Beholding the Glory of God: How God Makes a Very Good Day Better (Gen 1:24-31)

November 5, 2023 • David Schrock • Genesis 1:24–31

This Sunday we come to the sixth day of the creation week as God fills the earth with life. This text is foundational for understanding who we are as human beings, and for understanding the role God has given to mankind on the earth. We will consider the significance of being created in the image of God, and how this sets humanity apart from all other creatures. In addition, as we see the first Adam’s dominion over the earth, and how this points us forward to the glory of the second Adam.

In preparation for worship this Sunday, I invite you to read Genesis 1:24-31 and our statement on the doctrine of man (Section III) in our Statement of Faith. Our doctrines of creation, race and ethnicity, the sanctity of life, gender, marriage, sexuality, and family are all undergirded by this foundational text in Genesis 1.

In addition, we also invite you to pray for our Men’s Retreat as we are currently retreating with the men of Arlington Baptist and Jefferson Park Baptist at Rapidan Baptist Camp. Pray that the Lord would bless our fellowship with one another and our time in 2 Peter. We will return on Saturday afternoon, and I look forward to our whole church family being together this Lord's Day.

For His Glory and your joy in Christ,

Pastor David

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Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 1:24-31)

What does Genesis 1:24-31 reveal about God as Creator?

Read through Genesis 1:24-31 and Section II (the doctrine of man) in our Statement of Faith. What doctrines are undergirded by Genesis 1:24-31?

What is the image of God? What is the significance of the image of God?

What are the ethical implications of bearing the divine image?

Consider the commands of verse 28. What is the purpose of these commands?

What does the presence of work in creation reveal about the role of mankind in the world before the fall?

As descendants of Adam, what is our relationship to the commands given to Adam in Genesis 1?

How does God order relationships between mankind, creatures, and the earth? What is the purpose of God's Creation?

How does the first Adam lead us to the second Adam? Consider Psalm 8, Romans 5:12-14; and 1 Corinthians 15.

What parallels and contrasts do you observe between Genesis 1 and Revelation 21-22?

More from Creation & Covenant: Genesis 1-3

The Way Out Reveals the Wisdom, Justice, and Mercy of God (Genesis 3:20-24)

March 3, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 1—3, Genesis 3:20–24

The Way of God: A Threefold Curse and Consolation (Gen. 3:14-19)

February 25, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 3:14–19

He Gets Us: Reimagining the Fallout of Adam and Eve's Sin (Gen. 3:7b-13)

February 18, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 3:7–13

Dear OBC Family, If I had to outline Genesis 3, it would fall under the following headings. Genesis 3:1–6: The Fall. Genesis 3:7–13: The Fallout. Genesis 3:14–24: The Way Out. In these three steps, we get a sense of what happens to the first man and woman. First, seeking to be wise, they became fools. They broke God’s law, ate of the fruit, and invited judgment. Yet, before death came, God came. He entered the garden to find the fallout of sin. And then, after questioning the couple, he pronounced a judgment. That judgment led to Adam and Eve’s removal from the Garden. Yet, in that good judgment, the Lord God also pronounced good news. In Genesis 3:15 he declared that salvation was coming through the woman’s seed. Next week, we’ll see that promise in full. But this Sunday we must consider the fallout of Adam’s sin and Eve’s deception. And by looking square in the face of wreckage, it will reveal much about our own sin and its effects. Wonderfully, we can approach this Garden with the full knowledge of Jesus Christ. Yet, we still need to learn afresh how heinous sin is. And so, as you prepare for Sunday, pray for God to see our sin and to hate our sin. For truly, sin is the source of all death, despair, and destruction. And yet, because we are born in Adam, we do not hate sin—our sin!—as we ought. And that is our aim for Sunday. To prepare, go ahead and read Genesis 3. You may also find it helpful if you read Matthew 6, which will be connected to Genesis 3 on Sunday. As the Lord allows, I hope to see you Sunday. For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 3:7 – 13) What does 3:8 reveal about the fellowship with God that existed prior to sin? What does this text reveal about the effects of sin upon mankind’s relationship to God? Consider Adam and Eve’s response to their shame. What is the effect of their clothing? Does clothing allow them to walk with God? God knows all things. Consider then the significance God’s questions for Adam and Eve in verses 9, 10, and 13. Why does God ask questions? In what ways do we seek to hide because of our sin? What happens when we hide? What happens when our sin is exposed? Instead of taking responsibility for sin, consider the blaming that takes place. Who is blamed? Does blaming another remove one’s responsibility? Why or why not? How does God deal with our guilt and shame in the Gospel? What does the Bible teach us about clothing? (Consider how Scripture speaks about clothing from Genesis to Revelation). How ought we to respond to this text?