Genesis: imago dei - guide

Opening Prayer

Lord, we gather tonight weary from this world.

With you is the fountain of living water so let our thirsty souls drink from it.

Refresh our hearts and remind us again who we are in you.

Thank you for all the faith that is gathered here. Let it be shared with one another as we

meet.

Amen.

We are in a sermon series on Genesis 1-11 called “In the Beginning.” While other stories in the

ancient world portrayed creation resulting from chaotic and violent acts of rival gods, the story in

Genesis is of a very different kind. It is a story that says this world comes from one God who

ordered this world with beauty, value and care.

Read Genesis 1:26-28

● What do you think it means that we are created in the image of God? Think about what

an “image” is. Think about who God is and what God is like. Put those together. What

thoughts come to your mind?

● What is the role of humans in God’s creation? Notice the word “subdue” or “dominion,”

depending on the translation. How should humans do this?

● In what practical ways do humans reflect God's character (e.g., creativity, moral

discernment, relational nature) that animals do not?

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In Colossians Jesus is identified as the “image of the invisible God.” Jesus makes God visible to

us and the world. In John 1 it says that no one has seen God but that Jesus, his one and only

Son, has made God known.

● Do you think we are also called to reflect God in this world? If so, how?

● In Sunday’s sermon, we saw how Jesus said that the Spirit was upon him to proclaim

good news, freedom, and the Lord’s favor. Can you think of specific ways that Jesus did

these things?

● How can we make God known in our homes, jobs, neighborhoods and city? Be general

and be specific. Share ways you have done this or try to do this.

● How can we view humans as more than something to be used for monetary value or as

cogs in the social machine, but as what God created us to be?

● The New Testament says we are being renewed in the image of Christ (Colossians

3:10). What is one area of your life where you want to see God's image more clearly

reflected?

Close with sharing and prayer