Genesis 1:26-28
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female. 28 God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.”
Genesis 5:1-2 CSB
1 This is the document containing the family records of Adam. On the day that God created man, he made him in the likeness of God; 2 he created them, male and female. When they were created, he blessed them and called them mankind.
STATEMENTS
ALL HUMANS WERE CREATED IN THE IMAGE and LIKENESS OF GOD.
ALL HUMANS INTRINSICALLY HAVE VALUE, NO MATTER RACE, COLOR, OR CREED.
INTRISIC HUMAN VALUE CANNOT BE LOST.
GOD LOVES ALL WHO WERE CREATED IN HIS IMAGE and LIKENESS.
CREATED IN HIS IMAGE AND LIKENESS
“Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.”
I. THE PLURALITY OF GOD
GOD IS THE FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT
The Father
Genesis 1:1, In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
The Son (Jesus Christ)
John 1:14, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
The Holy Spirit
John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
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II. THE PLURALITY OF MAN
BODY, SOUL, SPIRIT
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
i. Let us make man in our image – Imago Dei (Image of God)
What does Man being made in the image of God mean?
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Humans have a soul and the ability to relate to God.
Ephesians 4:22-24 – 22
to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.
The capacity for reason, understanding, and creativity.
Proverbs 18:15
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
A sense of right and wrong, reflecting God’s holiness.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
: The ability to form meaningful relationships.
Genesis 2:18
“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’”
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ii. According to our likeness – emphasizes the functional and relational aspects of the image of God.
Humans are given dominion over creation (Genesis 1:28), reflecting God’s sovereign rule.
Psalm 8:6-8
Humanity is called to steward creation, cultivate it, and live in harmony with God’s design and purpose.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Humans can create, shape, and influence the world around them, though in a limited way.
Colossians 3:23-24
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Community Life Group Questions
Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis 5:1-2
1. What does it mean to be made in the image and likeness of God?
How does this shape our understanding of human dignity and purpose?
In what ways can we reflect God’s nature in our daily lives?
2.How do the attributes of God’s image (spirituality, intellect, morality, relationality) manifest in human beings today?
Which of these attributes do you see most clearly in yourself or others?
How does sin distort these reflections?
3.If human value cannot be lost, how should we approach individuals who seem to have lost their way or are deeply broken?
How does understanding this truth shape ministries of restoration and compassion?
4.How does understanding the relational nature of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) influence our relationships with others
How can Christians live in unity that reflects God’s triune nature?
What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God and others?
5.How can we pray for you?