Made in God's Image - Reflecting His Glory

Total Time: ~2.5 to 3 hours
Focus: Understanding the profound reality of being made in the image of God and how that identity shapes our dignity, calling, and destiny.

🪞 Session 1 – The Image of God in Creation (45–60 mins)

📖 Reading

Genesis 1:1–2:7 — God’s complete act of creation, culminating in the creation of mankind.

📖 Key Passages

• Genesis 1:26–27 — “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”
• Genesis 2:7 — “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground… and man became a living soul.”

📖 Additional Passages

• Psalm 8:3–6 — “What is man, that thou art mindful of him?… Thou madest him to have dominion…”

🧠 Study & Reflection

God’s creation of mankind stands apart from the rest of creation. Though animals were formed from dust and given breath, only humans were made in the image and after the likeness of God. This image is spiritual, not physical, encompassing moral awareness, rationality, creativity, dominion, and the capacity for relationship with God. Psalm 8 highlights the honor God has bestowed on mankind: made a little lower than the angels and crowned with glory and honor.

Being made in God’s image means carrying a sacred stamp—His likeness—that sets us apart in dignity and purpose. We are reflections of His character, created to walk with Him.

🔍 Word Study Suggestions

🏛️ Session 2 – What the Image Means for Us (45–60 mins)

📖 Reading

Psalm 139 — God’s intimate knowledge and intentional creation of each person.

📖 Key Passages

• Colossians 3:10 — "…renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."
• Ephesians 4:24 — "…created in righteousness and true holiness."
• 1 Corinthians 11:7 — "…he is the image and glory of God."

📖 Additional Passages

• James 3:9 — "…men, which are made after the similitude of God."

🧠 Study & Reflection

Though marred by sin, the image of God was not erased. Humanity still bears resemblance to the Creator. In Christ, that image begins to be restored. Paul teaches that believers are being renewed in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness—deep spiritual realities rather than merely external traits.

Being made in God’s image means we are created for relationship—with God and with others—and we carry intrinsic worth. Every human life reflects that image: the unborn, the elderly, the disabled, the outcast. No condition can revoke this sacred imprint. Our calling is to reflect God’s character—to walk in truth, show mercy, love justice, and bear His glory.

🔍 Word Study Suggestions

👑 Session 3 – Restored in Christ, Glorified Forever (30–45 mins)

📖 Reading

Romans 8:18–39 — From present sufferings to future glory: God’s plan to conform us to Christ.

📖 Key Passages

• Romans 8:29–30 — "…to be conformed to the image of his Son… whom he justified, them he also glorified."
• 1 Corinthians 15:49 — "…we shall also bear the image of the heavenly."
• 2 Corinthians 3:18 — "…changed into the same image from glory to glory…"

📖 Additional Passages

• 1 John 3:2 — "…when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."

🧠 Study & Reflection

Salvation’s goal is not only forgiveness but full restoration. Believers are being transformed into Christ’s image—gradually now, and fully in glorification. One day, both soul and body will perfectly reflect His glory. Romans 8 promises that those God foreknew, He predestined, called, justified, and glorified.

From creation to restoration, God’s grace marks the path. We began in His image, fell from it, and are now being remade. When we see Christ, we will be like Him (1 John 3:2). Meanwhile, the Spirit works within us daily, making God’s image more visible in our lives.

🔍 Word Study Suggestions

📖 Memory Verse

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. — Genesis 1:27 (KJV)

🙏 Prayer Prompt

• Thank God for the sacred image He placed in you.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to renew and restore that image daily.
• Pray for strength to live as a reflection of God’s glory.