In His Image - study 1

In His Image: A Created Person

Aim: To understand that all people are made to worship the one true God

"I viewed my fellow man not as a fallen angel, but as a risen ape"
Desmond Morris
Zoologist

Q: What is the chief end of man?
A: To glorify God and enjoy him forever
The Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647)

Opening Question:
What is something that you have made that you were especially proud of?
What did you do with it?

Read Genesis 1:26-2:3

1. What is said here of God?
2. What is the significance of God as creator?
3. What difference would it make to us and/or the world if there was no creator?

1. What is said here of people?
2. Historically "image of God" has been understood primarily in three ways:
   a. Rule: humanity is made to rule over the creation
   b. Relationship: humanity is made fit for relationship (with God and each other)
   c. Representation: that humanity represents God to the creation and acts in his stead
   What do you make of these categories for understanding "image of God"?
3. In what ways does/should being "made in the image of God" impact our:
   a. Work
   b. Relationships
   c. Witness for Christ

Read Psalm 139

1. What do we learn here of God's creative work?
2. What is the nature of the relationship between creator and creature?
3. How does this challenge and/or encourage you?

Further Thinking
"Idolatry is the taking of a good thing and turning it into the ultimate thing"
Tim Keller
Read Exodus 20:1-6

Some have considered the first two commandments to be preeminent - because the first commandment states the principle (have "no other gods") and the second reveals what it is to "have other gods" (ie idolatry).
Discuss the idea that a person only breaks the remaining commandments if they have already broken the first two.