Creation

Illustration

Apex moment

Tony Stark in Avengers

Frodo in Lord of The Rings over the volcano

Peter riding into battle

Harry battling Voldemort for the final time

The Greatest Showman

We Are Made In The Image of God

Gen 1:26-31

When creation is made, there is something starkly different that separates us from the rest of humanity

We are the only aspect of creation that is completely separate from the rest of it

We have a unique creation: We are made in the image of God

We have been given the command to fill the earth and to have dominion over the earth

While it is distorted due to sin, we all have been created intentionally and with purpose

Why did Christ come to die? Why should we seek the creator and trust that he knows what’s best for us?

We trust because the painter knows what its painting needs

We trust because we have been given this particular identity that is separate from the rest of creation. We walk intimately with and submit to the creator because we are made in his image

Illustration: Mad Charcoal

Application: When we look at who we are, and who others are, are we seeing the image of God?

What do our failures say about us? What do they say about others?

What do our successes lead us to believe about ourselves? Others?

We Are Made To Work

Gen 2:5-15

God creates this paradise and puts his creation, his apex of all things, in it to enjoy the benefits and the fruits of its labor

He then gives them the command to work and to keep the garden.

You and I each have an incredible purpose. We are not created as being who merely exist and consume and do nothing

By original design, you and I were made to work. There is purpose behind all that we do.

When we talk about glorifying the Lord, often that can be done through simply working hard.

Remember, work is cursed in the garden after the fruit is eaten. That is why it is difficult and can be undesirable. But you and i weren’t made to be a people who consume and leave

We Are Made For Community

Gen 2:18-23

“It is not good that man should be alone”

You and I weren’t meant to live individual lives. Lives separate from others

We are made to be in deep relationship with one another

This passage has marital implications, but it speaks also to the broader need for relationship with one another

In today’s world, the goal is complete independence

I want to be able to move on my own and not need anyone

I want to be able to have whatever job I want and leave whenever I want

I want a relationship or a marriage but I want to be able to be on my own if I want it

Our world is constantly telling us that the mark of success is if we can be fully independent. We can live a life that is separate from others where all we rely on is ourselves

But what if that was never the goal? What if the goal was something far more intimate?

We were made to exist together. We need one another.

By original design we weren’t meant to be alone