Every person was created to reflect the image and likeness of God. Unfortunately, sin has distorted that reflection and blinded many to their true worth. In part one of “Bearing God’s Image,”BrotherDuanerevealsthedivinedesignbehindhumanity’screationandtheincredible value God places on every human life. From Genesis to Colossians, Scripture declares that we are not accidents we are image bearers of a holy and loving Creator. Sin damages God’s image in man, but righteousness through Jesus Christ restores it. Understanding this truth is essential to recovering our God-given dignity in today’s confused and broken culture.
God’s image isn’t something we put on it’s who we were created to be!
Key Points
• All humanity is created in God's image and likeness, making human life sacred and valuable to God.
• Sin damages, distorts, and perverts God's image in man, making people "less than human".
• Jesus came to restore and reveal God's image in humanity.
• Man was created a little lower than God (Elohim), not just angels.
• Humans were given dominion, rule, and reign over creation as image bearers.
• The new birth restores God's image in believers through righteousness.
• Christians must take personal responsibility for binding evil and loosing God's will
Scripture References
• Genesis 1:26-28
• Genesis 9:6
• Hebrews 1:3
• Matthew 18 (binding and loosing authority)
• Colossians 1:5 (Jesus as visible image of invisible God)
• Psalms 8:4-8 (man created a little lower than Elohim)
Bearing God’s Image
1]
Discussion Questions
• How has sin damaged or distorted God's image in your own life, and in what ways has Jesus restored that image through your relationship with Him?
• In what ways do you see modern culture devaluing human life, and how can the church effectively communicate the sacred nature of every person as an image-bearer of God?
• The sermon states that we can pervert or celebrate God's image but cannot change it. What does this mean for how we view people who are far from God or living in darkness?
• What practical steps can we take to ensure we are not just living for the moment, but thinking generationally as the speaker suggests God does?
• How does understanding that you were created 'a little lower than Elohim' change your perspective on your purpose, identity, and daily decisions?
• Jesus came to reveal what a true human being looks like by perfectly reflecting God's image. In what specific ways can you model Christ's example of love, truth, and righteousness in your daily interactions?
• How can parents effectively teach their children about personal responsibility, boundaries, and consequences while also helping them understand their value as image-bearers of God?
Bearing God’s Image
November
16,
2025 – Ten Attributes
[Part 2]
key points
Message Summary
What doesitmeantobe createdinGod’simage? Genesis1 reveals tenfoundationalattributes that define our humanity dominion, creativity, the power of words, the dignity of work, righteous judgment, justice, and the unique design of male and female along with the moral nature of God expressed through love, truth, and holiness. These attributes form the blueprint of our identity and reflect who God is and who we are called to be as His image-bearers. Though sin has distorted these attributes turning creativity toward darkness, words into weapons, and judgment into condemnation Christ restores what was lost. In part two of “Bearing God’s Image,” Duane Sheriff explains that righteous judgment is part of God’s design and that male and female reflect God’s nature in a confused culture. When we understand these attributes, we see how every aspect of life either honors God’s image or distorts it.
10 Attributes
• Dominion: Humans were created to rule and reign, either in righteousness or in perverted ways through sin.
• Male and female: Gender is God's image in man, created before sin for the purpose of marriage; gender confusion is a demonic assault on God's image
• Creative: God is a creator, and humans reflect this through art, music, architecture, innovation, and building things that bless others
• Words: We frame our world with our words, speaking either life or death
• Work: Work is holy and reflects God's image since God worked for six days
• Judgment: We must learn to make righteous judgments rather than condemning
• Justice: true justice cannot be separated from God's righteousness without causing harm
• Holy, Love, Truth.
Scripture References
• Genesis 1:26-27, 1:1
• Genesis 5:1-2
• Hebrews 11:3
• Exodus 20:8-11
• Mark 10:6-9
• Colossians 3:10
• Romans 8:29
• Matthew 7:1-5
Bearing God’s Image
November 16, 2025 – Ten Attributes
[Part 2]
Discussion Questions
• How does understanding that we are created in God's image change the way you view your daily work, whether in a career, at home, or in service to others?
• In what ways might our culture be perverting God's image of male and female, and how can we lovingly communicate biblical truth to our children and grandchildren in this area?
• The sermon states that our words have creative power like God's words. What kind of world are you framing with your words, and what changes might you need to make?
• What is the difference between making righteous judgments as Jesus commanded and making condemning or hypocritical judgments that He warned against?
• How have you seen justice pursued without God's righteousness, and what were the consequences of separating these two foundations of God's throne?
• Jesus came to reveal what a true human being looks like by perfectly reflecting God's image. In what specific ways can you model Christ's example of love, truth, and righteousness in your daily interactions?
• In what areas of your life might you be unknowingly speaking death rather than life, and how can you become more intentional about sowing seeds of blessing?
• How does understanding that Satan hates God's image in mankind because he wanted to be an image bearer himself. How does this understanding help you recognize spiritual warfare in attacks against human dignity and identity?
