testament to that relationship. However, if we sever that connection, we risk losing our sense of purpose and fulfillment. Embracing our identity as bearers of God's image allows us to live a life that is rich in meaning and grounded in a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves.

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)

Reflection: In what ways might you have neglected your spiritual "shadow," and how can you reconnect with God's presence to restore it? [40:57]

Day 3: Growing Faith, Growing Shadow
As our faith deepens and the light of Christ shines brighter within us, our spiritual shadows grow darker, symbolizing the impact we have on the world. This metaphor encourages us to consider how our faith journey is not static but dynamic, growing as we grow closer to God. Our shadows, then, become a visual representation of the influence we wield as we live out our faith and share God's love with others. The darker our shadow, the brighter the light that casts it, reminding us that our spiritual growth is both personal and communal, affecting not just ourselves but those around us.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

Reflection: What are some tangible ways your faith has grown recently, and how has this growth manifested in your interactions with others? [36:58]

Day 4: Our Dependence on God
The question "Why does God need me?" can be reframed to "Why do I need God?" This shift in perspective highlights our dependence on God for our identity, purpose, and the ability to love and serve others. It is not about proving our worth to God but recognizing our need for God's guidance and presence in our lives. Understanding this dependence is crucial for living a life that is aligned with God's will and that seeks to fulfill the unique role we each have in God's grand design.

"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:36 ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel a strong need for God's guidance, and how can you actively seek His presence in that area today? [25:05]

Day 5: Being Christ's Hands and Feet
Our role as Christians is not just a responsibility but a privilege, as it allows us to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in the world. This calling invites us to embody God's love and grace, participating in God's redemptive work and being a living testament to the transformative power of God's love. As we serve others and steward creation, we fulfill our purpose and reflect the image of God in tangible, impactful ways.

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific way you can serve someone in your community this week as a reflection of Christ's love and grace? [44:09]

Quotes

- "I think God needs me for relationship. As connected as the shadow is with my being, so is God connected to us." [44:09] (Download | )

- "To know that an all-powerful being that created the vastness, expanse of this universe and the galaxies beyond galaxies, cares enough to have created me." [46:01] (Download | )

- "What if we together are the shadow of God? Amago Dei? How am I living this life, knowing that the shadow, my shadow is with me?" [40:57] (Download | )

- "For some, the shadow becomes the representation of the soul. It accompanies us everywhere we go, and it's with us from the day we're born until the day we die." [42:36] (Download | )

- "If we are the Imago Dei, if scripture says we are created in the image of God, made in the image of God, if we know from this scripture, that God breathed life into humans." [36:58] (Download | )

- "What if we are the shadow of God? What if we are the shadow of God? I was looking, all of this stuff, it leads me to different things." [38:10] (Download | )

- "We're not going to save people from the issues in which they are currently living, but we can go and work through a great program, that has feet on the ground continually." [16:56] (Download | )

- "We may end up saying that's the wrong question. And we'll ponder that. The real question may be, why do we need God?" [25:05] (Download | )

- "So God created humankind in his image. In the image of God, he created them. This is the first time that we see in our passages, where we read the image of God, which is Latin. In Latin, it's a mago dei." [32:37] (Download | )

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Transcript
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