E-pistle for February 20, 2009
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E-pistle
Dr. Dan Hite, President FreeWay Foundation February 20, 2009
During the next few months we are going to study the book of Genesis. I think that some of the
studies will be repeats from my random skipping. I am sorry about this but I hope that you will
enjoy this study by Dr. Scarborough.
Created In The Image Of God
(Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the meaning of "image"
1. Human beings are a special creation of God, purposefully
produced to fulfill a pre-ordained role in His world . . .
dominion, Genesis 1:26.
2. In creation, God endowed persons with a spiritual aspect
of life . . . man did not "receive" a soul, he "became" a
soul through God's "breath."
3. Each person is an original, unique creation of God . . . made
to be a rational, loving, responsible, moral creature.
4. Human beings are endowed with some of the characteristics
of God . . . there is a "likeness" but not a "sameness."
(References: Romans 8:29; I Corinthians 15:49; Ii Corinthians 3:18; 4:4;
Colossians 1:15; 3:10)
II. Meditation: on God's nature and man's nature
1. God is spiritual . . . so are humans, which makes possible communication
and communion with God, now and throughout all eternity, John 4:24.
2. God is an individual "person" : a self-functioning entity with values,
inclinations, and responsibilities . . . so are men and women.
3. God is holy, just, and righteous . . . persons have a spiritual intuition
(inner call) to make free choices to obey their highest instincts in
moral, obedient living (rather than to follow their "animal urges" by
sin and rebellion against the Creator).
4. God has an eternal purpose for His creation . . . so also, human beings
have an instinctive need to be something and to do something . . . this
includes the freedom to choose a spiritual relationship with God.
III. Revelation: on "soul" and "spirit" I Thessalonians 5:23
1. "Soul" includes:
(1) A mind with which to think,
(2) A heart (emotions) with which to love, and
(3) A will with which to choose one's own destiny.
2. "Spirit" includes:
(1) Intuition – immediate and instinctive perception of a truth; direct
understanding without reasoning; knowing beyond thinking.
(2) Conscience – inner ability by which a person knows right from
wrong; usually through a disturbing awareness of the wrong.
(3) Communion – the need for, and the ability to have, an intimate
Spiritual relationship and fellowship with God.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. See myself as a unique person, created in God's image.
2. Cultivate my "spirit" by trusting in the Lord to develop the spiritual
characteristics which make me more like Him.
3. Deliberately choose each day to obey God's pattern for moral, rational,
loving, responsible living.
4. Find and follow God's eternal purpose (destiny) for my life.
Why God Created Eve
(Genesis 2:18-24)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on why God created Eve (v. 18)
1. Because God desires "good" for His creatures . . . what is right,
proper, suitable, and adequate.
2. Because God's plan includes relationship and fellowship between
human beings . . . not being "alone" . . . not solitary, single, by oneself.
3. Because every person needs someone to be a helper . . . one who assists,
encourages, and supports.
4. Because only another human being would be appropriate (comparable;
like; of equal regard or value) to be Adam's companion.
II. Meditation: on the basic truths of this passage
1. Adam and Eve were two actual, historical, created persons, according to
Jesus, Matthew 19:4; Mark 10:6.
2. Before Eve was created, Adam exercised full dominion over God's creation
on earth, vv. 19-20.
3. God took a rib (from near Adam's heart) and made a woman ("taken out
of man"), vv. 21-23; I Corinthians 15:45-49.
4. This Divine creating and joining together of Adam and Eve revealed
God's plan for establishing society: the home and family, v. 24.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual implications of this passage
1. God made each human being to serve Him, giving each person an
assignment and responsibility, plus the necessary authority.
2. For every specific need which man has, God uses His creative power to
meet that need or to fill that lack or void, Philippians 4:19.
3. God uses believers (His "new creation," II Corinthians 5:17) to help birth
or bring forth other spiritual "children."
4. The ideal "made in heaven" marriage is the spiritual picture of Christ as
the bridegroom and the church as His bride, Ephesians 5:22-23.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Know that God always is working things out for my good, Romans 8:28.
2. Realize that "no man is an island" . . . that we need others for assistance,
encouragement, and support, Romans 14:7.
3. Understand that God gives me not only the responsibility and duty to carry
out His will, but He also gives me the authority (dominion and power)
to accomplish His purpose.
4. Faithfully witness to unbelievers, bringing them to Jesus Christ where they
can be "born again" as children of God.
"You can make more friends in a month by being
interested in them than in ten years by trying to
get them interested in you."
- Charles L. Allen
Roads to Radiant Living
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