HUMANITY CREATION Adam and Eves creation God personally

HUMANITY

CREATION Adam and Eve’s creation § God personally created Adam and later Eve. § Genesis 2: 7: The Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. § Genesis 2: 21 -21: So the Lord God cause a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh; and the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to man.

CREATION Adam and Eve (cont) § This goes against theory of evolution. § It would not be possible for God to create man and woman and it take thousands or even millions of years. § The special creation of man shows that we are the pinnacle of creation. § We are made in God’s image. § The Genesis account gives us worth and meaning, unlike the modern ideas of our existence. § We made be like some animals in physical attributes in some areas, but nothing is given the same place as humanity.

MAN Man comes from the Hebrew word adam. § This term is used for the name of Adam. § It is also used to depict man from woman. God originated the term man to refer also to all human beings. § Thus we should not find it a problem to use the term man. § No need to use only gender neutral words (ex. Humanity, humankind, human beings, etc. ). But gender neutral words are not wrong either. Theological issue of gender neutral wording for man. § God purposely uses man to refer to humanity. This has significance to the role of males in leadership.

MAN- WHY WAS MAN CREATED? Created to bring God glory. § Isaiah 43: 7 - Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made. § God did not need to create us. § Since we are created for God’s glory we need to follow 1 Corinthians 10: 31 - Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. What greater significance could we want than this?

MAN- WHY WAS MAN CREATED? What is our purpose in life? § Our purpose must be to glorify Him. To enjoy God and take delight in Him and in our relationship to Him. § Jesus tells us that he has come to give us life and give us life more abundantly (John 10: 10) § Psalm 16: 11 - In your presence there is fullness of joy, in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. § When we properly honor and glorify God we have life and a more abundant life. § The normal attitude for a Christian is rejoicing in the Lord and in the lessons of the life he gives us. (Rom. 5: 2 -3; Phil. 4: 4; 1 Thess. 5: 16 -18; James 1: 2; 1 Peer 1: 6, 8)

MAN- WHY WAS MAN CREATED? “Fullness of joy is found in knowing God and delighting in the excellence of his character. ” We are also told that when we glorify God, God rejoices in us. § Isaiah 62: 5 - As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. § Zephaniah 3: 17 -18 - the Lord “will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. ” Some may argue it is wrong for God to seek glory for Himself. § It is certainly wrong for humanity to do so. Example: Herod Agrippa § “But when God takes glory to himself, from whom is God is He robbing glory? Is there anyone who deserves glory more than He does? Certainly not!” § Revelation 4: 11; Romans 11: 36

MAN- IN THE IMAGE OF GOD Meaning of “image of God: ” § “The fact that man is in the image of God means that man is like God and represents God. ” § Genesis 1: 26 - Let us make man in Our image, after Our likeness. § Hebrew word for “image” (tselm) and the word for “likeness” (demut) refer to something similar but not identical. § It means a representation. Does man still have the image of God after sin? § Genesis 9: 6 - Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for God made man in his own image. § This is during the story of Noah. § After the fall, people still had the image of God. § In fact by murdering someone a person attacks the very thing that most resembles God.

MAN- IMAGE OF GOD DISTORTED Since man has sinned, our image is distorted. § We have lost our moral purity, pure intellect, humbleness, and desire to serve others. § Ecclesiastes 7: 29 - God made man upright, but they have sought out many devices. § We are less like God since the entrance of sin. This distortion will not be fixed until Christ returns and it is only for those who have chosen to believe in him. § As we grow in maturity we regain more of that likeness more and more. § Colossians 3: 10 - and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him. § In Christ’s return we will be made completely and fully like Christ. § 1 John 3: 2 - When He appears we shall be like Him.

AREAS (ASPECTS) WE ARE LIKE GOD Just remember that we are like God and in no way are God. Moral Aspects- We are morally accountable to God. § We have an inner sense of what is right and wrong. § When we live according to God’s standards we reflect Him in our lives. § When we live opposite to God’s standards we reflect the opposite of God (unlikeness). Spiritual Aspects-We too have immaterial spirits § We thus can act in ways significant to the immaterial, spiritual realm of existence. § We have a spiritual life that enables us to relate to God as persons, to pray and praise him, and to hear him speaking His words to us. § We have immortality- we will never cease to exist, but will live forever. No matter if we choose Christ or not.

AREAS (ASPECTS) WE ARE LIKE GOD Mental Aspects- We have the ability to reason and think logically. Sets us apart from the animal world. § We have complex, abstract language. § We have an inner sense of life after death. § We have human creativity in art, music, literature, science and technology. § We have complexity of emotions. Relational Aspects § Complexity and depth for interpersonal harmony in marriage, family (when functions according to God’s standards), and the community of believers in the church body. § “In marriage itself we reflect the nature of God in the fact that as men and women we have equality in importance but difference in roles from the time that God created us. ” § “Man is like God also in his relationship to the rest of Creation. ” Having dominion over it.

AREAS (ASPECTS) WE ARE LIKE GOD Physical Aspects- God does not have a body, but the way our body acts reflects God. § See with our eyes, God also sees all. § Hear with our ears, God hears all. § Speak with our mouth, God speaks. § Our senses give us the ability to enjoy God’s creation, God also understands and enjoys His creation.

GREAT DIGNITY AS BEARERS OF GOD’S IMAGE We should reflect on this reality more often. § Out of everything God created He sought to make us like Him. § Should give us great dignity and significance in our life. § When we experience the beauty of all God created we can still say out of all it we have been created the most like Him.

MAN- MAN AS MALE AND FEMALE

MAN- MAN AS MALE AND FEMALE Personal Relationships § God created us with a need for personal relationships. Marriage Relationship- This is seen particularly in marriage where two people become one. § Genesis 2: 24 - Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and the become one flesh. § This unity is physical, spiritual and mental unity. § God has joined together (Matthew 19: 6) § Thus having sex with someone outside of marriage is offensive to one’s own body. (1 Corinthians 6: 18 -20) § In marriage you no longer have exclusive rule over your body § 1 Corinthians 7: 3 -4 - The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body but the wife does.

MAN- MAN AS MALE AND FEMALE Marriage Relationship reflects the image of God. § Through the marriage relationship we share love and communication and mutual giving of honor to one another in their relationship. § As seen in the Trinity. Marriage is a privilege and can be given up for the Kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 7: 26, 29, 31) § This giving up allows one to focus on other areas were one is like God. § Example: Discipleship and Evangelism bear “spiritual children” § Marriage is not the only way to reflect the image of God. Gathering with other believers also reflects the fellowship in the Trinity. § Thus building up the church of God (evangelism, discipleship, nurturing) clearly reflects God’s character in the world.

EQUALITY IN PERSONHOOD AND IMPORTANCE Men and Women have been created in equal personhood and importance. § God created both male and female in his image. § Genesis 1: 27 - God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. § Men and Women both were created equally and both reflect the character of God in their lives. § If we were to live in a society full of Christian men or full of Christian women we would fail to see a full picture of God and His beauty.

EQUALITY IN PERSONHOOD AND IMPORTANCE “The fact that both men and women are said by Scripture to be “in the image of God” should exclude all feelings of pride or inferiority and any idea that one gender is “better” or “worse” than the other. ” § If God sees us equal in value than this should settle it. For He is the ultimate standard of truth. In response to this understanding we should honor each other, especially in marriage. § 1 Peter 3: 7 - and (husbands) show her honor as a fellow heir of grace of life… § 1 Corinthians 11: 11 -12 - Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God. § We depend on each other.

EQUALITY IN PERSONHOOD AND IMPORTANCE More evidence in Scripture for equal importance. § Acts 2: 17 -18 - I will pout my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy… and on my menservants and maidservants in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. § Galatians 3: 27 -28 - For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. § 1 Corinthians 12: 7 - To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. § 1 Peter 4: 10 - As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. § Acts 2: 41 - Those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

ACTS 2: 41 - FURTHER SIGNIFICANCE Acts 2: 41 - Those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. § No separation based on gender. § Different from the Old Covenant. Baptism is the sign of the New Covenant whereas circumcision was the sign of the Old Covenant. § Only men received circumcision. § Now both Men and Women receive baptism showing equality and being fully members.

DIFFERENCES IN ROLES IN THE TRINITY Remember that we are made in the image of the Trinity. § Thus we have similar characteristics. Between the Trinity there is an equality of importance, but there also differences in roles between the members of the Trinity. God the Father has greater authority like a Father would have over his son. In creation the Bible tells us that the Father speaks and initiates, but the work of creation is carried out through the Son and sustained by the continuing presences of the Holy Spirit. § (Gen. 1: 1 -2; John 1: 1 -3; 1 Cor. 8: 6; Heb. 1: 2)

DIFFERENCES IN ROLES IN THE TRINITY In redemption, the Father sends the Son into our world, and the Son comes and is obedient to the Father and dies to pay for our sins. After the Son ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit comes to equip and empower the church. ( Luke 24: 2; Phil. 2: 6 -8; John 16: 7; Acts 1: 8; 2: 1 -36) § The Father and Holy Spirit did not come and die for our sins. § The Father was not poured out onto believers and neither was the Son. § Each member of the Trinity have distinct roles but are all equal.

DIFFERENCES IN ROLES OF MALE AND FEMALE Just as there are differences in the Trinity there are differences in the roles of Men and Women. § Remember these are differences in roles not IMPORTANCE! Were these distinctions of authority before or after the fall? First: Adam was created first, then Eve. § The fact that God created Adam first and waited for a short time before creating Eve is significant. § This two stage process is shown for none of the animals.

DIFFERENCES IN ROLES OF MALE AND FEMALE First: Adam was created first, then Eve. (cont) § This also goes along with the Old Testaments pattern of “primogeniture” § Which is the idea that the firstborn of any generation in a human family has leadership in the family for that generation. § Paul uses that fact that Adam was formed first, than Eve to restrict some governing positions in the church in 1 Timothy 2: 13.

DIFFERENCES IN ROLES OF MALE AND FEMALE Second: Eve was created as a helper for Adam § Genesis 2: 18 - It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him. § Does not imply lesser importance but that of authority in the family. Third: Adam named Eve § Adam giving names to all the animals shows his authority over them. § Before the Fall- Genesis 2: 3 - She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. § After the Fall- Genesis 3: 20 - the man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. § This naming shows authority, just as God gave names to Abraham and others in the Old Testament. As well as parents giving their children names show their authority over them.

DIFFERENCES IN ROLES OF MALE AND FEMALE Fourth: God named the human race “man, ” not “woman. ” § God naming humanity a name that refers also to Adam suggests God giving authority of leadership to the man. § Similar to a woman taking the last name of her husband. Fifth: God speaks to Adam first after the fall. § Even though Eve ate first God calls Adam first to account for his actions. § God viewed Adam as leader of his family and the one who was responsible for the actions of the family, he was to be the leader. § Because of this we are counted sinful because of Adam’s sin, not Eve’s. (1 Cor. 15: 22)

THE CURSE BROUGHT DISTORTION TO PREVIOUS ROLES In the punishments handed down to Adam and Eve, new roles were not one of them. § Adam still had to till the ground, but now it would be much tougher. § Eve would still give birth, but it would come with great pain. § There would now be conflict between man and woman. § Eve would seek to usurp Adam. And Adam would seek to rule like a monarch, implies ruling by harshness rather than thoughtful, considerate rule. “So in both cases, the curse brought a distortion of Adam’s humble, considerate leadership and Eve’s intelligent, willing submission to that leadership which existed before the fall. ”

REDEMPTION IN CHRIST REAFFIRMS THE CREATION ORDER The New Testament shows Christ work also in these areas. § Redemption encourages wives not to rebel against their husbands’ authority and would encourage husbands not to use their authority harshly. § Colossians 3: 18 -19 - Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. § “New Testament commands concerning marriage do not perpetuate any elements of the curse or any sinful behavior patterns; they rather affirm the order and distinctions of roles that were there from the beginning of God's good creation. ”

DIFFERENCES IN ROLES OF MALE AND FEMALE Man has been given the role of leadership both in the family and in the church. § Thus men are going to be held accountable for this leadership and we will be judged according to how we performed. § Women will be held accountable on how they come under their husbands leadership and help her husband or leaders in the church. § Woman are not placed under submission of every man only their husband.

THINGS WE MUST REMEMBER The role of leadership given to man is not one to be abused over woman. § It must be used in love and not taking advantage of. The role of submission of women is not in anyway demeaning of importance. This is an ongoing struggle due to the curse. Remember that we are equal in importance to God. No one can take that away!