How Are We Created in the Image of God
Tim Conway teaches that being created in the image of God means humans reflect God's social, spiritual, and moral attributes, which remain even after the fall and are progressively restored through salvation.
This sermon delves into the profound concept of being created in the image of God, exploring the implications of this truth and how it relates to our identity and purpose. It addresses the misconception that God being spirit means we are not, highlighting the restoration of the image of God in us through redemption and the harmonization with God on a spiritual level. The sermon emphasizes the communicable attributes of God reflected in humanity, such as love, creativity, reason, worship, and morality, showcasing the unique capacity of humans to bear God's image.
Sermon Outline
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I. Understanding the Image of God
- Examine Genesis 1:26-27 on God's plural pronoun and creation of man
- Discuss what an image means and human social nature
- Refute false assumptions about humans lacking spirit
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II. The Image of God After the Fall
- Explore Genesis 9:6 showing image remains post-fall
- James 3:9 confirms humans still bear God's likeness
- Image is defaced but not destroyed by sin
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III. Restoration of the Image Through Redemption
- Colossians 3:10 teaches the new man is renewed in God's image
- 1 John 3:1-2 shows believers become children of God and increasingly like Him
- Worship in spirit and truth as a reflection of spiritual restoration
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IV. Practical Implications of Bearing God's Image
- Humans possess spiritual, moral, rational, and creative capacities
- Recognize the dignity and value of all people as image bearers
- Live in a way that reflects God's character and love
Key Quotes
“God said, let us make man in our image. Now, one of the things that I think is always worthy of our notice right here is that plural pronoun. Don't miss that.” — Tim Conway
“The fall didn't destroy the image of God in man. It defaced it. Undoubtedly, it was distorted. It wasn't pure anymore. But it didn't destroy it.” — Tim Conway
“We are called children of God, not just by adoption, not just legally. We're children of God because we actually have come into a position where we have been changed, where the resemblance is becoming more and more like him.” — Tim Conway
Application Points
- Recognize and honor the inherent dignity of every person as an image bearer of God.
- Pursue spiritual growth to be progressively renewed in the image of Christ.
- Engage in worship that is in spirit and truth, reflecting our restored relationship with God.