Teaching Notes

  • February 23, 2025

    “What Does it Mean to be Human?” 

    Genesis 1:26-31 

     

    Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us…”

    Genesis 1:26a

     

    So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God, he created them; male and female he created them.

    Genesis 1:27

     

    Being created in the image of God is an inherent part of being human. Because humans were made in the likeness of God (“Imago Dei”) we have irrevocable intrinsic value. We were made to resemble and reflect God’s character, attributes, and actions. Though this likeness has been marred and obscured by sin and brokenness, we have been redeemed in Christ, the perfect “visible image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). Now, we are in the process of being restored through the power of the Holy Spirit to become more like Jesus in every way. 

     

    Our identity as God’s image bearers has crucial implications for how we relate to: 

    • Creation: Commissioned by God to steward wisely. 

    Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” 

    Genesis 1:28

     

    • Ourselves: Foundational intrinsic identity as beloved creation with divine design.

    For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 

    Ephesians 2:10

     

    • God: Created to glorify God and enjoy Him through a deep-abiding relationship.

    • Others: See people as fellow image bearers of God. Follow the example of Christ, the perfect image of God.

     

    Questions to consider: 

    1. Do you identify as someone made in the image of God? Why or why not? 
    2. How would you treat people differently if you saw them as image bearers of God? 
    3. Where has the image of God been obscured in your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to become more like Jesus and recover more of God’s image in you. 

     

    In growing more of God’s image in us, may we increasingly reflect His love and goodness into this world!