2-10-19 Sermon Notes
Genesis – Day 6 Continued – Genesis 1:26-31
Introduction
Last week, we focused on the second three days of creation. This week, we turn our attention to the final creation of God.
Read Genesis 1:26-31
26 “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.”
27 So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
28 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.”
29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.
31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”
Introduction #2
God has created all the creatures that live on dry land. This includes every type of creature not included on previous days. His creation is lacking ……….
Message
26 “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.”
When God was creating man, He took counsel with Himself, “God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness.” This is not an explicit revelation of the trinity but is part of the foundation for such, as God reveals an “us” within the Godhead. God makes man, and man is made in the image of God (men and women both bear this image) and is special above all other creatures. To emphasize this, God places man in authority over the earth and over all the other creatures. God blesses man and commands him to reproduce, fill the earth and subdue it (bring it under the rightful stewardship of man as authorized by God). God announces that man and all other creatures are to eat plants alone. God will not rescind this dietary restriction until Genesis 9:3-4.
Let’s pause here and examine what being made ‘in the image of God’ means. Having the “image” or “likeness” of God means, in the simplest terms, that we were made to resemble God. Adam did not resemble God in the sense of God’s having flesh and blood. Scripture says that “God is spirit” (John 4:24) and therefore exists without a body.
The image of God (Latin: imago dei) refers to the immaterial part of humanity. It sets us apart from the animal world, fits us for the dominion God intended for us to have over the earth, and enables us to commune with our Maker.
Mentally, humanity was created as a rational being. In other words, we can reason and choose. This is a reflection of God’s intellect and freedom.
Morally, humanity was created in righteousness and perfect innocence, a reflection of God’s holiness. God saw all He had made (humanity included) and called it “very good.” Verse 31.
God’s creative work is complete at the end of the sixth day. The entire universe in all its beauty and perfection was fully formed in six literal, consecutive, 24-hour days. At the completion of His creation, God announces that it is very good.
Concluding Remarks and Application
Stop for a moment and look at your right hand. (By the way, aren’t you glad that God gave us two hands!) Think about what it took to create such a useful appendage: Joints, fingernails, the ability to bend, grip, fingers that move independently or collectively, a thumb, the ability to heal cuts. I am sure that you can come up with more. And, everyone’s hands have unique fingerprints – no two alike in all of God’s creation. For those who say that we, let along our hands, are a product of evolution, I say, “Hogwash!”
And as far as an application, I suggest that we focus on how much we are alike and how each one of us is unique. Along with that, let us appreciate the fact that we have been made in His image. Remember this – God doesn’t make junk.
Next Week – The continuation of the series – “Origins! Created with purpose”
Week 5 Study Notes – 2-10-19
Created in the Image of God
Read Genesis 1:26-31.
Find and explain expressions from Genesis 1:26 that show people are special in God’s creation.
What special responsibilities were given to people in Genesis 1:28?
Explain what it means to subdue the earth and have dominion over animals. (Think: What kinds of activities would this authorize?)
What were people and animals told to eat? Extra Credit: When does this change?
Read Genesis 2:21-25.
Does this account conflict with Genesis 1? Is this a different creation event or just an expanded telling of the same event?
Why is it not good to be alone?
How do verses 21 and 22 describe a woman being made?
List some New Testament passages that refer to Adam or Eve or the first man or woman.
What lessons can we learn about marriage from Genesis 2:24?
Read Mark 10:6-9. How does Jesus affirm marriage?
At what point in time does Jesus say ‘male and female’ are created? Does it leave room for a lot of time between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:25?
Read 1 Corinthians 6:15-20.
How does this affirm the proper place in our lives for sex?