In the Beginning…Mankind 1:26-28; 2:4-17

I N T H E B E G I N N I N G … M A N K I N D1 : 2 6 - 2 8 ; 2 : 4 - 1 7

Do I matter, and if so, why?

Atheism’s AnswerBertrand Russell (philosopher)of man “his origin, his growth, his hopes and fears, his loves and his beliefs, are but the outcome of accidental collocations of atoms”

Atheism’s AnswerOliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (Supreme Court Justice) “I see no reason for attributing to man a significance different in kind from that which belongs to a baboon or a grain of sand.”

The Creation of Mankind1st Account – 1:26-28• focuses on God’s power• describes our creation in summary form

The Creation of Mankind2nd Account – 2:4-17• focuses on God’s care for mankind• gives us the detailed story

The Creation of Mankind2nd Account – 2:4-17

v4: Summaryv5-7: Two problems fixed: water provided & man createdv8-15: God makes a perfect place for manv16: God’s abundant provisionv17: God’s small prohibition

“In the Image of God”• something physical that represents

something else• limited by “likeness” – we are not gods

“In the Image of God”We are designed to…1. RELATE to God and one another

John 1:12But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name

“In the Image of God”We are designed to…2. REFLECT God’s glory

Psalm 8:3–5 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty!

“In the Image of God”We are designed to…2. REFLECT God’s glory physically

Exodus 34:34–35 But whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out; and whenever he came out and spoke to the sons of Israel what he had been commanded, the sons of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone…

“In the Image of God”We are designed to…2. REFLECT God’s glory physically

Daniel 12:3 Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

“In the Image of God”We are designed to…2. REFLECT God’s glory physically & morally

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

“In the Image of God”We are designed to…3. RULE God’s creation as His

representatives1:28 – “fill and subdue”2:15 – “cultivate and keep”

“In the Image of God”We are designed to…1. RELATE to God and one another2. REFLECT God’s glory physically & morally3. RULE God’s creation as His representatives

Effect of sin: the image was defaced, not erasedRestoration begins with reconciliation to God

Why The Image MattersCultural Implications1. The image gives SANCTITY to all human life2. The image gives EQUALITY to all human life

Personal Implications3. You matter! You are valuable & significant!4. Life’s best when lived in line with God’s design

Upcoming Sermons• 9/22 – “Work & Rest” – Brian• 9/29 – “Marriage & Sexuality” – Matt• 10/6 – “Creation Care” – Blake

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Next week @ SW: Genesis 2:1-3 “Work & Rest”