The Image of God, Part 2

Phil Gons · November 8, 2015 · Spring Creek Bible Church · 1h 2m

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For families

Ages Teens

This is a meaty theological sermon that takes the doctrine of the image of God seriously—not as abstract philosophy, but as a lens for understanding human dignity and purpose. The preacher works through competing theological views fairly, then builds toward practical implications: we belong to God, we exist to display his character, and all of life (work, art, relationships, creativity) is sacred. Teens ready for sustained theological argument will find their thinking enlarged here.

Worth knowing: The sermon includes extended discussion of biblical passages about seeing God and God’s invisibility; no graphic content, but the ideas are abstract and require intellectual engagement.

Character of God Holiness & obedience Wisdom & choices

Talk about it together (5 questions)

The preacher says we should distinguish between ‘being’ God’s image and ‘manifesting’ God’s image. What’s the difference, and why does it matter?
According to the sermon, what are some ways we ‘image God’ in everyday life—not just at church or during prayer?
The preacher argues that our bodies are part of being made in God’s image, not just our minds or spirits. Why do you think he makes this argument, and do you find it convincing?
If all humans equally bear God’s image—the unborn, the elderly, the disabled, the brilliant—how should that change the way we treat people who are different from us or seem less capable?
Jesus is called ‘the perfect image of God.’ What does the sermon say we should do about that, and how might you start doing it?

Used by permission of Phil Gons — philgons.com