Genesis 1:28-31 Everybody Rules

In the post below we talked about man’s unique nature – being made in the image of God. Yesterday we thought about what Genesis 1:28-31 tells us about our unique role as image bearers.

1. Remember: It’s a good thing! The whole creation and God’s purpose are very good (v31). To be human, (God's image bearer), is to be particularly blessed. (v28). Ultimately that blessing comes through enjoying relationship with Him and all He does for us.

2. God’s image bearer’s are to be fruitful and increase in number (v28). God desires his people to be fruitful and later He will prescribe marriage as the setting for this.

3. God’s image bearers are to rule and subdue. Ruling is not repression or exploitation but loving rule, just like God (see Psalm 145). Subduing is working to enjoy, overcome, conquer and develop the created world. From agriculture to every other form of culture so long as it does not elevate the creation higher that the creator. We are to subdue to consume and enjoy. We are to subdue for need and, yes for pleasure.

4. God’s image bearers are dependent on Him v29-30. It is God who gives us this role and He decides how it should be exercised.

Of course we need to remember the fall. The earth is scarred. We need more than the creation mandate, we need a redeemer. But there is real purpose and value in exercising our role even though the world is not as it was then.

So, what are you going to do this week to explore and enjoy God’s world, and to take care of God’s world?

Listen to the full sermon here...