6:4- New Year a New You: Image Bearers
Genesis 1:26
Many different descriptions for made in Our likeness. Many aren’t correct in their interpretation. THere are rules to understanding the Word of God, it isn’t a ragtag series of verses. We need to understand the context of the writings of that book, what would have been understood by the original hearers and readers.
We don’t see God telling us what the image of God is. We do see Him give us a mission to do what he does. He Created, We procreate (creating in the world). We are his vice-regents. We are to rule in His Creation.
Romans 8:29
We have been called to be predestined to this likeness in Christ. In seeing the perfect representation of the Father, Jesus walked this world, as the express image of the Father. When we see this illustration through the life and works of Jesus, living in everything to glorify God, in works and words, and so we become the illustration of Jesus in this world. As we abide in Him and in His Word, we show Christ through our actions and words.
1 Corinthians 15:49
Earthly man is where we started, heavenly man is what we are becoming, since salvation.
John passages:
8:28-29- Jesus doesn’t do things on his own initiative.
12:49-50- I don’t speak on my own initiative
14:10- I don’t speak my words on my own initiative, but the Father in me.
2 Corinthians 3:18
We are truly being transformed into the image and likeness of Christ. Maybe your life doesn’t reflect that yet, just like the Corinthians weren’t. But stop and think about it. God’s glory is unveiling in us. The same truth applies to us as it did in Moses’ case, where he reflected the glory of God on his face. And as you understand this more, may your mouth drop at the illumination of it all. As Jesus abided in the Father’s Words and Works, we can in some aspect, see the same things in Him.
Supplemental Scripture 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8
The questions:
What does it mean likeness or image of God?
Why is this an important identity for the abiding brother or sister in Christ?
What do we need to do in order to look more like Jesus, become more and more the image bearers?
Go deeper and deeper into the Word of God. You don’t have to know everything, to display the wonders and beauty of the Lord. The Thessalonians didn’t have much knowledge due to Paul being pushed out of Thessalonika after just about 3 weeks. But it was enough to shine and unveil the glory of God in their lives, and spread throughout the lands.
