Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• Focusing on v26
• "Let us make man in Our image according to Our likeness"
• Example of serious questions
• Does God really care?
• Pain and suffering is the reality of life
• As a Christian there is another side to suffering
• Yet people question whether there is a loving God
• A declaration: God does care
• Let us see from v26 how much God really does treasure us
• Creation
• Is immense and beautiful
• Humans are the focus
• Gen 1 - showcases all of God's creative work, but...
• ... v26 - attention is drawn to God's most wonderful creation
• There is a pause - God speaks to Himself
• There is a conversation amongst the Godhead
• God is giving careful thought and attention to the creation of men and women
• This shows we are special
• Let us consider this heavenly conversation
• Overview:
• What did God create?
• How did God create humans to be?
• Why did God create humans

What did God create?

• Human beings - made to be distinct and different from the rest of creation
• There is a fundamental distinction in our form and purpose
• We were created in His image
• We are not the result of evolution
• cf. Gen 2:7
• Humans were formed from the dust and God breathed into his nostrils
• Not out of the sea or the ground
• Not just a command but formed by God's own hand
• The first thing man felt and saw was God
• Such was the level of intimacy between mankind and God
• In one sense separation from God is not natural
• Through the separation of sin - we have turned our face away from God
• We are quick to question and blame God
• God still cares - this is why He sent His only Son Jesus
• Through Jesus we can be reconciled with God and have an intimate relationship with Him

How did God create humans to be?

• Two ways:
• The mechanics - God made us from the dust of the ground and breathed life into us
• The more complete - we were created in God's image
• Created in God's image
• God Himself served as the template for how we are made
• We are not unique ...
• ... because we are made in God's image
• When God made us - He looked at Himself
• A created representation of God
• Our faculties and abilities (examples) - is a testimony that we were created in God's image
• Personal example
• cf Gen 2:23-24, 5:3
• How much more would God's affection be to humans made in His own likeness
• God has so much affection towards us
• Yet sin has marred this image - we have rejected God and forsaken His image
• We have made ourselves to be God
• Yet God is still loving towards us
• God sent His only begotten Son - explanation
• Jesus helps conform us to God's image

Why did God create humans?

• What is our purpose?
• We are made to enjoy an intimate relationship with God
• Nothing else in creation could have this relationship with God
• Unless we are fulfilling our purpose - we are missing the mark
• Sin blinds and impedes us from knowing God ...
• ... yet God still loves us - Rom 5:8
• We must repent of our sins - explanation

Closing Remarks

• God really cares for us - v26 shows this