STORY / CONTEXT

• We’re beginning a new series: Designed for Glory
• Our goal is to discover (or rediscover) God’s design for life
• Before we talk about relationships, identity, or purpose…
• We need a foundation

Big Idea:
Everything makes sense when we understand who God is, who we are, and what sin has done.

SCRIPTURE READING – Genesis 1:1

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

1. God is the AUTHOR of all creation

• God is the uncaused cause
• He is not created—He is the Creator
• He alone determines design, purpose, and function

God is RESPONSIBLE FOR all creation

(Roll these out one at a time)

• Psalm 115:15
• Jeremiah 10:12
• Jeremiah 32:17
• Creation is not accidental
• God created everything ex nihilo (out of nothing)

God is SOVEREIGN OVER all creation

(Roll these out one at a time)

• Psalm 103:19
• Proverbs 16:9
• John 1:1–3
• Colossians 1:16–17
• Nothing happens outside of His rule
• He sustains everything He created

Key Tension:
We struggle when we reject God’s authority but still live in His world

2. God is the DEFINER of all things created

Genesis 1:26–27

“Male and female He created them…”

Foundational Truth:
Mankind is uniquely created in the image of God, distinct as male and female, equal in value, dignity, and worth.

Humanity bears the image of God (Imago Dei)

• Every person has inherent value
• Our worth comes from God—not culture

Humanity is created as male and female

• Distinct, not interchangeable
• Equal in value, different by design
• God defines identity—not feelings or culture

Application:

• We must engage culture with truth and grace
• Reject confusion, but love people clearly and compassionately

SCRIPTURE READING – Genesis 3:1–7

3. Sin is the CORRUPTER of everything God has made

• Sin enters—and everything changes

As sin corrupts, it turns what is good into bad

• Good design becomes distorted
• Pleasure becomes perversion
• Freedom becomes brokenness

Genesis 3:8–10

As sin corrupts, it turns our freedom into fear

• From walking with God → hiding from God
• Shame replaces intimacy

Genesis 3:11–13

As sin corrupts, it turns our connections into conflict

• Blame replaces responsibility
• Unity becomes division

Summary of Sin:

• Corrupts our relationship with God (vertical)
• Corrupts our relationships with others (horizontal)

SCRIPTURE READING – Genesis 3:21

4. God is the REDEEMER of His creation

Even in sin…God moves toward His people

God PURSUES His creation

• God comes looking for Adam
• We don’t find God—He finds us

God PROMISES salvation

• Genesis 3:15 → the first glimpse of the Gospel
• A coming Savior who will defeat sin

God PROVIDES salvation

• First sacrifice → covering for sin
• Points forward to Jesus

1 Corinthians 15:21–22

• In Adam → death
• In Christ → life

SUMMARY / APPLICATION

This is the foundation:

• God created you
• God defines you
• Sin has corrupted you
• Jesus came to redeem you

Questions to Close:

• Are you living according to God’s design…or your own?
• Have you trusted the Redeemer…or are you still trying to fix yourself?