EPISODE · Sep 3, 2025 · 46 MIN
The Nature of Man, Genesis 1:26-31
from Ben Smith: All for the Kingdom · host Ben Smith
Man’s nature and purpose are not according to the autonomous will of man but determined, ordained, and commanded by the sovereignty of God. A biblical worldview affirms the sovereignty of God over all of creation, including man, but the world claims that each person has total autonomy, independent of any authority. Genesis 1:26-31 testifies to the creation of man and man’s nature and purpose.In the sermon from Genesis 1:26-31, Pastor Ben explains that God’s creation of man demands that you honor every human life as God’s image bearer, be a good steward of God’s creation, and submit to God’s authority to create and command.Find Out More:Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.Special thanks to David Carnes for his beautiful rendition of This Is My Father’s World from the album Journey… a Praise Offering. You can explore this recording and more of his music at Apple Music.This sermon was originally preached on 8/24/2025.
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What this episode covers
This sermon explores the biblical teaching on humanity’s nature and purpose as revealed in Genesis 1:26–31, emphasizing that man is created in God’s image, entrusted with stewardship of creation, and subject to God’s sovereign authority. Key Points: Honor Human Life – Every person is made in the Imago Dei (image of God). This truth requires valuing all human life, from the unborn to the elderly, and rejecting cultural lies that devalue life through abortion, euthanasia, trafficking, or other abuses. Steward Creation – Humanity is given dominion over the earth. This is not a license for abuse but a responsibility to care for creation, seeing it as a blessing and provision from God. Dominion is part of God’s good creation. Submit to God’s Authority – Man’s nature, gender, and purpose are determined by God, not human autonomy. Christians are called to rejoice in God’s creative will (including the goodness of gender as male and female) and obey His commands—especially the call to be fruitful and multiply, honor marriage, and value children above worldly pursuits. Main Idea: Man’s nature and purpose are not defined by human autonomy but are determined, ordained, and commanded by the sovereignty of God. Conclusion: Like Isaiah before God’s throne (Isaiah 6), believers must humbly recognize their place as image bearers, stewards, and servants of God’s will.
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The Nature of Man, Genesis 1:26-31
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