Term 4

DISCIPLESHIP CONTENT

Sabbath

GENESIS 2:1-3

"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished..."

Sermon Summary

1. God’s Rest in Creation
  • A pattern is established in Genesis 2:1-3 - Finish the work, enjoy the rest.
  • God finishes His work and declares it complete (Genesis 2:1-2), so we could enjoy a relationship with him.
  • The Seventh Day is blessed and made holy as a sacred time of rest (Genesis 2:3).

2. Sin’s Disruption of Rest
  • Humanity’s rebellion replaces rest with restlessness (Genesis 3:17-19).
  • Sin creates an endless cycle of toil and separation from God (Genesis 3:23).

3. Jesus Fulfills and Restores Rest
  • Jesus finished the work of redemption on the cross (John 19:30).
  • In Christ, we are invited to experience true and eternal rest (Matthew 11:28-30).

▶︎ Watch the Sermon 
▼ Download the Keynote

Discipleship Questions

Discover

Who is God? What has He done?
  • Read Genesis 2:1-3. What does it reveal about God’s work being finished and His rest being holy?
  • Read Exodus 20:8-11. How does the Sabbath reflect God’s character and His design for humanity?
  • Read Matthew 11:28-30. How does Jesus fulfill the promise of God’s rest for His people?
INSIGHT: God is the Creator who finishes His work and invites humanity into His holy and complete rest, fulfilled through Jesus Christ.

Nurture

Who Am I in Light of What He Has Done?
  • How does understanding that God’s rest is a gift rather than something earned affect how you approach rest and work in your life?
  • In what ways do you struggle to experience the deep, lasting rest that God offers?

Repent & Believe: 
  • Are there areas where you are striving to “finish the work” yourself instead of trusting in Jesus’ finished work? Repent of self-reliance and believe in the rest Jesus freely gives.
IDENTIFY: True rest is found not in our efforts but in trusting and abiding in the finished work of Christ.

Act

What Should I Do in Light of This?
  • How can you intentionally carve out time this week to abide in Christ and experience His rest?
  • What changes can you make to stop striving for approval or satisfaction in your work, relationships, or other areas of life?
  • How can you encourage your group or family to find rest in Jesus together, rather than in temporary solutions?
ACTION: Commit to surrendering your restlessness to God. Practise abiding in Him through prayer, worship, and Scripture, trusting that He has already finished the work for you. Share your experience of finding rest in Christ with others.

Heavens & Earth

GENESIS 1:1

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

Sermon Summary

1. Understanding the Old Testament
  • The Old Testament is challenging because it was written "for us, but not to us" (John Walton)
  • Yet Jesus affirmed its importance (Luke 24:27)
  • Remember, it is a unified story that points to Jesus.

2. Genesis as the Foundation
  • Genesis lays the foundation for the entire Bible’s narrative.
  • The authors are are more concerned with meaning and purpose than they are with physical construction.
  • “Heavens (skies) and earth (land)” represent God’s space and human space.

3. God as Centre
  • God is the central figure of the cosmos, the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
  • Humanity was never meant to bear the weight of being at the centre of creation. When we try to place ourselves at the centre, it leads to confusion and brokenness. Only God is able to hold the cosmos together, and placing Him at the centre brings order and life.

4. Genesis to Jesus
  • Jesus bridges the separation between heaven and earth that was caused by human sin.
  • All Scripture centres on Jesus, not humanity.
  • Ultimate restoration of heaven and earth is found in Christ.

▶︎ Watch the Sermon 
▼ Download the Keynote

Discipleship Questions

Discover

Who is God? What has He done?
  • Read Luke 24:27. How does Jesus’ explanation to His disciples affirm the importance of the Old Testament? What does this tell us about the continuity of the Bible?
  • Read Genesis 1:1. What does this verse reveal about God’s character and nature? What specific attributes of God are highlighted in this text?
  • How does this shape your view of God?
INSIGHT: God’s eternal power and authority are established from the first verse of Genesis. His creative work is the foundation for understanding His redemptive plan throughout Scripture.

Nurture

Who Am I in Light of What He Has Done?
  • How does seeing God as the Creator of both the physical and spiritual realms (heavens and earth) affect your understanding of your place in the universe?
  • What does it mean for you to be part of God’s creation?
How We Approach the Bible
  • Have you ever approached the Bible with a “me-centered” mindset, looking for what it says about you? How does realizing that the Bible is primarily about God change the way you read it?
  • How does knowing the Bible was written for us, but not to us, help you navigate difficult or confusing passages, especially in the Old Testament?
Repent and Believe 
  • In what areas of your life have you tried to place yourself at the centre instead of allowing God to occupy that role? Where do you sense the Spirit leading you to repent and trust God’s authority?
  • Were there other moments this week (even not connected with this content) where the Spirit lead you to repentance and faith? Was there a point/s of conviction?
IDENTIFY: Reflect on how approaching Scripture as a God-centred, unified story changes your perspective. Identify ways this understanding can deepen your faith and transform how you read the Bible.

Act

What Should I Do in Light of This?
  • What specific steps can you take to move away from a self-centered reading of the Bible and instead focus on understanding God’s redemptive plan?
  • Discuss with your discipleship group how each member can support each other in developing a God-centred approach to Scripture. (If you are not in discipleship, then discuss with someone from your MCG, or Newcomers Group)
ACTION: James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Prayerfully ask God to give you wisdom as we read through Genesis and the rest of Scripture together. Ask God to reveal new insights about His nature and character through the text. Commit to sharing these insights with your Missional Community Group, and seek ways to apply these truths in your daily life.

Chaos & Order

GENESIS 1:2

"The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. 
And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."

Sermon Summary

1. Nothingness as Chaos
  • The Bible’s idea of nothingness is different from our modern view. It shows chaos, an uninhabitable space.
  • In Genesis 1:2, three elements show this chaos: formless land, darkness, and deep waters. These are not evil but lack life and order.

2. God's Presence Amidst Chaos
  • Unlike ancient myths, God doesn’t fight chaos. His Spirit hovers over it, ready to bring life.
  • The word “ruah” means spirit, wind, or breath. It shows God’s active, life-giving presence.

3. The Transformation from Chaos to Order
  • God doesn’t battle chaos; He uses it as a canvas for creation.
  • His Spirit changes the deep waters from a threat to a source of life. This theme runs through the Bible, leading to Jesus.

4. Genesis to Jesus
  • Wilderness, darkness, and chaotic waters appear again in Scripture. God keeps bringing life and order.
  • Jesus shows His power over chaos in His ministry and on the cross. He completes the promise of a new creation.

▶︎ Watch the Sermon 
▼ Download the Keynote

Discipleship Questions

Discover

Who is God? What has He done?
  • Read Genesis 1:2. How does this verse describe the state of creation before God’s active work begins? What do the elements of formlessness, darkness, and the deep waters symbolize?
  • How does the description of God’s Spirit hovering over the waters challenge ancient creation myths? What does this reveal about God’s character and power?
  • Read on Job 9:8 and Psalm 107:28-29. How do these passages reinforce the theme of God bringing order to chaos?
INSIGHT: God is not intimidated by chaos. He uses chaos as a canvas for creation. His Spirit brings life where there seems to be none.

Nurture

Who Am I in Light of What He Has Done?
  • Knowing that Jesus entered our chaos and died in our place, how does this shape your view of God’s love and grace?
  • When you think about the areas of your life that feel chaotic or broken, how does the gospel give you hope that Jesus has already overcome them?
  • Reflect on times when you have tried to fix your problems on your own. How does trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice change the way you respond to life’s challenges?
Repent & Believe
  • Are there situations where you have tried to control chaos instead of trusting God to bring order? How is the Spirit leading you to repent and trust in His power?
  • Reflect on moments where God has brought life and transformation in areas that seemed chaotic or lifeless. How can this encourage your trust in Jesus today?
IDENTIFY: Look for ways God has been at work in the midst of challenges, using them to shape you into a new creation.

Act

What Should I Do in Light of This?
  • Since Jesus died for you, how can you respond by surrendering areas of your life that feel chaotic or out of control?
  • How can you live out the gospel by extending the same grace and forgiveness that Jesus showed you, even in difficult situations?
  • As a response to Christ’s sacrifice, what practical steps can you take to trust God more deeply in your daily life? How can your group help you stay committed to this?
ACTION: Ask God to help you surrender those areas where you struggle for control, trusting in His grace. Share your experiences of God’s work in your life with your group to encourage one another to live in light of the gospel.
- END OF DISCIPLESHIP CONTENT -

Cutting Room Floor

The “Cutting Room Floor” is where you’ll find fascinating insights, fun facts, and additional details that didn’t make it into the sermon but offer deeper understanding and behind-the-scenes context for the message.

  • The Power of Seven: A Poetic Masterpiece
    Did you know that Genesis 1:1 contains exactly 7 Hebrew words? In verse 2, this pattern continues with two lines of 7 words each. This isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a poetic structure, emphasizing completeness and perfection. The repetition of 7 symbolizes divine order, showing that even in the chaos described, God’s perfect plan for creation is unfolding.

  • Wilderness, Darkness, and Waters: The Borders of Chaos
    Why these elements? For Israel, wilderness and sea were symbols of chaos. To the east lay the scorching Arabian desert, and to the west, the unpredictable Mediterranean. Both were uninhabitable, representing the world before God’s creative act.

  • Tohu Vavohu: More Than Chaos
    Are these places of destruction? Before creation, the wilderness, darkness, and waters weren’t evil but obstacles—chaos waiting to be shaped. Genesis 1 has too much water, and Genesis 2 has too little, showing the obstacles God overcame for life to begin.

  • Opposites Align: Wilderness and Waters Together
    How can dry desert and chaotic seas both represent chaos? Poetically, these opposites share one thing in common: they’re uninhabitable. The author brilliantly connects these extremes to symbolise a chaotic, lifeless state—an ultimate picture of disorder.

  • Tohu, Tehom and Tiamat Wordplay
    Did you know Genesis has a clever wordplay with the Babylonian creation myth? The Hebrew words ‘tohu’ and ‘tehom’ are a nod to 'Tiamat', the sea goddess of chaos. They all begin with the first 2 letters the same. It’s like the author is saying, “You think your gods are powerful? Watch what our God does with chaos.”

  • Darkness vs Spirit Light
    Although the word for Spirit in Genesis 1:2 is 'ruah' which means breath, wind or spirit, it is sitting in opposition with 'darkness' in the previous line. Considering that light is one of the most common descriptions of the presence of God in Scripture, there is a subtle nod here to the Spirit being the light in the darkness, which is what Jesus is in John 1 when John writes, "In the Beginning... and the Word was the light and life..."

  • The Womb and the Waters
    A womb is dark and full of water. Job 38:8 connects water and the womb with the flood waters when he says, “Or who shut in the sea with doors, when it burst out from the womb,”. Mary’s womb, dark and filled with water, seemed impossible for life - especially as a virgin. But just like God brings order to chaos, He brought life from this seemingly lifeless space. The womb has waters of life.

  • “Peace, Be Still”
    The phrase Jesus uses to calm the storm in the boat is the exact same phrase He uses to silence a demon in Luke 4:35. The chaos of the sea and the chaos of evil—both submit to His authority. He also sends demons into pigs and then they run into the water to drown in Mark 5:13. A double meaning layered in Jesus' authority over demons and the waters.

  • Will There Be No Sea?
    Revelation says the sea will be no more, but does that mean no swimming in heaven? Likely not. The sea represents chaos and death. With sin gone, the waters will be peaceful, and we’ll enjoy creation, including the ocean, without fear.

Form

GENESIS 1:3-13

"And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light...."

Sermon Summary

1. God's Creative Power
  • God simply speaks to create out of nothing
  • God then forms creation by setting apart, naming, and reuniting, bringing order and purpose.

2. God's Word Brings Light
  • God’s word brings light into the darkness, showing His presence before any physical source of light.
  • Jesus is the ultimate light who overcomes all darkness, pointing to God’s ongoing work of redemption.

3. The Raqia as God's Shield
  • The raqia (expanse) separates the waters and serves as a protective boundary, like a shield, reflecting how God shields us from chaos.
  • Jesus fulfils the role of the raqia by protecting us from the judgement waters.

4. Genesis to Jesus
  • Just as God separates and names in creation, Jesus separates us from sin and calls us by name as His own.
  • Jesus sets us apart, gives us a new identity, uniting us with God and bringing order and purpose to our lives.

▶︎ Watch the Sermon 
▼ Download the Keynote
▽ Download the Cosmology & Structure of Gen 1 Table

Discipleship Questions

Discover

Who is God? What has He done?
  • Read Genesis 1:3-5 and then Psalm 27:1, Psalm 36:9 and Isaiah 60:19. What does Day One Light reveal about God?
  • In Genesis 1:6-8, God creates the expanse (raqia). How does this window / shield / canvas, separating the waters above and below, connect to God’s character? See Psalm 3:3, Psalm 18:30, Exodus 24:9-10 or Ezekiel 1:26.
  • Read John 1:1-5. What claims is John making about Jesus in relation to Genesis 1:1-13?
INSIGHT: God’s word and His presence bring light and order into the darkness and chaos. This is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, the Light of the world.

Nurture

Who Am I in Light of What He Has Done?
  • How does knowing that Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12) affect the way you see the darkness in your life? What comfort does this bring in moments of chaos?
  • How does the gospel give you hope that He is at work even in dark circumstances?

Repent & Believe
  • 1 John 1:5-7 encourages us to walk not in the darkness, but in the light. What areas of your life are you not trusting the light of Jesus to enter into?
  • Reflect on moments where God has formed you through challenging seasons. How can this encourage your trust in Jesus, who continues to shape and refine you?
IDENTIFY: Look for areas where God is actively forming and shaping your life, bringing order out of what seems formless or void.

Act

What Should I Do in Light of This?
  • Since Jesus is the source of light and life, how can you trust Him more in areas that feel chaotic or out of control?
  • How can you live out the gospel by being a light to those around you, especially in difficult circumstances?
  • In response to God’s creative work in your life, what practical steps can you take to reflect His light to others? How can your group support you in this journey?
ACTION: Surrender the areas of life where you feel the most chaos, trusting that God is at work to form and shape them for His purposes. Share your story of God’s creative work with your group, encouraging one another to live in light of the gospel.
END OF DISCIPLESHIP CONTENT

Cutting Room Floor

The “Cutting Room Floor” is where you’ll find fascinating insights, fun facts, and additional details that didn’t make it into the sermon but offer deeper understanding and behind-the-scenes context for the message.

  • Wordplay: Mayim / Shamayim
    Did you know the Hebrew words for “waters” (mayim) and “heavens” (shamayim) share the same root? This subtle wordplay points to the connection between the waters above (shamayim) and below (mayim), showing the ordered structure God brings to His creation. The heavens and the waters are not just distinct; they are connected by God’s creative word, reinforcing the theme of unity in separation.

  • Darkness as the Absence of Light
    Cassuto, U. says about Genesis 1:4 that, "This verse, unlike the corresponding verses, specifies the thing that is good—the light—to prevent the misconception that the darkness is also good. It is the light that God created; the darkness is only the absence of light..." - Cassuto, U. Commentary on the Book of Genesis, 1:4

  • Raqia Formed like a Sheet of Metal
    Exodus 39:3, Numbers 19:39 and Isaiah 40:19 all use the word 'raqia' as a verb to explain the hammering and shaping of a smooth sheet of gold. This is the idea behind God forming the raqia like a blacksmith shaping a metal sheet to cover the skies.

  • Are the Waters Above Still There?
    There are debates about whether the waters fell from the skies in the flood and didn't return, or whether they only explained how rain fell from the sky. Either way, Psalm 104:2-3 makes it sound like the waters above are still there!

  • Cosmic Geography?
    About adopting the framework of the original audience, John Walton says, "A century ago the idea of an expanding universe would have seemed ludicrous, while today the steady-state universe has fallen into disfavor. This is all part of fine-tuning cosmic geography. God did not give Israel a revised cosmic geography—he revealed his Creator role through the cosmic geography that they had, because the shape of the material world did not matter. His creative work focused on functions, and therefore he communicated that he was the one who set up the functions and who keeps the operations going, regardless of how we envision the material shape. This creation account did not concern the material shape of the cosmos, but rather its functions.” - John Walton, The Lost Word of Genesis One, p60.

  • The Tower of Babel: The Folly of Self-Formation
    In Genesis 11, humanity tries to make a name for themselves by building a tower to reach heaven. This is self-forming apart from God.
    1. Separate: The people unite in their purpose but separate themselves from God’s will.
    2. Name: They attempt to establish their own identity apart from God.
    3. Reunite: God confuses their language and scatters (separates) them—not just as punishment, but to protect them from their own arrogance and misguided self-formation.

  • The Covenant with Abraham: A New Formation
    In Genesis 15, God initiates a covenant with Abram, forming a new identity and purpose for him and his descendants.
    1. Separate: God calls Abram to leave his homeland and separate himself from the familiar. He then cuts a sacrifice in half - separating the two halves like the waters.
    2. Name: God changes his name to Abraham, meaning “father of many nations,” signifying his new role.
    3. Reunite: Through the covenant, where God passes between the pieces of animals, he unites Himself with Abraham in a promise that shapes the future of God’s people.

Fill

GENESIS 1:14-25

"And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night..."

Sermon Summary

1. God Fills Creation
  • God’s creative process in Days 4-6 is not just about order but about filling creation with life, beauty, and His own presence.
  • On Day 4, He fills the heavens with the sun, moon, and stars as signs of His glory and as spiritual realities pointing to His cosmic temple.
  • On Day 5, He fills the waters with sea creatures and the skies with birds, bringing vibrant movement and beauty to previously empty spaces.
  • On Day 6, He fills the land with living creatures, completing the earth’s preparation for humanity.

2. Jesus Fills Creation
  • Jesus embodies the fullness of God (Colossians 2:9-10), bridging heaven and earth.
  • The cross and resurrection are God’s means of filling creation with abundant life, overcoming sin and death.
  • At Pentecost, God’s Spirit fills believers, fulfilling His promise to fill the earth with His presence through His people.

3. We are Filled, to Fill Creation
  • Just as God fills creation, Jesus fills us with His Spirit, bringing joy, righteousness, and purpose.
  • Jesus commissions His followers to “go and make disciples,” expanding the Creator King’s presence across the earth (Matthew 28:19-20).
  • As vessels of God’s Spirit, we are called to carry Christ’s fullness into every area of life—homes, workplaces, and communities—bringing His love, peace, and glory to a world marred by emptiness.

▶︎ Watch the Sermon 
▽ Download the Cosmology & Structure of Gen 1 Table

Discipleship Questions

Discover

Who is God? What has He done?
  • Read Genesis 1:14-25 and Psalm 19:1. What does God filling creation reveal about His desire to bring life and beauty?
  • How do the lights in the heavens serve as signs of God’s presence and His purposes for creation? (See Job 38:7, Colossians 1:15-16)
  • Read John 1:1-14. How does Jesus embody God’s fullness and His intention for creation?
INSIGHT: God’s desire is to fill creation with His presence, culminating in Jesus, who brings the fullness of God to humanity.

Nurture

Who Am I in Light of What He Has Done?
  • How does knowing Jesus is the fullness of God (Colossians 2:9-10) change how you view your own emptiness or lack?
  • How does God’s creative work in filling creation give hope during times when life feels empty or chaotic?

    Repent & Believe: Sin empties. Reflect on a time when you chose creation over the Creator. How did it leave you empty? How can you turn to Jesus’ fullness instead?
  • What is a particular area of life that you struggle to live out the fullness of your identity in Christ (new Gospel identity)?
  • Reflect on times when God filled a ‘void’ in your life. How can this encourage you to trust Jesus’ ongoing work?
IDENTIFY: Look for areas where God is actively bringing fullness into your life, replacing the emptiness or disorder of sin with His presence and purpose.

Act

What Should I Do in Light of This?
  • How can you be more intentional about bringing the fullness of Christ into your relationships, work, and daily life?
(i.e. Living out your Gospel identity and displaying Christlikeness. For example, loving those who treat you poorly because you don't get your love from them, but from the fullness of Christ.)
  • In what specific ways can your group help each other live out the fullness of God’s love and joy?
ACTION: Commit to sharing a recent experience of God’s fullness with your group, encouraging one another to trust His work in your lives.

Fruit & Seed

GENESIS 1:29-31

"And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit..."

Sermon Summary

Fruit as a Symbol of Life and Abundance
  • In Genesis 1:29-31, God provides fruit-bearing trees for food, symbolising His abundant provision and blessing.
  • Fruit reflects not just sustenance but life in its fullness, thriving under God’s care.

The Distortion of Fruitfulness
  • Humanity’s sin in Genesis 3 transforms fruit from a symbol of life to one of rebellion, leading to thorns and scarcity.
  • Thorns = anti-fruit, the curse = anti-blessing and the wilderness = anti-garden. These represent the consequences of sin: brokenness, toil, and distance from God.

The Restoration of Abundance in Christ
  • Jesus, the Promised Seed, takes the curse of thorns upon Himself to restore life and abundance.
  • Through the Spirit, believers bear the fruit of the Spirit, experiencing abundant life and pushing back the thorns of sin.

▶︎ Watch the Sermon 
▼ Download the Keynote
▽ Download the Cosmology & Structure of Gen 1 Table

Discipleship Questions

Discover

Who is God? What has He done?
  • Read Genesis 1:29-31. What does God’s provision of fruit-bearing trees for food reveal about His character?
  • Read Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 11:1-2 and Ezekiel 47:12. How does God’s promise of the “Seed” and future fruitfulness display His redemptive plan?
  • Read John 15:5-8. How does Jesus reveal Himself as the source of true fruitfulness?
INSIGHT: God is the provider of life and abundance, fulfilling His promise through Jesus, the Promised Seed, who restores our capacity for fruitfulness by His Spirit.

Nurture

Who Am I in Light of What He Has Done?
  • How does knowing that God created you to bear fruit shape your understanding of your purpose and identity?
  • In what ways have you experienced God transforming areas of “thorns” in your life into fruitfulness?

Repent & Believe
  • In what ways have you sought fruitfulness or abundance apart from Christ? How might these pursuits shape your life in ways that don’t reflect God’s purpose? Repent of placing your trust in things that cannot truly satisfy.
IDENTIFY: True fruitfulness comes from abiding in Christ, whose Spirit transforms us to bear the fruit of the Spirit and reflect God’s abundance.

Act

What Should I Do in Light of This?
  • How can you intentionally abide in Christ this week to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your life?
  • What steps can you take to trust God in areas that are filled with thorns, knowing He is at work to bring fruitfulness?
  • How can you encourage those around you to live in the abundance of life found in Christ?
ACTION: Commit to abiding in Christ! (John 15:5), surrendering areas of life where you feel fruitless, trusting Jesus to bring growth and abundance. Share this journey with your group and encourage one another to remain rooted in Christ’s sustaining presence.

Creation in Community

REVIEW OF GENESIS 1:1-25

"“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
- 2 Cor 5:17

Sermon Summary

1. God’s Work in Chaos
  • Genesis begins with the earth “without form and void,” highlighting a world in chaos that God transforms into a place of beauty and purpose.
  • God doesn’t fight against chaos but enters it, working within it to bring light and order, a theme that resonates throughout scripture and culminates in Jesus.

2. Jesus as Redeemer of Chaos
  • Jesus steps into our personal chaos, redeeming and recreating us. Just as God’s Spirit brought life to the unformed world, Jesus brings new creation to our lives, turning sin and brokenness into redemption and grace.

3. Community as an Extension of Creation
  • God’s transformative work is ongoing and seen powerfully in Christian community, where believers live out His grace together. Relationships within the church, though often messy, become a space for God’s redemptive work, showing His desire to make all things new.
  • Living in community isn’t without challenges. Conflicts and imperfections arise, but these are opportunities to extend grace, forgive, and grow together.
  • Community becomes a testimony of God’s creative and redemptive work, embodying the possibility of hope, unity and new creation through Jesus.

Discipleship Questions

Discover

Who is God? What has He done?
  • Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. How does the idea of becoming a “new creation” connect with God’s work of transforming chaos into order?
  • Consider Colossians 1:16-17. How does Paul’s description of Jesus as Creator and Sustainer deepen our understanding of God’s active work within creation and in our lives?
  • Reflect on Psalm 133:1. What does this verse say about the beauty of unity in community? How does this ideal reflect God’s heart for His people as they live together?
  • Read Ephesians 4:2-3. What do humility, gentleness, and patience look like within a Christian community?
INSIGHT: God’s work in creation goes beyond bringing order to a chaotic world; it extends into our lives and communities, inviting us into a redemptive process. Jesus steps into our personal and communal chaos, to make us into new creation in Christ.

Nurture

Who Am I in Light of What He Has Done?
  • As followers of Jesus, we are called to engage in the messiness of community life. What fears or challenges do you feel when it comes to “leaning into” community, especially during difficult times? How can the gospel help you navigate these struggles?
  • Ephesians 4:2-3 challenges us to approach one another with humility, patience, and gentleness. How might God be inviting you to grow in these within community?

Repent and Believe
  • Are you holding onto any bitterness, unforgiveness or anger towards someone in your life whether in your family, friends or in your church family? How does knowing Jesus took the chaos of sin upon himself to redeem your relationships through grace and mercy, help you love those people better? 
  • Jesus entered our world to bring transformation not only to individuals but to the community of believers. How does this shape the way you view relationships within the church, especially when conflict or misunderstandings arise?

IDENTIFY: Look for ways God is using the messiness of community to refine you, inviting you to let go of control and trust Him to bring peace and order. Reflect on how your relationships may be spaces where God’s redemptive work is unfolding, calling you to embody His grace and forgiveness.

Act

What Should I Do in Light of This?
  • Consider a specific area of your life where you’ve been trying to maintain control amidst chaos. How might you surrender this area to God, trusting Him to bring peace and order?
  • Reflecting on God’s invitation to embody His grace, how can you practice forgiveness and patience in your relationships this week? What would it look like to offer the same grace you’ve received from Jesus?
  • In what ways can you be a presence of God’s redemptive work in your community, extending love and understanding even in messy situations? How might your group encourage and support you in this?
ACTION: This week, ask God to help you release control in areas of chaos and embrace His peace. Commit to sharing how God is at work in your life with your group, encouraging each other to live out His redemptive love and grace.

Image

GENESIS 1:26-28

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness..."

Sermon Summary

1. Image of God
  • Reflecting God: We’re made to represent Him.
  • Unique Likeness: Created for relationship and worship.

2. Purpose and Dominion
  • Caretakers: Called to steward creation.
  • Partners with God: Joining His work of order and life.

3. Restored in Christ
  • Image Renewed: Jesus restores our purpose.
  • Spirit’s Work: Growing daily into Christ’s likeness.

▶︎ Watch the Sermon 

Discipleship Questions

Discover

  • Read Genesis 1:26-27. What does it mean that God made humans in His image?
  • Read Psalm 8:3-6. How does our purpose to steward creation reflect God’s character?
  • Read Colossians 1:15-20. How does Jesus restore and fulfill God’s image in us?
INSIGHT: God creates us to reflect His image and reign, inviting us to join in His work of caring for creation—a purpose fully restored in Jesus.

Nurture

Who Am I in Light of What He Has Done?
  • Knowing we are made in God’s image, how does this shape your view of your identity and purpose, especially in everyday actions?
  • How does understanding Jesus as the perfect image of God challenge or inspire you to grow in Christ-likeness in your daily life?

Repent & Believe
  • In what ways are you tempted to seek identity or worth outside of God’s design for you as His image-bearer? How can embracing your identity in Christ reshape this?
IDENTIFY: What do you love? What do you think about? How is that shaping your life? How is that forming you into the image of that thing, rather than into the image of Christ?

Act

What Should I Do in Light of This?
  • How can you embrace your role as God’s image-bearer in practical ways this week, whether at work, home, or in relationships?
  • Where can you take intentional steps to reflect God’s character—His love, patience, or kindness—to those around you?
  • How can your group encourage one another to live out this calling as image-bearers, sharing ways you’re seeking to embody God’s presence in your daily lives?
ACTION: Identify one area in which you often seek worth or identity outside of God. Commit to surrendering this to Him, trusting that He shapes you as His image-bearer. Share this journey with your group, supporting each other to reflect God’s image more fully.

Genesis 1:28 - The First Poem

  • The first mention of “created” is when God created the heavens and the earth. Here in the middle, God is infusing heaven and earth together again - the divine image into earthly beings. 
  • “Created” appears exactly three times here—a pattern in Hebrew used to add weight and significance, like “Holy, Holy, Holy.” The triple repetition builds intensity. 
  • Notice also that the word “image” appears three times too—or does it?
  • The first two times, “image” is clearly stated, but the third mention expands it into “male and female,” expressing the full extent of the image in humanity.
  • Also, the structure of the whole poem also carries meaning: Notice that the 1st and 2nd lines are reversed from each other, and the 2nd and 3rd lines parallel each other. This helps identify the similarities and differences of each line:
    • The 1st line focuses on humanity’s creation.
    • The 2nd line on the divine image.
    • The third line brings us back to humanity’s creation, but now with a focus on male and female together as the full image.

Fruitful Following

GENESIS 1:25-31

“Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.”
Matthew 7:20

Sermon Summary

  • Our New Identity: In Christ, we are a new creation, called to set our hearts on Him and live out the realities of our gospel identity (Colossians 3:1-4).
  • Fruit of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit produces Christlike character in believers, transforming lives to reflect love, joy, peace, and other fruits that glorify God (Galatians 5:22-23).
  • Abiding in Christ: Staying connected to Jesus is essential for spiritual growth and fruitfulness; without Him, we can do nothing of lasting value (John 15:4-5).

Discipleship Questions

Discover

  • Read John 15:4-5. What does Jesus mean when He says, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you”? How does this illustrate the relationship between God and His people?
  • Reflect on Galatians 5:22-23. What do the fruits of the Spirit reveal about God’s character? How does this passage show His active work in shaping the lives of His followers?
  • Consider Colossians 3:1-4. How do these verses highlight our new identity in Christ? What does it mean to “set your sights on the realities of heaven”?
  • Read John 15:12-13. How does Jesus’ command to love one another reflect the heart of the gospel? How is this love both a gift from God and a reflection of His nature?

INSIGHT: God’s desire is for His people to remain deeply connected to Him, allowing His life and power to flow through them. By abiding in Christ, believers experience transformation, bearing the fruit of the Spirit as a reflection of His character and His work in their lives.

Nurture

Who Am I in Light of What He Has Done?
  • Think of a time when you felt spiritually drained, like the phone running on “low-power mode.” What helped you reconnect with Jesus during that season? How did it change your outlook or actions?
  • Reflecting on the imagery of “thorns and fruit,” what areas of your life might be producing thorns rather than gospel fruit? What might God be teaching you through these struggles?
  • Jesus calls us to “remain” in Him. What challenges or distractions in your daily life make it difficult to stay connected? How does the gospel provide a solution to these challenges?
  • In what ways is God inviting you to maintain and deepen connection with Him?
IDENTIFY: Reflect on areas where you might be relying on your own strength rather than staying connected to Jesus. Consider how abiding in Him can renew your heart and empower you to bear fruit that reflects His character and love.

Act

What Should I Do in Light of This?
  • What practical steps can you take this week to prioritise remaining in Christ? Consider specific habits like prayer, Scripture reading, or intentional time in worship.
  • How can you actively reflect the fruit of the Spirit—such as love, patience, or kindness—in a challenging relationship or situation?
  • Who in your life might need encouragement to reconnect with Jesus? How can you come alongside them and point them back to the true source of life and growth?
ACTION: This week, commit to remaining in Christ by carving out intentional time to stay connected with Him daily. Share with your group one area where you feel Jesus is working to produce new fruit in you, and pray for each other as you seek to remain (abide) more fully in Him.

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