1. Created in God’s Image Genesis 1:26-27

2.  Are men and women equal in God’s sight?  Is the husband and wife equal in value in God’s eyes?  Are men more equal than women?

3. I. What is God’s Image?  We know that God is one  God has never been lonely or alone.  He is, by nature, a unity of being, while a society of Persons.

4. The Three are  never in conflict of purpose  never jealous of another’s position or work,  never prideful of their distinct position and role.

5. I. What is God’s Image?  We are made in His image to mirror the unity and diversity of relationships that are His very nature.

6. II. What about the Trinity?

7. THE FATHER  He is distinguished by His particular role in the Trinity and the relationship He has with the Son and Spirit.

8. THE SON  What distinguishes the Son is His particular role and His relationships with the Father and Spirit.  The Son stands in a relationship of eternal submission under the authority of the Father  Subordination is not inferiority, it is Godlike.

9. THE HOLY SPIRIT  He embraces eternally the background position.  His is the role of supporter, helper, sustainer and equipper.

10. III. What are the truths for us today.

11. Father  Exercise authority with wisdom, goodness and care; not self-serving.  Fatherhood requires respect and obedience

12. Father  Those in authority should give lavish and generous care, love, provision and protection  He delegates His work to others, and allows them to share in His glory.

13. Son - Jesus  Submission is Godlike, even when difficult  Obedience is the truest expression of love

14. Holy spirit  Be willing to serve in the background, unnoticed.  There is no jealousy, no resentment, as the Spirit assumes temporary authority, then surrenders it again.

15. In the Trinity, there is nothing but mutual support for their respective roles. Unity is not sameness.

16. IV. How do we respond?  We are created to reflect what God is like.  Relationships of authority and submission are God-like.  Being interconnected and interdependent in community is God-like.

17. IV. How do we respond?  God-like relationships exhibit unity without redundancy and diversity without discord.  We must celebrate our differences while embracing our common purpose and goals.  Equality of essence does not conflict with distinction of roles.

18. What does all this mean to you? How are you living out God’s image?