This message explores the meaning of humanity created imago Dei, the significance of Adam and Eve, their creation from the soil by God, and set up next week’s exploration of the human relationship to creation and the “creation” of marriage in Genesis 2. (Genesis 1:26-31; 2:4-24)
Sermon Outline
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
The Creation of Humanity – Big Picture (Genesis 1:26-31)
- God made mankind in His own image (Imago Dei).
- God made them to rule over all other living things.
- God made them male and female.
- It was very good.
The Creation of Humanity – Zeroing in for a Closer Look (Genesis 2:5-24)
- God formed the first man from the dust of the earth.
- God gave him work to do.
- God saw that something was lacking.
- God formed the first woman.
- God established marriage.
A Biblical View of Humanity
- Human beings are not accidents.
- People are more important than the environment.
- God created the two sexes, male and female.
- Our purpose as human beings is “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever”.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- The Bible doesn’t spell out exactly what being created in the image of God (or Imago Dei) means. As you delve into Genesis, what do you see as some of the possibilities of the meaning?
- Adam was presented with a test (2:17). Is there a sense in which our life is a test?
- Why do you think God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep (2:21)?
- There’s a lively debate among Christians on whether capital punishment is acceptable or not. Whether or not it should be practiced today is a big issue, but discuss the reasoning for practicing it in Old Testament times, according to Genesis 9:6. Refer to Genesis 1:27.
- God said it is not good for the man to be alone (2:18). Human beings don’t do well in isolation. What have you seen, in other Scriptures and in life in the 21st century, that confirms this principle?
- There’s a traditional wedding ceremony that has this wording in it: “Marriage was ordained for the welfare of human society which can be strong and happy only where the marriage bond is held in honor.” In what ways does marriage promote the welfare of human society?
- Do you get your view of humanity from the Bible, from culture, or from both? Is there anything in your current view of humanity that you are challenged to reexamine as we study Genesis?
DIG DEEPER
- Watch Noel Paul Stookey singing his Wedding Song inspired in part by Genesis chapter 2.
- Watch and listen to portions of Franz Joseph Haydn’s Creation (Die Schöpfung): Adam and Eve’s duet segment (in German with English supertitles starting at 1:19:21) and the wonderful chorus, “The Heavens Are Telling” (in English).
- Listen to the imaginative meditation-sermon by James Weldon Johnson called “The Creation” from his 1927 sermon compilation, God’s Trombones.