1. Introduction

A. When Adam sin against God in the Garden of Eden, there were many awful side effects.

B. The worst being our separation from God.

C. Today I want to teach on another very deleterious effect of that fateful day.

D. I want to teach how Adam’s original sin destroyed his positive self-image, and consequently the positive self-image of all humans.

E. And from Adam’s experience, we will find answers to some of our own issues with self-image, self-esteem, self-worth, etc.

1. Additionally, we will better understand human behavior

2. We will understand better the root cause of so much sinful behavior

F. However, even more important, we’re going to learn:

1. First, how developing our identity in Christ “can” recreate and restore a positive self image

2. That’ll open the door for God’s greatness and goodness to flow through us

2. The beginning

A. God made us in His Image!

1. What does that mean, and

2. Why is it important

3. READ GENESIS 1:26-28

A. What does image mean

1. The Hebrew word image is tselem, and it means a copy or likeness of something.

2. God created us as a carbon copy and likeness of Himself

B. Why are the implications of being the very image and likeness of God on the earth

1. With God’s image stamped upon us, God blessed (i.e., empowered) us with incredible authority.

2. Specifically, He BLESSED and empowered us with the authority to:

a. Prosper

b. Conquer

c. Dominate

C. How exactly are we made in God’s image and likeness.

1. God made us tripartite beings, first and foremost, with spirits like Himself. Genesis 2:7, I Thessalonians 5:23

a. We enjoy intimate fellowship and communication with Him

b. We’re on His level

2. He gave us limitless souls. Genesis 11:1-9

a. He gave us a mind with unlimited capabilities

1. One of the most important capabilities of our minds is the ability to form thoughts and

2. express them verbally

b. He gave us emotions so we could love and care

c. He gave us a will so we could freely choose

3. We have wonderfully created bodies Psalm. 139:13-16

1. How did sin affect the self-image of fallen humanity?

A. It was devastating spiritually, soulishly and physically.

B. Our focus in this message is the effects on human’s souls. Genesis 3:9-10

1. The first affect was fear

2. The second was shame

3. The third condemnation