Created in God's image

Who is created in God's image?

• Animals
• Angels
• Plants
• People

What does the word image mean?

• Picture of a building

• Symbol
• Likeness (similar)

• Reflection

Based on this Bible verse John 4:24 "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."

How are we similar to God?

• We are similar to God because we have a spirit and have the ability to seek and understand truth.

• We are similar to God because we can control the weather.
• We are similar to God because we have a body and emotions.
• We are similar to God because we can create physical objects.

1 John 1:7 says "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin"

How are we similar to God?

• We are similar to God in our ability to judge others harshly.
• We are similar to God because we can create life from nothing.
• We are similar to God as we are perfect and without sin.
• God designed people to have fellowship with Him and with one another.

Compare God to His image bearers (people).

How are we similar to God when it has to do with authority and rule?

• God has no authority, while humans have complete control over nature.
• Humans are more powerful than God in terms of authority and rule.
• God's authority is limited to humans, who have no power over anything.
• Both God and humans possess authority to rule, with God having supreme authority and humans being granted authority to govern the animal kingdom.

Why does it matter how Christians treat other people?

• How Christians treat others does not affect their relationship with God.
• Mistreatment of others is acceptable if it is done in the name of God.
• It matters how Christians treat others because mistreatment is disrespectful to God since people bear His image.
• Christians should only treat others well if they are treated well in return.

Read 1 Timothy 2:4 "who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

What is God's desire or plan for all people?

• God's plan is for people to ignore the truth.
• God desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
• God desires all people to be punished for their sins.
• God wants only a select few to be saved.

Read Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

What plan does God have for you?

• God's plan for me is to prosper me and give me hope and a future.
• God's plan is to lead me away from my dreams and aspirations.
• God's plan is to keep me in despair and uncertainty.
• God's plan is to make me suffer and lose hope.

Read Luke 6:31 " Do to others as you would have them do to you."

How should you treat others who have also been created in God's image?

• Treat others with kindness and respect, as you would want to be treated.
• Ignore others and focus on yourself.
• Treat others poorly to show dominance.
• Only help those who can benefit you.

Do the words that you say to people or about people matter?

Explain why.

• Only actions matter, not words.
• Yes, the words that you say to people or about people matter because the words are corrupt and unwelcome.

• Words have no impact on relationships.
• What you say is irrelevant to others.