Genesis 1:14-31

We see three things that we are called to do as we experience the Created Kingdom: we must remember the provision of God for the Created Kingdom, reflect the Image of God to the Created Kingdom, and rule with the authority of God in the Created Kingdom.

Outline

  • First, We Must Remember the Provision of God for the Created Kingdom (1:14-25)
    • God fills the created kingdom on day 4 by saying let there be life in the heavens (1:14)
    • God fills the created kingdom on days 5 & 6 by saying let there be life in the seas, skies, and land on the earth  (1:20-25)
  • Second, We Must Reflect the Image of God to the Created Kingdom (1:26-27)
    • We should reflect the image of God in our character (1:26)
    • We should reflect the image of God in our convictions (1:26)
    • We should reflect the image of God in our calling  (1:26)
    • We should reflect the image of God in our community (1:27)
  • Third, We Must Rule with the Authority of God in the Created Kingdom (1:28-31)
    • We rule with authority as we build the family of God (1:28)
    • We rule with authority as we build the kingdom of God (1:28)

Christ Connections

  • God created the world and humanity to be “very good” (1:31). Though it was corrupted at man’s fall into sin, Christ came to restore his creation.
  • The world was created to be the temple of God and was not just filled with his creation but also with his presence. God intends to dwell with us and through Christ he will come to earth to restore his temple.
  • Man was created in the image of God. The New Testament sheds more light on this in Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3. While we are made in the image of God, Jesus is the image of God. Jesus is the preexistent image of God that Adam and the rest of humanity is modeled after. If we want to reflect the image of God, then we should seek to reflect Jesus who is the image of God.

Applications

  • God is in control of all creation and we can find comfort in his power.
  • Every human being, from womb to tomb, was created in the image of God with inherent dignity and value. This means we must advocate for the sanctity of all people of any race, ethnicity, age, or stage.
  • Since we have been made in the image of God we are to reflect him in creation by ruling and reigning under him.
  • We are called to be fruitful and multiply both in the raising of children and in the raising of disciples. Both in biological children and spiritual children.
  • Men and women are equal in essence before God because everyone of us is made in the image of God; the Bible is clear that, while the roles of men and women in the church and home are distinct, the dignity of men and women in the eyes of God is the same