In this discussion, we will address the topic of the nature of mankind. This topic is important to address because we must know where we come from and for what purpose we were made. Here, we dig into the bare bones of why we were created. These are some essential pillars that define and distinguish who we are.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

discussion #1: to glorify and reflectdiscussion #2: to know and lovediscussion #3: large and in charge

DISCUSSION #1: To Glorify & Reflect

This discussion will unpack how humankind was made to glorify God and reflect his character and nature to the rest of creation.

MY STORY | Starting Place

Describe a time when you were praised publicly. How did that experience impact you?

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:26-27

What does it mean to be created in the image of God?

What are some of the typically “masculine” and “feminine” traits that God has that are reflected in humanity? What attributes of God do you reflect best (in finite expressions)? In what ways are you very much not like God?

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship

Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” (Isaiah 43:7) So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

What does it mean to glorify a celebrity? How does this differ from glorifying God?

What is so significant about glorifying God that makes it the primary reason why he created human beings?

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action

Part of glorifying God is acknowledging that He is the source of everything good in your life.

Make a list of the ten things that you deeply value: people, positions, responsibilities, etc.

Next to each one, write down how God is ultimately the origin of each of these blessings in your life.

DISCUSSION #2: To Know & Love

In this discussion we will explore how humankind was created to know and to love God.

MY STORY | Starting Place

Give a specific example of how your love for a person grew as you learned more and more about that individual.

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:5-9

What’s the significance of loving God with these three: heart, soul, and might?

What can happen when you exclude one or two of these things?

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship

Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord." Jeremiah 9:23-24

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:3

What are some modern traits in which people typically boast? What types of empty promises are behind the pursuit of these things (in-and-of-themselves)?

What aspects of God are “unknowable?” What does it mean, then, to understand and know God?

Why does John equate knowing God with eternal life? Why is there no purpose in life, temporal or eternal, without knowing God?

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action

Make a list of the top ten things you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, about God. Then describe how each of these things impact your relationship with him and with others.

DISCUSSION #3: Large and In Charge

In this discussion we will see how Humankind was created to steward God’s created order, partnering with him is his grand vision for the earth.

MY STORY | Starting Place

What’s the most fruitful undertaking you ever accepted?

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application

And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:28

Is there more to being “fruitful and multiplying” than making babies? Explain.

How does having dominion over something, (in the biblical sense), exclude abusing that thing?

The directive in Genesis 1 has much to do with the stewardship of the environment and living things. How should this healthy restriction (avoiding abuse) shape our attitude toward addressing environmental challenges?

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship

The Call of Abram:

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-2

How have you seen this prediction fulfilled in the history of humanity since the time of Abraham?

Why does God sometimes need to separate us from the comfortable and familiar in order for us to experience personal and spiritual growth?

Who is in charge of your personal and spiritual growth?

How does your personal and spiritual growth affect the health of those around you and the legacy you leave?

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action

Draw three concentric circles.

The center circle represents that which you can control.

The second circle defines the area of your life where you have influence, but no control.

The outer circle is where you have absolutely no influence or control.

Describe the actual and possible ways you can be “fruitful and multiply” in the first two circles.