THE SPIRITUAL ADAM: THE IMAGO DEI, THE THREE REALMS, AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE SPIRITUAL HUMAN
A Theological Sermon by Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute (STI)
www.shimbatheological.org
Main Scriptures: Genesis 1:26–28; Genesis 2:7; John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 15:35–58; Ephesians 6:10–18
Key Text: Genesis 1:26–28 (KJV)
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
INTRODUCTION: THE SPIRITUAL ADAM AND THE DUAL NATURE OF HUMANITY
Beloved, when we approach the opening chapters of Genesis, we must ask a fundamental theological question: Who was the Adam created in the image and likeness of God, and what was the nature of his existence before the formation of his physical body?
Genesis 1:26–28 presents humanity in relation to God's image, God's blessing, and God's commission. God declared His intention to create humanity in His image and likeness, and He immediately connected that identity with dominion over creation.
The passage reveals four foundational principles:
Be fruitful.
Multiply.
Fill the earth.
Subdue the earth and exercise dominion.
It also identifies three realms of created life: the sea, the air, and the land.
In this sermon, we will explore these principles through a theological framework that emphasizes humanity's spiritual identity, the distinction between the spiritual and the physical, the authority entrusted to humanity, and the relationship between the present mortal body and the future resurrection body.
John 4:24 declares:
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
If God is Spirit and humanity is created in His image, then we must seriously examine what Scripture teaches about the spiritual dimension of human existence.
First Corinthians 15:45 declares:
"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."
Paul's teaching about Adam, Christ, the natural body, and the spiritual body provides a significant foundation for this discussion.
The central question is this: How should we understand the spiritual identity of humanity, the authority of the Creation Mandate, and the transformation from mortality to immortality?
Let us examine the Scriptures carefully.
1. THE FIRST PRINCIPLE: BE FRUITFUL
Scriptures: Genesis 1:28; John 15:1–8; Galatians 5:22–23
The first command God gave humanity was, "Be fruitful."
In its immediate context, Genesis 1:28 concerns human reproduction and the continuation of human life. Yet the broader biblical revelation also uses fruitfulness to describe spiritual maturity, productive service, and the manifestation of godly character.
Jesus declares in John 15:8:
"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."
Fruitfulness is not merely possessing potential. It is the productive expression of what God has entrusted to us.
Galatians 5:22–23 identifies the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
Therefore, spiritual fruitfulness must begin with fellowship with God and dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
How do we implement fruitfulness?
Develop the gifts and abilities God has entrusted to you.
Cultivate the character of Christ.
Produce works that benefit others.
Become faithful in your family, ministry, profession, and community.
Beloved, the blessing of God should lead us toward faithful responsibility. Do not merely speak about your potential; cultivate it.
Declaration: By the grace of God, I will bear fruit in my character, ministry, knowledge, and service to others.
2. THE SECOND PRINCIPLE: MULTIPLY
Scriptures: Genesis 1:28; Matthew 28:19–20; 2 Timothy 2:2
God commanded humanity to multiply.
The original context concerns the increase of the human family. The principle of multiplication also provides a biblical framework for discipleship, education, leadership, and the transmission of truth.
Paul instructed Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 to commit what he had learned to faithful people who would be able to teach others also.
Notice the pattern: truth is received, cultivated, transmitted, and entrusted to succeeding generations.
A faithful teacher prepares other teachers. A faithful minister equips other ministers. A faithful parent teaches children. A theological institution trains students who can serve the body of Christ.
Multiplication is therefore more than increasing numbers. It includes reproducing faithful service, sound doctrine, godly character, and responsible leadership.
Declaration: I will use the knowledge and gifts God has entrusted to me to equip others and extend the work of faithful ministry.
3. THE THIRD PRINCIPLE: FILL THE EARTH
Scriptures: Genesis 1:28; Matthew 28:19–20; Habakkuk 2:14
The third instruction is to "replenish the earth," meaning to fill the earth in this context.
Humanity was instructed to inhabit the earth, establish communities, cultivate its resources, and extend human society throughout the created world.
The broader Christian application also reminds us that the gospel is not confined to one nation or culture.
Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19–20).
The Creation Mandate and the Great Commission are distinct biblical commissions, but both have implications for faithful activity beyond one's immediate surroundings.
Through teaching, literature, technology, missions, and theological education, believers can serve people in many geographical locations.
Declaration: I will faithfully serve where God has placed me and remain willing to extend that service wherever He opens a responsible opportunity.
4. THE FOURTH PRINCIPLE: SUBDUE THE EARTH AND EXERCISE DOMINION
Scriptures: Genesis 1:26–28; Psalm 8:4–8; Genesis 2:15
Genesis 1:28 declares that humanity is to subdue the earth and exercise dominion over the creatures of the sea, air, and land.
The Hebrew word kabash, translated "subdue," conveys bringing something under control. The Hebrew word radah, translated "have dominion," conveys exercising authority or rule.
Humanity was entrusted with responsibility to cultivate the earth, develop its potential, and manage its resources.
Genesis 2:15 adds that the man was placed in the garden to dress it and keep it.
Dominion therefore involves both development and stewardship.
Psalm 24:1 declares:
"The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
Our authority is delegated by God. We are not the ultimate owners of creation, and we cannot exercise legitimate dominion independently of the Creator.
Dominion and spiritual authority
The Creation Mandate begins with God's declaration concerning humanity's image and likeness. The authority follows the declaration of identity.
This order deserves attention: God establishes humanity's identity and then gives humanity its assignment.
However, we must distinguish dominion over the creatures of creation from spiritual warfare against hostile spiritual powers. Genesis 1:26–28 directly addresses the former. Ephesians 6:10–18 addresses the latter.
Both passages belong in a wider theological discussion of humanity's responsibilities, but they address different aspects of biblical teaching.
Declaration: I will exercise the responsibilities entrusted to me with wisdom, integrity, humility, and dependence upon God.
5. THE THREE REALMS OF CREATION: PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS
Scriptures: Genesis 1:26–28; Psalm 8:6–8; Ephesians 6:12
Genesis 1:28 identifies three domains over which humanity was given responsibility:
The fish of the sea.
The fowl of the air.
Every living thing that moves upon the earth.
These categories establish the breadth of humanity's dominion within the created order.
The Dual Nature of the Three Realms
Beloved, we must understand that these three realms are not merely physical territories. Because man is both physical and spiritual, the three realms over which he exercises dominion also possess both physical and spiritual dimensions.
The sea, the air, and the land are physical domains that humanity is called to steward, cultivate, and manage. Yet Scripture reveals that there is also a spiritual dimension to these realms that corresponds to humanity's spiritual nature.
Realm One: The Sea — Physical and Spiritual
Genesis 1:28 declares that humanity is to exercise dominion over "the fish of the sea."
The immediate meaning concerns aquatic creatures. Humanity's responsibility includes their management and care within the created order.
However, in the broader biblical revelation, the sea often represents the nations, peoples, and the chaotic forces of the world. In Daniel 7:2–3, the four winds of heaven strove upon the great sea, and four beasts came up from the sea, representing kingdoms and empires. In Revelation 13:1, the beast rises out of the sea.
Therefore, the sea represents both the physical waters with their creatures and the spiritual domain of the nations and peoples of the earth. When we exercise dominion over the sea, we are called to influence nations, cultures, and peoples with the truth and righteousness of God.
Realm Two: The Air — Physical and Spiritual
The verse also identifies "the fowl of the air."
This refers to birds and their place within creation. The mandate encompasses the creatures that inhabit the skies.
Yet the air also possesses a spiritual significance in Scripture. Ephesians 2:2 describes the prince of the power of the air as the spirit that works in the children of disobedience. Ephesians 6:12 speaks of spiritual wickedness in high places.
The air, therefore, represents both the physical atmosphere where birds fly and the spiritual realm where spiritual forces operate. When we exercise dominion over the air, we are called to engage in spiritual warfare against principalities and powers, standing firm in the armor of God.
Realm Three: The Land — Physical and Spiritual
The text concludes with "every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
This identifies land creatures and completes the passage's broad description of the living creation entrusted to humanity.
The land also carries spiritual significance. It represents the inheritance, the promises of God, and the place of covenant blessing. Israel was given a land as an inheritance, and the promises of God are often tied to the land.
When we exercise dominion over the land, we are called to establish the kingdom of God in communities, to cultivate righteousness and justice in societies, and to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.
The Theological Foundation
Because humanity was created as both physical and spiritual, the dominion mandate extends to both dimensions of existence. The physical realm requires stewardship, cultivation, and responsible management. The spiritual realm requires discernment, prayer, spiritual warfare, and the exercise of God-given authority.
Ephesians 6:12 declares:
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
This passage confirms that the spiritual dimension is real and that believers are called to engage in spiritual conflict with spiritual weapons.
However, we must be careful not to equate the three realms of Genesis 1:28 directly with specific spiritual hierarchies. The text does not explicitly identify the sea, air, and land as three separate invisible spiritual kingdoms. Rather, the text establishes that humanity's dominion extends to all of creation, and because humanity possesses a spiritual nature, that dominion also extends to the spiritual dimensions of existence.
Declaration: I exercise dominion in both the physical and spiritual dimensions of life. I steward creation faithfully and engage in spiritual warfare with the weapons God has provided.
6. THE SPIRITUAL ADAM: GENESIS CHAPTER ONE AND THE FORMATION OF THE PHYSICAL MAN IN GENESIS CHAPTER TWO
Scriptures: Genesis 1:26–28; Genesis 2:7; John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 15:35–49
This is the central theological framework of this sermon.
The relationship between Genesis chapters one and two reveals the distinction between the spiritual Adam created in the image of God and the physical Adam formed from the dust of the ground.
A. God is Spirit
John 4:24 declares:
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
Jesus teaches that the nature of God is spiritual and that true worship must be offered in spirit and truth.
This establishes the spiritual dimension of biblical revelation.
B. The Spirit Adam of Genesis Chapter One
Genesis 1:26 declares:
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion..."
Verse 27 states that God created humanity in His image, male and female.
Verse 28 records the blessing and the Creation Mandate.
The sequence emphasizes identity, blessing, and responsibility. Humanity is created in God's image and entrusted with dominion.
Beloved, we must understand that the Adam of Genesis chapter one was Spirit Adam — the Imago Dei. He was created in the image and likeness of God, who is Spirit. Therefore, the Adam of Genesis chapter one possessed a spiritual body but not yet a physical body.
God is Spirit. The image of God is spiritual. The likeness of God is spiritual. When God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness," He was creating a spiritual being who reflected His spiritual nature.
This Spirit Adam existed in the realm of the spirit. He was not yet formed from the dust of the ground. He was not yet a physical being. He was a spiritual being created in the image of the eternal, invisible, immortal God.
The authority given to Spirit Adam was spiritual authority. The dominion entrusted to him was spiritual dominion. He was called to exercise authority over the three realms—sea, air, and land—as a spiritual being operating in the spiritual dimension.
C. Genesis Chapter Two: The Formation of the Physical Man
Genesis 2:7 declares:
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
This passage describes the formation of the physical man from the ground and God's giving of the breath of life.
The Hebrew word yatsar, translated "formed," describes the work of a potter shaping clay. God took the dust of the ground and formed it into a physical body.
Then God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living soul — a nephesh chayyah.
Here is the profound truth: The Spirit Adam of Genesis chapter one was now clothed with a physical body in Genesis chapter two. The spiritual being was united with the physical form. The invisible image-bearer of God was now manifested in visible flesh.
Beloved, this is the mystery of human existence. We are not merely physical beings. We are not merely spiritual beings. We are both. We are spirit clothed in flesh. We are the Imago Dei housed in earthen vessels.
D. Paul Reveals the Distinction Between the Natural and the Spiritual
First Corinthians 15:45 declares:
"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."
Paul contrasts the first Adam with Jesus Christ, the last Adam.
The first Adam is associated with natural human life — nephesh chayyah, a living soul. Christ, the last Adam, is associated with the impartation of resurrection life — pneuma zoopoioun, a quickening spirit.
Verse 46 adds:
"Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual."
Paul is explaining the order and nature of the natural and spiritual in his discussion of resurrection.
Beloved, let us understand this order carefully. Paul says the natural comes first, then the spiritual. But in the Genesis account, we see the spiritual Adam first in chapter one, then the natural (physical) Adam in chapter two.
How do we reconcile this?
The answer is found in understanding that Paul is speaking of the order of resurrection and the priority of the natural body in our present experience. He is not establishing the chronology of Genesis.
In Genesis, the Spirit Adam was created first in the image of God. Then, for the purpose of inhabiting the physical creation and fulfilling the Creation Mandate in the physical realm, God formed a physical body from the dust of the ground.
The Spirit Adam was given a physical body to exercise dominion in the physical realm. But his identity, his nature, his essence remained spiritual.
E. The Spiritual Body and the Physical Body
First Corinthians 15:44 declares:
"It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body."
Paul teaches that there is both a natural body (soma psychikon) and a spiritual body (soma pneumatikon).
The natural body is the physical body formed from the dust of the ground. It is subject to corruption, dishonor, weakness, and death.
The spiritual body is the transformed body of resurrection life. It is incorruptible, glorious, powerful, and immortal.
The Spirit Adam of Genesis chapter one possessed a spiritual body. When God formed him from the dust of the ground in Genesis chapter two, he received a natural body. But the promise of resurrection is that we will again receive a spiritual body — not the same as the first, but transformed and glorified.
F. The Imago Dei and Human Identity
The image of God (Imago Dei) is not physical. God is Spirit, and the image of God is spiritual. The Imago Dei consists of:
Rationality: The capacity for reason, thought, and understanding.
Morality: The capacity for moral judgment, conscience, and ethical decision-making.
Spirituality: The capacity for relationship with God, worship, and spiritual communion.
Creativity: The capacity for creative expression, innovation, and dominion.
Relationality: The capacity for relationships, love, and community.
Volition: The capacity for free will, choice, and self-determination.
These spiritual capacities distinguish humanity from all other creatures. Animals have physical bodies, but they do not bear the image of God. Only humanity possesses the Imago Dei.
When we understand that we are created in the image of God, we understand that our identity is primarily spiritual, not physical. Our value does not come from our physical appearance, our material possessions, or our earthly achievements. Our value comes from the fact that we bear the image of the living God.
G. The Spiritual Lesson
The practical lesson is that humanity must not be understood solely through material possessions, physical appearance, or earthly achievement.
The Bible calls human beings to relationship with God, moral responsibility, spiritual discernment, and faithful service.
Our authority comes from the Creator's commission. Our spiritual lives must be directed by God's truth. And our ultimate hope is grounded in Jesus Christ, who conquers death and brings resurrection life.
Declaration: I acknowledge that my life comes from God. I am created in His image and likeness. I possess a spiritual nature that reflects the nature of God. I will seek Him in spirit and truth, live according to His Word, and fulfill my responsibilities with humility and faithfulness.
7. WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD: THE REALITY OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Scriptures: Ephesians 6:10–18; Daniel 10:12–13; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5
Ephesians 6:12 declares:
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Paul identifies a spiritual dimension of conflict that cannot be reduced to struggles between human beings.
The passage describes spiritual adversaries and instructs believers to stand in the strength of the Lord.
What does Paul mean by spiritual warfare?
Paul teaches that Christian life involves opposition that requires spiritual discernment, faith, truth, righteousness, and perseverance.
The believer's weapons are not merely physical. Second Corinthians 10:4 declares that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God.
Ephesians 6 identifies the armor of God:
The belt of truth.
The breastplate of righteousness.
The preparation of the gospel of peace.
The shield of faith.
The helmet of salvation.
The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Prayer and supplication in the Spirit.
These are the means by which believers are equipped to stand against spiritual opposition.
What are the "high places"?
The expression "spiritual wickedness in high places" translates language in Ephesians 6:12 referring to the heavenly or spiritual realm.
Paul is describing spiritual powers and conflict beyond the ordinary struggle against human adversaries.
This passage supports the biblical teaching that spiritual reality extends beyond what is visible to the natural eye.
The command is to stand in the Lord's strength, put on the armor of God, and remain steadfast in truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer.
How does the believer operate in the spiritual dimension?
The believer operates spiritually by living in fellowship with God, submitting to the Holy Spirit, praying, discerning truth, resisting temptation, and standing firm in faith.
This is not an invitation to seek secret powers or assume unrestricted authority over spiritual beings. It is a call to faithful participation in the spiritual life to which Scripture summons the people of God.
Declaration: I will stand in the strength of the Lord. I will put on the whole armor of God, remain steadfast in truth, and resist evil through faith, righteousness, the Word of God, and prayer.
8. THE MORTAL MUST PUT ON IMMORTALITY: THE REVELATION OF FIRST CORINTHIANS 15
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:35–58; Romans 6:9–10; 2 Timothy 1:10
First Corinthians 15 is one of the most important biblical passages concerning resurrection, the natural body, the spiritual body, and immortality.
Paul asks in verse 35:
"But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?"
He then uses the illustration of a seed to explain the transformation associated with resurrection.
A. The seed and the transformed body
First Corinthians 15:36–38 explains that what is sown does not come to life unless it dies, and God gives it a body as He pleases.
Paul's illustration teaches continuity and transformation. The body associated with resurrection is not simply described as an unchanged continuation of present mortal existence.
Verses 42–44 declare:
"So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body."
Paul contrasts corruption with incorruption, dishonor with glory, weakness with power, and the natural body with the spiritual body.
This is a foundational passage for Christian teaching about resurrection.
B. What is a spiritual body?
Paul does not describe the resurrection body as a merely imaginary or nonexistent body. He calls it a spiritual body.
In the context of the chapter, the spiritual body is the transformed body of resurrection life.
The contrast is not simply between having a body and having no body. Paul contrasts the present natural body with the body raised in the power and glory of God.
Therefore, "spiritual body" should not automatically be interpreted as a bodiless spirit.
The passage teaches transformation, not the abandonment of God's purpose for embodied human existence.
C. The first Adam and the last Adam
First Corinthians 15:45 states that the first man Adam became a living soul, while the last Adam became a quickening spirit.
The first Adam represents the beginning of natural human life. Jesus Christ, the last Adam, is the source of resurrection life.
Verses 47–49 continue the contrast between the earthly and the heavenly.
Paul's argument directs the believer's attention toward the resurrection and the transformation God will accomplish in Christ.
D. The mortal must put on immortality
First Corinthians 15:53 declares:
"For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality."
Verse 54 continues:
"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."
Paul's language is explicit: the mortal must put on immortality, and the corruptible must put on incorruption.
But when does this happen?
The immediate context concerns resurrection and the transformation of the dead and the living in relation to the final victory over death. Verse 52 speaks of the last trump, the raising of the dead incorruptible, and the transformation of believers.
Therefore, this passage does not teach that all Christians are already physically immortal in their present earthly bodies.
It teaches that God will bring His people into incorruptible resurrection life.
E. Are believers already immortal?
The Bible speaks of eternal life as a present possession of those who believe in Christ. Jesus declares in John 5:24 that the believer has everlasting life and has passed from death unto life.
Romans 6:9 declares that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more; death has no more dominion over Him.
Second Timothy 1:10 teaches that Christ has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
These passages must be considered together.
Believers possess eternal life through Christ, and their hope is secure in Him. Nevertheless, their present physical bodies remain subject to mortality, weakness, and death.
The final transformation described in 1 Corinthians 15 remains central to the Christian hope.
We should therefore distinguish between eternal life received through faith in Christ and the future bodily immortality promised in the resurrection.
Declaration: My hope is in Jesus Christ, who conquered death. I possess the promise of eternal life through Him, and I look forward to the resurrection in which mortality will put on immortality and corruption will put on incorruption.
9. OPERATING IN THE SPIRIT TODAY: WALKING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE WORD
Scriptures: Romans 8:1–17; Galatians 5:16–25; Acts 1:8
The spiritual life is not merely a theological concept. Scripture calls believers to walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16 declares:
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."
To walk in the Spirit means to live in submission to God, follow His truth, resist sin, cultivate Christlike character, and depend upon the Spirit's enabling grace.
Romans 8 describes life in the Spirit and the believer's relationship with God. Acts 1:8 teaches that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness to Jesus Christ.
The gifts of the Spirit are described in 1 Corinthians 12:4–11, and the fruit of the Spirit is described in Galatians 5:22–23.
These passages demonstrate that spiritual life includes both empowerment for service and transformation of character.
Operating in the Spirit does not mean that believers become independent of God, become equal to God, or receive unrestricted control over every event. It means that they are empowered to live faithfully within God's purposes.
Practical steps
Study Scripture in context.
Pray and seek God's wisdom.
Submit your decisions to biblical truth.
Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit.
Exercise spiritual gifts responsibly.
Resist evil and persevere in faith.
Serve others with humility and love.
Beloved, the evidence of spiritual maturity is not merely the language of power. It is faithfulness to God, conformity to Christ, and responsible service.
10. PUT THE FOUR PRINCIPLES INTO ACTION
The Creation Mandate calls us to live purposefully and responsibly.
Be fruitful: Cultivate your gifts and produce godly fruit.
Multiply: Equip other people through teaching, discipleship, mentoring, and service.
Fill the earth: Extend your faithful service beyond your immediate environment where opportunities permit.
Subdue and exercise dominion: Steward resources, develop your abilities, and exercise authority responsibly in both the physical and spiritual dimensions of life.
At the same time, remain grounded in the full counsel of Scripture. Do not confuse dominion over creation with unlimited authority over other human beings. Do not confuse spiritual warfare with a guarantee that every believer can control every spiritual or physical circumstance. And do not confuse the future immortality promised in resurrection with the claim that our present physical bodies are already incapable of death.
The biblical mandate is a call to faithful responsibility under the sovereignty of God.
CONCLUSION: CREATED IN GOD'S IMAGE, EMPOWERED TO SERVE, AND DESTINED FOR RESURRECTION
Beloved, Genesis 1:26–28 reveals humanity's creation in God's image and the responsibility entrusted to humanity. The Adam of Genesis chapter one was Spirit Adam — the Imago Dei — possessing a spiritual body but not yet a physical body.
Genesis 2:7 describes the formation of the physical man from the ground and the breath of life given by God. The spiritual being was clothed with physical flesh.
John 4:24 reminds us that God is Spirit and that true worship must be offered in spirit and truth.
Ephesians 6:10–18 teaches that believers face spiritual opposition and must stand in the whole armor of God.
First Corinthians 15:35–58 reveals the transformation associated with resurrection, when the corruptible puts on incorruption and the mortal puts on immortality.
These passages together provide a rich foundation for understanding humanity's spiritual dimension, God's commission, spiritual warfare, and the hope of resurrection.
The three realms of Genesis 1:28—sea, air, and land—are both physical and spiritual. Because man is both physical and spiritual, his dominion extends to both dimensions of existence. He is called to steward the physical creation and to engage in spiritual warfare against spiritual forces.
What the Bible clearly establishes is that human life comes from God, humanity bears His image, believers are called to live by the Spirit, and the resurrection hope of Christians rests in Jesus Christ.
Therefore, do not live without purpose.
Be fruitful.
Multiply faithfully.
Fill your sphere of service.
Exercise your responsibilities with wisdom in both the physical and spiritual realms.
Stand firm in spiritual warfare.
Walk in the Spirit.
And keep your hope fixed on Jesus Christ, who conquered death and promises resurrection life.
The blessing comes from God. The assignment is entrusted by God. The power to live faithfully depends upon God. And the final victory over death belongs to Jesus Christ.
May your life bear fruit, your ministry equip others, your stewardship honor the Creator, and your hope remain firmly established in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Creator of heaven and earth, we thank You for Your Word and for the life You have given us.
We thank You that we are created in Your image and likeness. We thank You that we possess a spiritual nature that reflects Your eternal, invisible, immortal nature.
Grant us wisdom to understand the Scriptures faithfully. Help us recognize our responsibilities, cultivate our gifts, multiply faithful service, and exercise stewardship with integrity in both the physical and spiritual dimensions of life.
Holy Spirit, guide us into truth. Strengthen us to resist evil, stand firm in faith, and demonstrate the character of Jesus Christ.
Teach us to distinguish Your revealed Word from our own interpretations. Preserve us from pride, deception, and the misuse of spiritual authority.
We thank You for the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death. Strengthen our hope in the resurrection, when the corruptible will put on incorruption and the mortal will put on immortality.
May our lives bring glory to Your name, our service benefit others, and our faith remain steadfast until the day we see Christ.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
Prepared by Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Founder, Shimba Theological Institute (STI)
www.shimbatheological.org
Key Scriptures for Further Study: Genesis 1:26–28; Genesis 2:7, 15; John 4:24; Psalm 8:4–8; Psalm 24:1; Romans 8:1–17; Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; 1 Corinthians 15:35–58; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5; Ephesians 6:10–18; Galatians 5:16–25; Colossians 1:15–20; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Timothy 1:10.
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