Image of God - Our Design and Purpose

In a deconstructed post-postmodern worldview, we lack direction and Purpose

The importance of Day 6. - Most words used.

“Let Us”

Divine Council

Jesus & Holy Spirit

Why does this matter?

God shows up to us as we are.

Image

Images - means more than today. (India)

Physical idol / Statue

Genesis 5:1–2 “1 This is the written account of the descendants of Adam. When God created human beings, he made them to be like himself. 2 He created them male and female, and he blessed them and called them “human.”

Every Human is part of the image of God

Tall or short

Color Skin

Fetal alcohol syndrome

Family System

You have a rightful place in God’s creation

What does likeness mean?

1) Empowerment & Delegated Authority

Power of the Creator is given to Humanity

Art & Buildings

But still a difference

Delegated Authority

“They will reign”

NLT - Rule, Treat, Supervise

King & Queen

What we Don’t reign over

Space, weather patterns

Land rights, Economy

Each other

What we Do reign over

Creatures God so carefully created

Distributed Authority - Collectively working together

Jesus (2nd Adam) regains this authority - the Great Commission.

NT Jesus doesn’t Reign over the Church - Brothers

The one with all the power gives away power within boundaries, what is good

2) Relationship

Vs 27 - The biblical definition of humanity

3 times = important

created + image = 3 each

Side Question…

Is God male, female, or both? He is God.

The Bible uses masculine and feminine Hebrew words for God

Masculine - King, warrior

Feminine - Lady wisdom, mother

We can see his characteristics in our creation, but that doesn’t limit him to his creation.

Rather, it elevates us to Royality - Image, Empowerment, Delegated Authority.

Male & Female = image - gray matter and white matter

Gender and sexuality are part of the created order and operate well in their place

Distinct and dependent

Dependent for fullness but not “codependent” or “Enmeshed”

Codependency is when one person relies on another for their self-worth and identity

If you have to constantly cancel your plans because you have a friend who is always in distress. It's when you neglect your own emotions and needs because of the fear of how your friend will feel about you not being there for them.

Enmeshment happens when clear boundaries about you start and where you end are not clearly defined.

You have a relationship where you share everything, including emotions, decisions, and even friendships

Unhealthy relationships

One thought and opinion

One in power

One over the other. You always have to check with someone.

The tell:

“If you are in a relationship and only one person's opinion matters, you are not in a relationship.”

What healthy looks like

Independent thinking with empathy

Distinct - differences are good and accepted

Empowerment

Heart on the table

Look at God:

Independent thinker with empathy (prayer)

Look at the distinction between spaces and what life is in each place

Empowerment / resource and blessings

Heart open on the table to be hurt by us.

Since God created us, WE are crafted to be like him

Empowerment & Delegated Authority

Relationships

Conclusion

Humanity has a design and purpose

Being God’s Image gives us

Meaning, purpose, and hope.

You are royalty

You are the image of God

So are they…

You are to have authority like Jesus

God’s Greatest Imprint is US

The one with all the power distributed the power among all of us equally.

What power do you have today to step into like Jesus did?