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Scripture: Gen. 1:26-27
I. Man as the “soul” of all creation:
The Chinese say that man is the “soul” of the whole creation. Man is superior to all the rest of creation.
II. The body of man:
The body of man is superior to that of any other creature. The human body is the most beautiful, the most dexterous, and the most useful. It is stronger than that of any other creature.
III. The spirit of man:
The spirit of man is unique. No other creature has a spirit. Because of this spirit, man can worship and receive wisdom. This wisdom makes him superior and noble.
IV. Man’s life the highest:
Therefore, man’s life is the highest of all created life.
Scripture: Gen. 1:26; Rom. 9:21-23
I. Since man is so superior, there must be a meaning for man’s existence.
II. What is the meaning of man?
Is it to study, to work, to eat, to clothe himself, to marry, to raise a family, or to serve others? Is man merely for these things? No one can give an answer to this question.
III. Man as God’s vessel:
The Bible says not only that man is created by God but also that he is created for God. Man has been created to be a vessel to express the image of God. Hence, the real meaning of man is God. The meaning of man is to be for God. If man does not have God, he will be meaningless.
IV. Today everyone who feels that life is meaningless feels so because he is not giving himself for God’s purpose with man.
I. Man’s body:
Man’s body needs four basic things: food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.
II. Man’s soul:
Man’s soul has psychological needs. These are related to his mind, emotion, and will. He seeks to meet these needs through such pleasures as education, music, sports, and cultural or social activities.
III. Man’s spirit:
The spirit of man also has its need. The need of the spirit is the deepest and the most real need of man. This need is the need for God Himself. The reason God made a spirit in man is so that man may have need of Him and be able to receive Him. In the same way that God made man’s stomach for digesting food, He made the spirit of man for receiving Himself.
Scripture: John 4:14; 6:35; 7:38
I. Man’s satisfaction is not found in material things:
Even after a man has accumulated great wealth, he is not satisfied.
II. Man’s satisfaction is not found in psychological things:
Even after man has received honor and fame, he is still not satisfied.
III. Man’s real satisfaction is found in his spirit:
This satisfaction comes when God enters into man’s spirit. Only God can satisfy the human spirit.
Scripture: Eph. 3:19
I. God is man’s true life:
Since God is the meaning of life and the satisfaction of man, He is the true life of a man. If a man is without God, not only is his an empty life but also a false life.
II. The real life is one that is filled with God inwardly.
III. The real life is one that is absolutely living for God.
IV. The real life is also the living out of God Himself.
Scripture: Acts 26:20; John 1:12-13; Rom. 12:1-2
I. Confess that you need God.
II. Repent and turn to God.
III. Receive the Son of God as your Savior.
IV. Consecrate yourself to God.
V. Practice being one spirit with the Lord.
