Adults — Community Group (60 Minutes)

God Creates Humanity in His Image

CONNECT — 0–10 Minutes

Purpose: Build trust and invite every voice.

Leader Script

“Welcome, everyone. Tonight isn’t about having all the right answers — it’s about listening to God’s Word and learning together. Take a breath, settle in, and let’s trust God to guide our time.”

Icebreaker

• What is one role or title you’ve held in life that shaped how you saw yourself?
• OR: If you could instantly become great at one skill, what would it be?

ENCOUNTER — 10–20 Minutes

Purpose: Let God’s Word lead.

Leader Script

“As we read, listen for what God reveals about Himself and about people. Don’t rush to application yet — just notice what stands out.”

Read Aloud

Scripture (BSB): Genesis 1:26-31

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.”

27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.”

29 Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food.

30 And to every beast of the earth and every bird of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth—everything that has the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.

31 And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Scripture (BSB): Psalm 8

How Majestic Is Your Name!

For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. A Psalm of David.

1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens.

2 From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.

3 When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place—

4 what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?

5 You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet:

7 all sheep and oxen, and even the beasts of the field,

8 the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

Discovery Questions

• What stands out to you?
• What repeats or feels important?

ANCHOR — 20–40 Minutes

Purpose: Understand the meaning of the text.

Teaching Summary

Genesis shows that humanity is created with intention and dignity. Being made in God’s image means our value is inherent, not achieved. Psalm 8 reinforces this by placing humanity within the vastness of creation while still affirming God’s care and purpose for people. Together, these texts remind us that identity flows from God’s design and authority.

Digging Deeper

• What does this reveal about God as Creator and King?
• What does this reveal about how God views people?
• Why is it important that dignity comes before responsibility?

RESPOND — 40–55 Minutes

Purpose: Move toward obedience.

Personal Reflection

• Where are you most tempted to find your worth outside of God?
• Who is hardest for you to treat as an image-bearer?
• Who is someone you struggle to see as an image-bearer?

Group Sharing

Invite volunteers to share one insight or challenge from the discussion.

SEND — 55–60 Minutes

Weekly Practice:
Image-Bearer Awareness — Each day this week, pause before one interaction and remind yourself: “This person is made in God’s image.” Let that shape how you speak or respond.

Closing Prayer

“God, thank You for creating us with purpose and value. Help us live this week in ways that honor You and reflect Your character. Amen.”