Sunday School Lesson March 14, 2021
Subject: The Purpose of Humanity
The Point: God created us to serve and honor Him.
The Passages: Genesis 1:1-5, 26-31
Study The Bible: Genesis 1:1-5
1). God created everything.
- In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
- Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
- The God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
- God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness.
- God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” There was an evening, and there was a morning: one day.
Lasting truths from: Genesis 1:1-5
* God created the universe out of nothing.
* God’s creation involves all three persons of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
* God began His creation by speaking it into existence.
2). God created us in His image.
Genesis 1:26-27
- The God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.”
- So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female.
Lasting truth from: Genesis 1:26-27
* God created humanity in His own image.
* Being in God’s image means we display intellect, emotion, volition, and dominion.
* Both men and women bear God’s image.
3). God commissioned us to care for and enjoy His creation.
Genesis 1:28-31
- God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.”
- God also said, “Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you,
- for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth—everything having the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.
- God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed. Evening came and then morning; the sixth day.
Lasting truth from: Genesis 1:28-31
* God commanded us to fill the earth and subdue it.
* When God finished His creation, it was very good.
* God is pleased when we steward His creation well.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this lesson, respond to the following questions:
- What part of God’s creative activity amazes you the most? Why?
- How does knowing we bear God’s image provide us a greater sense of purpose?
- How is bearing God’s image both a privilege and a responsibility?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”