Creation: God’s Life-Giving Word | Genesis 1-2

What are three critical purposes for the flourishing of human life fulfilled through the life-giving power of God’s word?

1. Three critical creative purposes for the flourishing of human life:
   1. Stewardship Gn. 1:28, 2:1-15, 2:16-17: subdue it, have dominion. How we relate to the rest of God’s creation (work -time, talents, treasure- what we do).
   2. Community Gn. 1:26-28, 2:18-25: Be fruitful and multiply. How we relate to other human beings (our sexuality and sociability: single, married, parenting, civil society- who we are).
   3. Holiness Gn. 2:1-3: How we relate to God (entering into God’s holy presence in space and time – whose we are).
2. Fulfilled through the life-giving power of God’s word.
   1. In stewardship the Word gives: authority, responsibility, and accountability to manage Creation for the glory of God (work turns into mission cf. Eph 4:28, Col 3:23-24, 2 Thess 3:7-11).
   2. In community: the Word provides – persons, principles, and precepts for a life-giving civilization (community turns into discipleship clear ethics, morality, and spirituality as the foundation of our identity grounded in God’s love cf. Matt 22:37-38, 1 Thess 4:1-11).
   3. In Holiness: The Word provides transcendent access to God’s very presence and ultimate fulfillment in fellowship with him (spirituality that turns into true worship- eternal life flowing from the One to whom we belong Matt 22:37-38, Col. 2:16-3:1-4).

To choose life, let God’s Word guide how you work, love, and worship.

1. How does your work reflect that you are God’s steward entrusted with his resources to advance his kingdom? Are you there for a temporary paycheck or an eternal reward?
2. Are your relationships with other human beings life-giving? If you are not giving and receiving life with other human beings in community, chances are your relationships are not aligned with the precepts of God’s word. You and I were made for community! Talk to someone today and ask for help.
3. How much of a priority in your life is setting apart holy spaces and times to fellowship with God daily individually and at least once a month in community?