Made in the Image of God
We were created in God's image, and it's essential to understand and live in accordance with this fundamental aspect of our identity as humans.
Erlo Stegen emphasizes that humanity was created in the image of God, highlighting the unique and intentional act of creation where God breathed life into man. He warns against the influence of evolutionist theories that undermine this truth and stresses the importance of recognizing the Kingdom of God within us. Stegen shares a personal testimony of transformation, illustrating how acknowledging our divine creation leads to a life aligned with God's purpose. He also underscores the necessity of reconciliation and honoring one's parents as essential to living well in accordance with God's design.
Text
Luke 17:20-21, "And when He was demanded of the pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, He answered them and said, 'the kingdom of God comes not with observation; neither shall they say, 'lo here!' or, 'lo there!' for, behold the kingdom of God is within you'."
God made man in His own image. Man was the crown of God's creation. He did not make man like He spoke all the rest of creation into existence. The Godhead of the Trinity consulted together and said "let Us make man", and They fashioned him from the dust of the earth (Gen 1:26-27).
He made man marvellously, but it was still a dead body. Then God came to man and breathed into him the breath of life (Gen 2:7).
The fact that man was created after the image of God is repeated three time, because it is very important for us to take note of that fact.
No wonder that at times the Lord Jesus said "verily verily I say to you". He didn't need to repeat it but because it's especially important, He said it.
Satan inspired Darwin with the theory of evolution to hide this fact that we were created in God's image. Maybe it's understandable that the evolutionists believe that since they take after their forefathers, the apes.
Whether you like it or not, "God has placed the Kingdom of God within you". Agree with it and live accordingly and it will go well with you. Reject it and it will go ill with you.
Whether you like it or not, you were made in God's image.
A lady that used to booze a lot came to me and gave her life to Christ. The next day she came to me again and asked, "is it so that when you're a Christian you should no longer booze?" I asked her why? So she said that she went past some who were brewing the Zulu beer and she joined them, but after she drank it she became terribly sick. So her own body told her that she was created for God and not beer.
Jesus said that if you come to the altar and there remember that your brother has aught against you, leave your gift at the altar and first be reconciled to your brother and then come and bring your gift.
Note that He spoke about your brother, not the pharisees, otherwise He would've had to go to them and ask for forgiveness.
The Bible says, "honour your father and mother, that it may go well with you". Nothing will go well with you if you don't honour them.
Sermon Outline
- I. God's Image in Man
- A. Created in God's image (Gen 1:26-27)
- B. Not made like the rest of creation
- C. Consultation of the Trinity
- II. The Breath of Life
- A. God breathed into man
- B. Man became a living being
- III. Importance of God's Image
- A. Repeated three times in scripture
- B. Emphasis on its significance
- IV. The Kingdom of God Within
- A. Jesus' statement in Luke 17:20-21
- B. The kingdom is within us
- V. Living in Accordance
- A. Agreeing with God's image
- B. Living accordingly
- VI. Honouring God's Creation
- A. Honouring parents
- B. Honouring God's image in ourselves
Key Quotes
“The kingdom of God comes not with observation; neither shall they say, 'lo here!' or, 'lo there!' for, behold the kingdom of God is within you.” — Erlo Stegen
“God has placed the Kingdom of God within you.” — Erlo Stegen
“Whether you like it or not, you were made in God's image.” — Erlo Stegen
Application Points
- We should honour God's creation, including our own bodies, and live in accordance with God's design for our lives.
- We should reconcile our relationships with others and with God by honouring God's image in ourselves and others.
- We should live in accordance with God's design for our lives, and experience His presence and guidance in our lives.