Imago Dei (The Image of God) - Part Three: Why Am I?

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.

God’s image - Character

God’s likeness - Outward witness

Dominion - Responsibility, tasks, duty, service

Fruitful - Utilizing abilities and gifts

Multiply - Reproduce yourself, empower others 

Subdue - Create and maintain order

 

What is the imago Dei?

Imago Dei is the Latin term for “image of God.” 

 Knowing who you are is foundational to both a healthy self-image and a strong sense of purpose.

 

God’s Purpose for People

Micah 6:8, He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly,To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Isaiah 43:21,This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.

1 Peter 2:9, But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

God’s Purpose for People

1 Corinthians 15:9, For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 

Imago Dei of God

Calls to Imago Dei in You

Psalm 42:7, Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me. 8 The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me—A prayer to the God of my life.

Reaching Our Community

Romans 9:1, I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh…

Factors Working Against Imago Dei

1. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
2. Mindsets not introduced by family and Kingdom of God
3. Anti-Christ forces
4. Self-loathing, Self-hatred
5. Confused and negative people
6. Failure to worship God

Reflections 

1. Why was I born?
2. What place does Imago Dei have in my day-to-day life?
3. What is my role in the lives of others?