Man in the Image of God
Genesis 1:27 - And God created man in his own image
God (strong)The Hebrew word (elohiym) is the plural form (elo'ah) literally meaning "strength" and "power" and is usually translated as God or god. The ?? is the masculine plural suffix and when added to this word becomes ????? (elohiym) which is usually translated as gods or judges as they are strong and powerful ones. But it is also commonly used for God as a name because he is "thee" strong and powerful one.
Create (Strong's #1254) The Hebrew word behind created is the Hebrew verb ??? (bara). The idea of "creating" is an abstract thought that is foreign to Hebrew thought. The concrete understanding behind this word can be seen in 1 Samuel 2:29, "Why do you honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by my people Israel?" In this passage is the word "fattening" which is the same Hebrew verb ??? (bara). By extension this word also means to "fill up."
Man (Strong's #120) The Hebrew word for man is ??? (adam) and is also the name of the first man.
Image (Strong's #6754) The word ??? (tselem) is literally a shadow which is the outline or representation of the original.
And Elohiym, the Great Powerful One, filled the man with a representation of himself .
When we read "And God created man in his own image" our minds form a mental picture of what we look like and then attribute this picture to God himself. In the Hebrews mind it is not the appearance of something that they concentrate on but its function. This passage is not implying a picture of man or God but their function.
"These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to posses, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life."
Deuteronomy 6:1-2
Duet. 11;1- (Vs.26)
Fathers who look to God for direction and wisdom become role models for their kids.
God calls on men to lead their families down the spiritual journeys of this world.
I am so thankful for men who are willing to assume their role,
It is the responsibility of a father, to teach his family to stand strong on God's Word and push through towards their destiny.
Fathers play a key role in the prosperity of their family.
The decisions we as fathers make today will transcend down to our children and even on to their kids. Duet. 11;1- (Vs.26)
Allow God to be the light in your life that transcends into your family.
Faithful Fathers Psalms 128;1-
Prov. 28;20 '…a faithful man will abound with blessings…'
Faithful = (emunah) firmness, stability, faithfulness, fidelity, steadiness, certainty, that which is permanent, enduring, steadfast,
Hab. 2;4 'the just SHALL LIVE by his faithfulness' – that is, his firmness, steadiness, and solid belief.
It's one of the Fruits of the Spirit: Gal. 5:22 'But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,
Faithfulness is about a solid belief and steadiness: The Holy Ghost in the inside of you will produce 'faithfulness' on the outside of you!
God's Faithfulness: Psalms 100;5 'For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.
Jesus Demonstrated His Faithfulness: Matt. 24;35 'Heaven and earth shall pass away but my word will ot pass away'
Matt. 18:20 'where there are two or three…I will be in the midst of you'
When We are Filled by His Spirit:
Note: Faithfulness will be born out of your life because it is the fruit of the Spirit.
What is Faithfulness? It's the fruit of the Spirit that speaks to you and say, 'be steadfast, don't quit on your kids, don't quit on your marriage, and don't quit on your faith and love for God!
Note: Jesus said in Matt. 26;21 'I must go through these things…' His faithfulness was being tested when the enemy used Peter to try to get Him to quit!
How Do We Demonstrate Our Faithfulness?
It take Maturity:
How Do We develop Faithfulness?
3 things you must realize and understand: