Mankind Is the Focus of Creation
Introduction
Genesis 2:1–6 shows the seventh day completed, the week blessed, and
the earth prepared so that man may live and serve God. The text
centers our attention on humanity within God’s finished creation.
The Seventh Day Was
Completed
Genesis affirms that “the heavens and the earth, and all the host of
them, were finished” (Gen 2:1). God ended His creative work and
rested on the seventh day (Gen 2:2–3). Rest here means
cessation—creation had reached its divinely intended completeness.
The blessing and sanctifying of the seventh day declare that God’s
work was whole, ordered, and purposeful.
The Pattern of the Week
Comes from Creation
Scripture grounds the human work–rest rhythm in the creation week.
Israel was commanded, “Six days you shall labor… the seventh day is
the Sabbath of the LORD your God” because “in six days the LORD made
the heavens and the earth… and rested the seventh day” (Exod
20:8–11). The ordinary week flows from God’s own pattern—work that
fulfills divine purpose followed by consecrated rest.
The Sabbath’s Covenant
Setting
Nehemiah rehearses how God “made known” His holy Sabbath through
Moses (Neh 9:13–14). Exodus 31 further identifies the Sabbath as a
covenant sign “between Me and the children of Israel forever” (Exod
31:16–17). The seventh day was blessed at creation; its observance
as a sign belonged to Israel’s law and reminded them of the LORD’s
saving acts.
From ‘Heavens and Earth’
to ‘Earth and Heavens’: The Focus Narrows to Man
Genesis 2:4 shifts the phrase order—“the earth and the heavens”—and
then turns to the history that follows creation. The narrative
narrows to the earth because the attention now rests on mankind:
where he lives, how he serves, and the stewardship he receives.
Creation’s grandeur is the setting; humanity is the focus of the
chapter.
Provision, Order, and
Human Vocation
Before man was formed from the dust (Gen 2:7), the ground already
bore plants and herbs designed for cultivation. Yet “there was no
man to till the ground,” and “a mist… watered the whole face of the
ground” (Gen 2:5–6). God provided water for life and ordained human
labor for the garden’s care. From the beginning, work is dignified
service under God’s rule—a vocation, not a burden.
God’s Providence Across
the Ages
God ordered the world to sustain life and directed history toward
His purposes. Later Scripture notes the flood and the rainbow as a
covenant pledge (Gen 9:12–17). Long before judgment and renewal in
Noah’s day, the Creator had already shown His power to provide,
restrain, and bless. He governs creation, appoints seasons, and
keeps His promises.
Human Choice Before a Holy
God
Genesis 2 anticipates accountability. God acts, provides, and
blesses; man hears, trusts, and obeys. The Lord grants real choices
and summons sincere devotion. Faith responds with reverence, labor,
worship, and obedience—confident that the God who finished creation
also upholds it and will bring His plans to completion.
Mankind Is the Focus of
Creation Sermon Outline:
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Text and Thesis
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Primary Text: Genesis
2:1–6
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Thesis: God finished
creation to center His blessing, purpose, and stewardship on
humanity formed in His image.
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I. The Seventh Day
Declares Completion (Gen 2:1–3)
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Creation concluded; God
rested—cessation, not weariness.
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The seventh day blessed
and sanctified—God’s work is whole and holy.
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II. The Week Pattern
Is Theological (Exod 20:8–11)
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Six days of labor, one
day consecrated to the LORD.
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Human rhythm mirrors
God’s pattern established at creation.
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III. The Sabbath as
Covenant Sign (Neh 9:13–14; Exod 31:16–17)
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IV. The Narrative
Focus Narrows to Man (Gen 2:4)
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V. Provision and
Vocation in the Garden (Gen 2:5–6; 2:7)
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VI. Providence Across
Time (Gen 9:12–17; Heb 11:7)
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VII. Call to Trust and
Obedience
Call to Action
Let your life reflect the God who finished creation and sanctified
the seventh day. Honor His pattern by giving your days to faithful
work and your heart to consecrated worship. Receive your vocation as
service under His hand. Come to Him in trusting obedience—confess
Christ, repent of sin, and walk in the order and blessing He
ordained.
Key Takeaways
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God completed creation and
consecrated the seventh day, revealing purpose and holiness (Gen
2:1–3).
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The weekly rhythm of work
and rest reflects God’s pattern from creation (Exod 20:8–11).
-
The Sabbath functioned as a
covenant sign for Israel, testifying to God’s saving rule (Neh
9:13–14; Exod 31:16–17).
-
Genesis 2 narrows the focus
to humanity’s place, stewardship, and service in God’s world
(Gen 2:4–6).
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God’s providence and
promises anchor faithful obedience across the ages (Gen 9:12–17;
Heb 11:7).
Scripture Reference List
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Genesis 2:1–3
— Creation finished; seventh day blessed and sanctified.
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Exodus 20:8–11
— Human work–rest pattern grounded in God’s six days of creation
and seventh-day rest.
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Nehemiah 9:6
— God made and preserves all; heaven’s host worships Him.
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Nehemiah 9:13–14
— God made His Sabbath known through Moses within the covenant.
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Exodus 31:16–17
— Sabbath as a sign between the LORD and Israel through
generations.
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Genesis 2:4–6
— Focus turns to earth and mankind; God waters and orders the
land for human stewardship.
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Genesis 9:12–17
— The rainbow as covenant pledge of divine faithfulness.
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Hebrews 11:7
— Noah’s faith recognizes God’s word and acts in reverent
obedience.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO |
The
church of Christ
