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And God Formed Man
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of
the church of Christ at Granby, MO
God's Design of Man
Genesis 2:7 tells us, "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 being." This short but profound verse gives us
insight into the divine care and intention involved in the creation
of man. The Hebrew word for "formed" suggests a potter at his wheel,
carefully and intentionally shaping clay. Man was not an accident.
God designed man with precision, purpose, and personality. Unlike
the impersonal command that brought other things into existence, God
personally shaped man and gave him life directly by breathing into
his nostrils.
Man was formed from the dust, a
humbling reminder that our physical bodies are tied to the earth.
The name "Adam" is directly related to the Hebrew word for ground—"adamah."
Yet despite our earthly origin, God placed within man the breath of
life. He became a living soul, not merely animated matter. This
miracle signals both our physical dependence on God and our
spiritual connection to Him.
The Garden of Eden—A Prepared
Home In Genesis 2:8, God planted a garden
in Eden and placed man there. This garden wasn’t random; it was a
special, divine environment suited for man’s welfare. It provided
everything Adam needed: beauty for the eyes and food for the body
(Genesis 2:9). Two trees were placed in the center: the tree of life
and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. These trees
introduced the concept of divine testing and moral boundaries.
God also designed the garden to
be watered by a river that divided into four streams (Genesis
2:10-14). Although the exact geographic location of Eden is now
unknowable, the emphasis remains on God’s intentional design.
Everything was made in order, for a purpose.
Work: A Gift from God
Genesis 2:15 tells us that God put Adam in the garden "to tend and
keep it." This shows that work is not a result of sin but a divine
blessing. Work gives us a sense of purpose, productivity, and
fulfillment. Before sin entered the world, Adam had
responsibilities. God designed man to be active and engaged in
meaningful labor. Far from being a burden, work is essential to our
mental and emotional wellbeing.
Moral Responsibility and Free
Will In Genesis 2:16-17, God gave Adam a
command: he could eat freely of all trees except one—the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil. The clarity of the command was
unmistakable: "In the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die."
This was not a confusing instruction. It was simple, clear, and
direct. God was teaching Adam self-control, discipline, and moral
responsibility. The ability to choose whether to obey or disobey is
fundamental to what it means to be human.
The Tree of Life and the Tree
of Knowledge The tree of life was a symbol
and source of ongoing life. We learn in Revelation 22:1-2 that this
tree is now in heaven, near the throne of God. It represents eternal
life and communion with God. In contrast, the tree of the knowledge
of good and evil was a test. It wasn’t that the tree or its fruit
was evil. What made it wrong to eat was God's explicit command not
to. Disobedience would mean spiritual and eventually physical death.
It introduced the concept of sin, accountability, and the need for
redemption.
God's Plan of Redemption
Begins Even though God knew Adam would
sin, He created him anyway. Revelation 13:8 tells us Jesus was "the
Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." God’s plan for man's
redemption was in place before creation. The fall of man would not
thwart God’s eternal purpose. From the very beginning, God planned
to offer grace through Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
The account of God forming man is more than history; it is theology.
It teaches us about our identity, purpose, responsibilities, and
relationship with our Creator. God made us for Himself, designed us
for obedience, and provided for our redemption. Let us respond to
His love with obedience, repentance, and faith in Jesus Christ.
Sermon Outline: And God
Formed Man
- God's Careful Design
(Genesis 2:7)
- Man formed from dust,
intentionally and personally
- The breath of life
given by God
- A Prepared Place
(Genesis 2:8-14)
- The garden of Eden:
beauty, provision, and rivers
- The two trees in the
center
- The Purpose of Work
(Genesis 2:15)
- Work given before the
fall
- Sense of purpose and
fulfillment
- Moral Freedom and
Testing (Genesis 2:16-17)
- One command given
- The importance of
self-control and boundaries
- The Trees of Life and
Knowledge (Genesis 2:9; Revelation 22:1-2)
- Symbolism of the tree
of life
- The test of obedience
via the tree of knowledge
- The Beginning of
Redemption (Revelation 13:8)
- God’s foreknowledge of
sin
- Jesus planned as the
remedy for sin from the beginning
Call to Action:
God created you with care, intention, and purpose. He has given you
everything you need for life and godliness. Just like Adam, you have
the ability to choose to obey or disobey. God still sets limits for
our good. He offers the tree of life again through Jesus Christ.
Will you choose life? If you need to be baptized, confess sins, or
ask for prayer, do not delay. Obey the Creator who formed you in
love.
Scripture References:
- Genesis 2:7
— God formed man from dust, gave him breath
- Genesis 2:8-14
— Description of Eden and the rivers
- Genesis 2:15
— Man tasked with tending the garden
- Genesis 2:16-17
— Command and prohibition
- Genesis 2:9
— Two specific trees: life and knowledge
- Revelation 22:1-2
— Tree of life in heaven
- Revelation 13:8
— Jesus as Lamb slain from the foundation
- Matthew 19:4-6
— God's intention for man and woman
- Romans 5:12
— Sin entered through one man
- Acts 2:38
— Response of repentance and baptism
- 2 Peter 1:3
— God has given all things for life and godliness
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