Families on the Mission of God

Bible Passage: Genesis 1:26-30

1. God created man (inclusive: plural verbs) so that man would serve Him (to preserve, protect, enrich, etc.) (Genesis 1:26-29)

(a) Radah “to rule” (verse 26 cf. Psalm 8:6-8 you appoint them to rule over your creation; you have placed everything under their authority, including all the sheep and cattle, as well as the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea and everything that moves through the currents of the seas)

2. To fulfill this purpose, God blessed man (1:28)

(a) Barak (verse 28): “To bless” means “to endue with power for success, prosperity, fruitfulness, longevity, etc.” Verse 28 explains the meaning of the word barak

3. God installed man officially to function as His representative

(a) Natan “to give” (verse 29) responsibly over His creation

4. Man has his beginning, end, and purpose only in God

5. Sin brought corruption in man that he thinks that he exists only for himself (stewardship changed to selfishness)

6. Jesus becomes a model who puts the interest of God and leads His followers to move towards the original purpose of God’s creation

7. (A case study) Aquila and Priscilla (a family whose put God’s interest first)

(a) Natives of Pontus, but they ended up living in Corinth (Acts 18:2)
(b) Small business owners (Acts 18:3)
(c) We do not know how they became believers

8. Highlights of the Family of Aquilla and Priscilla

(a) Hosted Paul while he was in Corinth (Acts 18:1-4)
(b) The church at Corinth probably was started in their house
(c) Moved to Ephesus when Paul left for Syria, probably with mission in mind (Acts 18:18-28)
(d) Corrected Apollo’s theology while encouraging him to preach (Acts 18:26)
(e) Opened their home for a new ministry to be born in Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:19)
(f) Moved to Rome briefly and led a home church (Romans 16:5)
(g) Became Paul’s fellow ministers/workers (Romans 16:3-4)
(h) After their stay in Rome, they came back to Ephesus probably to assist Timothy (2 Timothy 4:19)

9. Aquila and Priscilla served God and His interest while pursuing their business

Take Away

Fulfill God’s purpose