Imago Dei
3. The Image of God and Human Life
January 21, 2024 • Scott Mehl • Psalm 139:13–16
Our world views human life as either as the ultimate good (needing to be preserved at all costs) or as an instrumental good (only worth living if it maintains a certain "quality"). But God teaches us that, as image bearers of him, every human life is uniquely sacred and destined for eternity. Application Questions: 1. How do you see the world's understanding as human life being either the ultimate good, or an instrumental good shaping your own understanding of life? 2. How might you view others differently if you consistently remembered that all human life is sacred? 3. What are some ways you are tempted to devalue human life either in yourself or others? 4. How does the gospel bring grace and freedom to the ways you have fallen short in the past?
2. The Image of God and Dividing Lines
January 14, 2024 • Matt Kleinhans • Ephesians 2:11–22
Sin brings about division in our world, the devaluing of the image of God in others. This is seen throughout the history of the world, and is felt presently and deeply in our world today. In Christ the walls of hostility can be brought down. In Christ we can be peacemakers. In Christ we can affirm and uphold the image of God in the midst of the dividing lines of the world. Application Questions: 1. How does the history of sin, the devaluing of the image of God in others, and division help put our current world in its context? 2. What is the connection between the image of God and divisions in our world? 3. How does Christ's restoration of the image of God in our lives bring about transformation in how we approach these dividing lines?
1. The Image of God
January 7, 2024 • Brian Colmery • Genesis 1:26–27
Our city believes strongly that all people are worthy of dignity and respect, but what is the foundation for that belief? The Bible declares that all human beings are made in the image of God, apart from their background, culture, or ability. Yet we see this image is marred by sin in the ways we often ignore or use other people. Only through Jesus Christ can we be renewed to reflect the goodness and compassion of God to one another. Application Questions: 1. How does the image of God give every human being dignity and worth? How does that compare to other attempts to ground human dignity and worth in our city? 2. How does the gospel empower us to live out the image of God in our city? 3. What would it look like for you to “image” God by reflecting his character in your life this week?