We Are Not Alone in Our Witness! (You Are Stamped with God's Image)
LifeGroup Notes
Part of The Hope of Christ—Encourgement from the Upper Room
July 28, 2024

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LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
Did you know God made you to be more like Him than anything else in all creation? The Bible says you were made in His image. Humans are the only part of God’s glorious creation with this special description. You are a diamond, a rose, a jewel, purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. The New Testament describes a progressive work of God to shape you into his image. As you fellowship with God, read His Word, obey His commands, and seek to understand and reflect His character, something wonderful begins to emerge. God comes out of you. You say things God would say. You do things God would do. You forgive, you share, and you love. It is as if God is scrubbing the smudge off an old coin. In time, an image begins to appear. God’s goal is simply this: to rub away anything that is not of Him, so His inborn image can be seen in you. You are an image bearer of God, and you can celebrate that promise. This week, we are reminded of God’s promise in His Word that you are stamped with His own image.

Passages we’ll review:
Genesis 1:26-31; Colossians 3:5-10; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 2:8-10

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

Have you ever felt like God made a mistake when He made you? Explain.
{notes}

Do you tend to see the glass as half-full or half-empty? Why?

READ

Material has been adapted from Unshakable Hope Study Guide by Max Lucado.

Read Genesis 1:26-31

In what ways did God create human beings “in His own image” different from the rest of His creation?

What is the significance of the creation of men and women being the pinnacle of the creation story?

Read Colossians 3:5-10

Why do you think Paul uses such forceful language here: “put to death”, “rid yourselves”? How does Paul connect the idea of the “new self” to the truth of your role as God’s image bearer?

Read 2 Corinthians 3:18

How are you being transformed into the image of God? How does knowing that this is God’s desire affect your desire for transformation?

Read Romans 8:28-30

Verse 28 does not say “all things are good,” but “all things work together for good.” Why should believers make this distinction? How might this distinction help us when we experience great suffering or hardship?

How do you reconcile the idea that you were created in the image of God but still need to be conformed to the image of Jesus?

Sometimes we can see in the short-term how God has worked for our good in trials. In other experiences, we aren’t able to see how God has worked even after many years. What is an example of a time when you have seen God’s hand at work for your good? Is there anything you’ve been wrestling with where you still haven’t been able to see God’s hand?

What areas of your life are the most difficult to conform to Christ’s standard? How are you gaining victory?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Ephesians 2:8-10

How does the idea of being God’s handiwork, masterpiece, or workmanship impact the value we place on ourselves and others?

Why did God save us (vs10)? How does this contribute to our sense of identity?

How could Ephesians 2:10 transform mundane or boring tasks which you do in the course of your everyday life?

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

  1. Reflect on how God has been working in your life for your good in the following areas: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (Your Failings). Think of how those circumstances could either harden you toward God or lead you to rely on Him and become more Christ-like. What do you need to do today in order to change your heart-attitude rather than your circumstances?

  2. There are many things in today’s world that can make you feel anything but important. How will you reinforce the truth of being an image bearer of God every day this week?

  3. We are all made to be image bearers of God. How can you encourage others who may be having trouble accepting that God has created them in His image, helping them to realize that they have been stamped with God’s image?