The Apex of Creation

The Apex of Creation
Genesis 1:26-31

sermon by Paul George Retired Pastor

Church of the Nazarene

“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 cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. God blessed them: and God said to them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Adam came into this world on the same day the cattle, creeping things, and beast of the earth. His body was made of the same earth as theirs and while he is in the body, he inhabits the same earth with them. Although he came into this world on the same day as the cattle, the creeping things, and beast of the field Adam was more of a revelation of God’s wisdom and power. He was made in the image of God and this set him apart from the cattle, the creeping things, and beast of the field.
Created on the last day of the days of creation Adam could never claim he had some part in the creating of the heavens, earth, and their inhabitants. He will play a major role in history. He will be the father of the human race. He will be the first governor of this world. God gave him authority over what He has created. He will be tested. God has a greater role for Adam in His purpose for creating the heavens and the earth. Before he can play that role he must prove he is capable to fill the role God has for him in the course of history.
In verse 26 we are told of a decision that was made in the throne room of God. The decision to create man was made and enacted.
In verse 27 we are told what God did. We are not told how He did it. In verse 28 we are told God blessed the first humans on this earth and what their responsibilities are. They are to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. They are to rule over the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every other thing that moves on the earth. Man’s authority is a granted authority. He is under the authority of another just as the lower forms of life are under his authority.
In verse 29 we are told God provided the provisions for a healthy and productive life.
In verse 31 we are told the days of creation come to a close. God saw all He had did and it was very good. Not just good, but very good. It was perfect. There were no flaws or defects in what He did. It was according to His plan for the course of history in every detail. It was fit for the purpose for which it was designed, serviceable to man, and revealed God’s invisible attributes, His eternal power, and divine nature. It was so perfect nothing could be added to it or taken from it.
God has set an example we should follow at the end of the day. Unlike God’s works our works will not be perfect, without flaws or defects. We will make mistakes in judgment. What is important is our motivation in what we did. Flaws, defects, and mistakes can be corrected. What is important is what we did was it intended to be a benefit for our fellowman, and reveal the love of God and not self. God has given us the ability to do good and He expects us to use that ability. He has given us the ability to examine our works and if there is any flaws, defects, or mistakes in them to correct them and He expects us to use that ability.
In verse 26 we are told what God did. We are not told how He did it. We are told what the responsibilities of Adam and Eve were. We are told God provided everything Adam and Eve needed to live a productive life.
God has given us everything we need to live a productive life and expects us to use what He has provided wisely. Look at the world in its present conditions. Why is the world in its present condition? Is it because God has abandoned us or we have abandoned God and are not using what God has provided to live a productive life? Are we ignoring our responsibilities? The earth is not ours. When God granted authority over the earth to Adam and Eve He did not give up His rights of ownership. The title to this earth is on file in God’s kingdom. We had better be careful with what God has provided or one of these days we will receive an eviction notice.