Made In God’s Image

We have spent the last several weeks focusing on the question “Who is God?” and we specifically looked at the following:

  • God’s creativity (Genesis 1-2)
  • God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:1-7)
  • God’s awesomeness (Isaiah 40:10-26)
  • God’s sovereignty (Isaiah 45:1-13)
  • God’s works (Isaiah 55:1-13)
  • God’s glory (Romans 11:33-36)

 

….So how would you answer the question “Who is God?”

As we continue to dig deeper into the gospel message, this week we will begin to answer the question “Who is man?”  Let’s start at the beginning (which is usually a good place to start).

Genesis 1:26 – “Let Us make man in our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky ……”

What does it mean that God made man in His image?

  • Genesis 5:1-2
  • Genesis 9:6
  • James 3:9
  • Colossians 3;10
  • II Corinthians 3:18
  • Romans 8:29
  • I Corinthians 15:49

The original Hebrew words for image and likeness had the basic meaning of resemblance, model, representation.

The fact that man is made in the image of God means that man is like God and represents God. (Grudem, p. 442)

Although we are tainted by sin, we still bear the image of God (although it is a distorted image compared to His original creation).

In your small groups, discuss specific ways that man is in the image of God (Grudem, pp. 446-449):

  • Moral ways – man has a sense of right and wrong
  • Spiritual ways – man has a spirit just as God is spirit (John 4:24)
  • Mental ways – man can reason and think logically; creative; shows emotions
  • Relational ways – marriage and family give us glimpses of the relationship of the Trinity
  • Physical ways – physical bodies and senses allow us to experience everything God created around us

 Recall from our discussion last week in Romans 11 that God didn’t need man.  Yet, He chose to create man to bring glory to Himself.  Not only that, He created man “in His image” unlike any other part of creation.  Man is unique and special in comparison to all of God’s creation.

 Why is it important to understand this truth about man when digging into the gospel message?

Knowing that man is created in God’s image, how does that affect how you view other believers?  What about non-believers?  How should this truth impact your time over the holidays?

Johnny Kjaer
Johnny is married to Tori. They have 4 children Leif, Tryggve, Kjirsti and Hroarr. He has been a part of the youth ministry at Faith since his internship began in 2010. He served as the Pastor of Student Ministries from 2013-2023 and now serves as the Pastor of Faith East Community Ministries. Johnny is an ACBC certified counselor. He also serves the church by directing the Lafayette Living Nativity.