Week 2 Sermon

God Creates Humanity in His Image

Introduction

In Week 1, we saw that God creates by His Word. Creation happens because God speaks, and everything responds.

When Genesis turns to the creation of humanity, the pace slows and the language changes. God does not merely command; He acts with intention and purpose. Humanity is introduced differently than the rest of creation.

This tells us something foundational before we ever talk about behavior, morality, or responsibility:
human identity begins with God.

Reading of the Text

Primary Reading

• 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.

Supporting Reading

• 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!

Main Truth

Because God created humanity in His image, every person has dignity, purpose, and value.

Sermon Outline

1. Humanity Is Created by God’s Intentional Counsel

Scripture (BSB): Genesis 1:26

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.”

Humanity is not the result of chance or impulse. The text shows God acting with deliberate purpose. This moment stands apart from the rest of creation and signals that humanity holds a unique place within God’s design.

This means:

• Human life is intentional
• Identity is received, not constructed
• Worth is rooted in God’s will, not human approval

No one exists accidentally, and no life is meaningless.

2. Humanity Bears God’s Image and Likeness

Scripture (BSB): Genesis 1:26-27

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.

To be made in God’s image means humanity is created to reflect God within creation. This does not elevate humans above God, nor does it make them independent rulers. It establishes them as representatives under God’s authority.

Key truths:

• Every person bears God’s image
• Dignity is shared equally by men and women
• Value is inherent, not earned

Psalm 8 reinforces this by showing humanity’s honored place within God’s ordered world.

3. Humanity Is Blessed and Entrusted with Responsibility

Scripture (BSB): Genesis 1:28-30

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.

Before God gives responsibility, He gives blessing. Authority is not seized; it is entrusted.

Humanity’s role is to steward what belongs to God. This authority is real, but it is always exercised under God’s kingship. Purpose flows from relationship, not self-determination.

This helps us understand that responsibility is not a burden—it is a calling.

4. God Declares His Creation “Very Good”

Scripture (BSB): Genesis 1:31

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.

At the completion of creation, God evaluates His work and declares it good. Humanity is included in that declaration.

This tells us that goodness precedes brokenness. God delights in His creation, and humanity exists within that delight.

Psalm 8 responds not with self-exaltation, but with worship directed toward the Creator.

Reflection Pause

Invite reflection:

• Where do you currently derive your sense of worth?
• Do you view others primarily as image-bearers or as obstacles?
• What might change if you lived daily under God’s authority as Creator and King?

Application

Identity

You do not need to create your worth. God has already given it.

Relationships

Every person you encounter reflects God’s image. This shapes how we speak, listen, and act.

Purpose

You were created to live under God’s rule, reflecting His character in the world He made.

Call to Obedience

This week, live intentionally as an image-bearer of God:

• Honor God as Creator
• Treat others with dignity
• Steward what God has entrusted to you

Looking Ahead

Next week, we will see that the God who creates is also the God who rules. The One who made all things has rightful authority over all He has made.