GOD’S PLAN & WILL FOR HUMANITY (PART 1)

Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash

Text: Genesis 1:22–31; Psalm 104:14,24–28; Genesis 2:8,9,15

Introduction

God, being the Creator of heaven and earth, looked upon everything He had made and declared that it was good. God’s goodness surpasses every standard of goodness because everything that comes from Him carries perfection and purpose.

Among all creation, humanity occupies a special place in God’s plan. God created man not merely to exist but to rule over creation as a manager, steward, and supervisor of everything He made. Yet God also gave man free will. God desired obedience and goodness, but He allowed humanity the choice to walk according to His will or reject it.

From our text, we discover five major truths concerning God’s plan and will for humanity.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

I. GOD’S WILL IS FOR MAN TO BE GOOD

Main Text: Genesis 1:27–28,31

Supporting Verse: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” — Matthew 5:48

God’s first intention for humanity was goodness because man was created in His image.

A. Good in the likeness of God

Genesis 1:27 says man was created in God’s image. We were designed to reflect God’s nature, character, and holiness.

Our lives should mirror:

• Love
• Mercy
• Holiness
• Truth
• Righteousness

We are representatives of God on earth.

B. Good in ruling over God’s creation

God gave humanity dominion over the earth. Dominion is not abuse; it is responsible leadership.

God entrusted mankind with authority over creation.

C. Good in obedience to God’s instructions

God gave Adam instructions because blessings flow through obedience.

Disobedience caused humanity’s fall.

Obedience remains evidence of love toward God.

D. Good in not failing God’s plan and goodness

God created us for a purpose. We should not live beneath His expectations.

Application: Ask yourself: Does my life reflect God’s goodness?

II. GOD’S WILL IS FOR CREATION TO BE MULTIPLIED

Main Text: Genesis 1:28

Supporting Verse: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood…” — 1 Peter 2:9

God commanded mankind to “be fruitful and multiply.”

God’s plan was never stagnation but increase.

A. Multiplied in the likeness of God

James 1:21

God wants His image reproduced in people through salvation and discipleship.

Believers are called to influence others toward Christ.

B. Multiplied in the things God has given man

God gives gifts, talents, wisdom, and opportunities for increase.

The Lord expects fruitfulness from what He places in our hands.

God does not bless us merely for ourselves but for the expansion of the kingdom.

Application: Are your gifts multiplying or lying dormant?

Introduction

God, being the Creator of heaven and earth, looked upon everything He had made and declared that it was good. God’s goodness surpasses every standard of goodness because everything that comes from Him carries perfection and purpose.

Among all creation, humanity occupies a special place in God’s plan. God created man not merely to exist but to rule over creation as a manager, steward, and supervisor of everything He made. Yet God also gave man free will. God desired obedience and goodness, but He allowed humanity the choice to walk according to His will or reject it.

From our text, we discover five major truths concerning God’s plan and will for humanity.