warm-up

If you could have any job in the world, what would it be? Why?

Tell us one thing your friends and family know you for.

Who is the most important person in your life? Why?

word

²⁶Then 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.” ²⁷So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. ²⁸And 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 heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:26–28

God is the Creator of all things. He set everything in place—the sun, moon, stars, plants, and every living creature in the land, sea, and air. As the Creator, God has the right to define and set the purpose of everything. This is especially true for us humans because we were fashioned in a unique way—imago Dei, meaning “in the very image and likeness of God.” Today, we will look at three truths to understand what it means for us to be created by God in His image.

1
We reflect God’s glory.

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.” Genesis 1:26

Being made in the image of God means that He is seen in us and that we reflect His glory. This does not mean that our physical bodies reflect the literal image of God. It does mean, however, that we reflect the likeness of God through our ability to think, reason, create, and exercise dominion over creation, which He has called us to take care of. He set us apart from creation as His masterpiece, breathing into us His breath of life. How should we treat one another, knowing that we reflect God’s glory?

2
We are meant to live in community.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. . . .” Genesis 1:26

From the very beginning, we are being introduced to God as a relational being—the Father, Son, and Spirit living in perfect harmony as they created the world. We who are made in His image are meant to live harmoniously in community with others. We reflect His image together, not just as individuals (Romans 12:5). As we live in a healthy community, we can more effectively accomplish God’s command together. Which community are you part of? How is your community helping you pursue God’s purpose for your life?

3
We are highly valued.

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” Genesis 9:6

Since we are made in God’s image, we have value. And this value is not based on our achievements, wealth, track record, or skills. Our value as bearers of the image of God cannot be earned or taken away. God doesn’t even want us to be harmed in any way, because that is how much He loves us. In fact, even when we deliberately disobeyed and rebelled against God through sin, He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins and redeem us. This was all done because of His great love for us (Romans 5:8). What does Psalm 139:13–17 say about how God values us?

application

How does knowing that you reflect God’s glory change the way you view yourself? How can this change the way you live?

Who are the people God has placed in your life that help you pursue His purpose? How are you helping others pursue God's purpose?

Think of a friend or family member who needs to learn about his or her value in God. How can you encourage him or her to seek God and experience His love this week?

prayer

Thank God for creating you in His image and likeness. Thank Him for the purpose He set for your life.

Ask God to show you the people you are meant to share life with. Pray that He will supply the grace to grow in your relationship with Him and with others.

Pray that God will give you the boldness to help others realize their true worth in God.

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© 2019 by VICTORY®
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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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