An Image Marred

October 25, 2009 · Filed Under Sermon Study Guides 

Genesis 1:26-27

  1. The Bible clearly declares that man has attributes that set him apart from the rest of God’s creation. What are some of those attributes, and how do they allow us to relate to our creator as well as enable us to exalt our creator?
  2. In light of what we have seen in human history and what we currently see in our world, what happens when the Image of God (Imago Dei) is either denied or ignored?
  3. What responsibilities do Christians have to proclaim the uniqueness of man? Generally speaking, do Christians fulfill that responsibility? How could they improve?
  4. Read Colossians 3:5-10. Does the Church (universal) generally set a good example when it comes to this list of things to “put off”? Reflecting on your personal walk with Christ, how do you overcome the struggle to “put on the new self”?
  5. In Luke 21:17 Jesus says, “And you will be hated of all men for my name’s sake.” Discuss what you think generally causes distain against Christians and Christianity at large. Is this animosity a result of Christians setting a good example of what the Image of God should look like, or because so many Christians express the marred image?
  6. Paul paints a dire picture of mankind in Romans 3:23. Since this verse does not exempt followers of Christ, how are we as a people with a marred image to relate with others who have a marred image?
  7. Discuss J.C. Ryles’ statement that illustrates God’s love for redeemed mankind: “Though filthy in their own eyes, they are lovely and honorable in His. They are altogether beautiful—He sees no spot in them. Their weaknesses and shortcomings do not break off the union between Him and them. He chose them, knowing all their hearts. He took them for His own with a perfect understanding of all their debts, liabilities, and infirmities, and He will never break His covenant and cast them off. When they fall, He will raise them again. When they wander, He will bring them back. Their prayers are pleasant to Him. As a father loves the first stammering efforts of his child to speak, so the Lord loves the poor feeble petitions of His people. He endorses them with His own mighty intercession, and gives them power on high. Their services are pleasant to Him. As a father delights in the first daisy that his child picks and brings him, even so the Lord is pleased with the weak attempts of His people to serve Him. Not a cup of cold water shall lose its reward. Not a word spoken in love shall ever be forgotten” (J.C. Ryle, “Wheat and Chaff”).
  8. Pray for the Church and specifically those within our community at Lifeline, that she/we might reflect the light of Christ and what God’s primary intention for humanity should be.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Tags:

Comments

Leave a Reply