A good question deserves a good answer.
Kids are inquisitive, aren’t they? God gave us an innate desire to learn, and kids are quick to ask questions.
- “Why is the sky blue?”
- “Why do I have brown hair?”
- “Why do I have two eyes if I only see one thing?”
- “Why don’t crabs have eyebrows?”
- “Why did swear words get invented if we’re not allowed to say them?”
As we get older, the “why” questions change. We contemplate the world around us and our place in it. We wonder if God exists. We think about life in new ways and our questions change—but we still question everything. And somewhere along the way, we come to the most basic question of all:
“Why are we here?”
Whole philosophies have sprung out of a quest to answer that question. Friends might offer their opinions. Thankfully, the Bible answers the basic questions of life. We’re not left to guess or hope we get it right.
In this study Why Are We Here? we will look at six of these questions and see what answers the Bible provides. We don’t have to struggle to find purpose and meaning in life. The answers are just ahead in our next 6 lessons.
Why Are We Here?
- Why Are We Even Here? Genesis 1:1-5,26-31
- Why Are We in This Mess? Genesis 3:1-7,14-19
- Why Can’t We Fix It? Deuteronomy 5:32-33; Galatians 3:10-12, 19a, 24-25
- Why Did Jesus Come? Luke 1:68-79
- What Should We Do Now? Acts 2:37-47
- What Happens Next? Revelation 21:1-8
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
My favorite courses in college were Astronomy I and II. At one point during Astronomy II, the professor told our group to go to the outskirts of town and reassemble at an out-of-the-way park—but not before 9:00 p.m. He had a surprise for us.
That night we observed parts of the Milky Way galaxy through powerful telescopes owned by the university. The sky was pitch black. The stars were bright. It was incredible to see the vastness of the countless stars beyond, yet in that moment I felt smaller than ever before.
In those moments when we feel small—maybe even insignificant— questions about the deeper meaning of our “small” lives can surface. Who am I in this vast, immeasurable universe? Do I randomly exist because human life accidentally developed from single-celled organisms? Why are we even here?
The Bible is clear why we’re here. In fact, the Bible begins with the explanation of our existence. God created us with design and purpose. He created us to live in fellowship with Him.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Genesis 1:1-5
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” There was an evening, and there was a morning: one day.
First days are important. The first day of school. The first day of a new job. The first day a newborn comes home from the hospital.
The Bible begins with the first day of creation. “Created” is translated from the Hebrew word bara’, which is used consistently to refer to new activity, and God is always the subject of the new activity.
If you asked me, “What is the Bible about?” I would simply say, “It’s about God.” We see in the first five verses of the Bible God’s name is emphasized six times. The Hebrew word Elohim is translated “God” and calls attention to His transcendence and power. You can see His greatness and power in these verses: “God created … the Spirit of God was hovering … God said … God saw … God separated … God called” (vv. 1-5).
These opening verses teach us some important truths about God.
- God existed before there was a universe. God appears in the very first sentence. Hebrews 11:6 tells us the person who draws near to God must believe He exists, and God rewards those who seek Him. His reality and existence are not in doubt.
- God created the heavens and the earth. Although science has attempted to explain the origins of both the earth and the universe, the Bible declares that God is the One who brought everything into existence.
- God created the heavens and earth simply by speaking them into existence. Scholars refer to this as creatio ex nihilo, or “creation out of nothing.” God did not take existing matter and form the earth; He simply spoke it into existence.
- God created order, separating light and darkness. God also performs this kind of work in the spiritual realm; He distinguishes between those who live in His light and those who choose to live in sinful darkness. (See 1 Thess. 5:5.)
- God showed His authority by naming portions of His creation. In Hebrew culture, naming someone or something was a sign of authority over it. (See Deut. 3:14; 2 Kings 23:34.) God declared His lordship over creation through the act of naming it.
The night I viewed the stars with my astronomy class became a worshipful experience. The vastness of the universe became real to me in a way I’d never experienced before, and I had a new appreciation for God’s power. Are we here because of an accident? No. Are we the product of millions of years of evolution? No. We are here because God chose to create. We are here by His design.
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female.
We did not evolve from less complex organisms over millions of years. The creation of human life was instantaneous and was the crown of God’s creative work. He first made a place that could sustain human beings by creating the earth and putting its elements in order. (See Gen. 1:1-25.) Then, God created humanity.
- People are made in God’s image. The image of God has been understood in a variety of ways, and most commonly in a spiritual sense: we were created to have a relationship with God. Since these verses focus on the role of humanity over the rest of creation, we can also understand the image of God to mean we are meant to be His representatives.
- People are made to rule over animals. Humans made in God’s image are capable of thinking, discerning, and making choices as God’s ruling representatives. In caring for God’s creation, including its creatures, we should seek to use—not abuse or misuse—what God has provided us.
- People are made to rule over the earth. God has blessed the use of the planet’s renewable and nonrenewable natural resources. God gave all of us the responsibility to care for the earth; at the same time we are to use the earth’s resources for the betterment of humanity.
Every aspect of creation—including who we are as males and females made in the image of God—is not merely good. God concluded “it was very good indeed” (1:31).
Genesis 1:28-31
28 God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.” 29 God also said, “Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you, 30 for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth—everything having the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed. Evening came and then morning: the sixth day.
God created us to live in relationship with Him, and He did not leave us in the dark to guess or figure out what we are to do. After pronouncing a blessing over them, God gave Adam and Eve five commands to obey: be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue the earth, and rule over all the creatures on the earth.
Implied in the first three commands are the blessing of marriage and the family. The first institution created by God was neither the church nor the state; it was the family. The family is precious to God, and it is where people have many of their deepest needs met.
We are also to “subdue” and “rule” (v. 28) the earth and its creatures. The Hebrew people lived in an agrarian society and had a reverence for the sanctity of life. Caring for their animals’ welfare was part of the Hebrew culture. As Solomon said, “The righteous cares about his animal’s health” (Prov. 12:10). The stewardship of earth and its creatures is a privilege.
These commands did not go away after sin entered our world. We are still to take charge of the earth, but it requires hard work. Ruling over creatures also comes with its own set of unique challenges. The work can be exhausting, but it can also be very rewarding. God blesses us as we take charge of what He’s given us—and we do it in a way that honors Him.
LIVE IT OUT
God created us to live in fellowship with Him. As you go about your life this week, do one of the following as a way to live out that truth:
- Remember your Creator. Ecclesiastes 12:1 encourages us to “Remember your Creator.” When you gaze at the night sky this week, remember that God spoke every star and planet into existence, and thank Him for His creativity and power.
- Memorize Matthew 6:26. “Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?” God cares more for you than He does a sparrow. Repeat this verse when you’re tempted to think He’s no longer on your side.
- Begin a relationship with God. God created you for a purpose and to relate to you. His Son, Jesus, died for you. Talk with your group leader or pastor about beginning a relationship with God.
You don’t have to wonder or guess why you’re here. You were created to live in fellowship with God.
Hope to see you on Sunday!
In His Love,
David & Susan
Teacher Notes:
Teacher Notes:
Grand Canyon
Young children are well known for their inquisitive natures, constantly asking, “Why?” Parents know those questions sometimes feel like a constant barrage, but even though it can be exasperating, parents want their children to be inquisitive and learn. As adults, we would do well to keep asking “why” questions. Too many adults sink into a futile attitude that life is “just the way it is.” But why is life the way it is – and can we do anything about it? God’s Word provides answers – and with those answers comes hope and purpose.
WHY ARE WE EVEN HERE?
Be thinking about that…what distracting you from your relationship with God? We may need to find our version of the leather pouch for our personal distractions from God.
1. God created us intentionally, with design and purpose. When we discover God’s intent for our lives, we move from merely being busy to truly living – living in fellowship with Him and for Him.
2. Previous series - God’s is always at work behind the scenes of life. (Esther’s, Abraham’s, Joseph’s, Moses’ David’s, Paul’s story) How would each of them have answered the question of "why we are here?" When we understand the answer to this question, we move from simply existing to living with design and purpose.
Why are we even here?
The Bible is clear why we’re here. In fact, the Bible begins with the explanation of our existence. God created us with design and purpose. He created us to live in fellowship with Him.
I. We are God’s creation Genesis 1:1-5
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” There was an evening, and there was a morning: one day.
What have you been taught about these verses? How do these verses answer the question of why we are here?
All things have their beginning in the powerful word and creative execution of the eternal, almighty creator God. God’s creation was orderly, with purpose, and according to His plan.
What is your distraction to this truth? What do you need to put into the pouch?
- One of our greatest distractions is "Ourselves", the belief that life is about us!
The sum of the story of all creation is expressed in ten words of Genesis 1:1. The verse sets in motion the message of Scripture; that is, the story about God. The Bible is God’s story, not the story of humankind; it is about a holy purpose, plan, and promise, - not human potential. This declaration is an important distinction. Understanding why we are here begins with God and not with us. In fact, the meaning of life starts with God, continues with God, and ends with God. To find our part in God's plan, we must begin with God. If we want to understand the reason we are here we must get to know God. The more we know God, the more we're going to understand the ways and the wisdom of God. As we know Him, we realize the meaning and purpose of life. It all starts with God because it's all about God. “What is the Bible about?” I would simply say, “It’s about God.” - Have you ever seen the Grand Canyon? GOD IS THE CREATOR
II. We are God’s handiwork Genesis 1:26-27
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female.
How do these verses answer the question of why we are here?
What does it mean to be created in God’s image and likeness? How does humankind fit into God’s plan and purpose for His creation?
Human beings are God’s special creation having been created in His image and likeness. God has placed human beings on the earth to fulfill His purpose and bring Him glory.
What is your distraction to this truth? What do you need to put into the pouch?
- One of our greatest distractions to this truth is our prejudices.
Not only did God create us, but He also created each of us in His likeness, His image. We have God’s nature imprinted on us; His character stamped on us, and His life breathed into us. We are God’s masterpiece. God’s handiwork of us is four-fold: • It is distinct. We are one of a kind, an original, not a numbered print. There's not another one like us. As unique as each snowflake, so are we. • It fosters dialogue. We are in a relationship with God. God didn’t need to create us because He was lonely. He made us to express His love. It's the reason He invites us to pray and to read the Bible. They are the primary means to foster the dialogue that leads to a growing relationship. Amazing isn't it? We're here to be loved by God. • It gives dominion. We are given the incredible responsibility to look over the earth and to take care of God’s creation. It’s a huge task that is mentioned later in the text. • It makes us different. We are separate in gender. God created us to be male and female. Each gender is assigned and equipped for a different role and responsibility in the family. Sexual distinctiveness was part of the creative plan and order, a distinction that some in our day would deny. God gave all of us the responsibility to care for the earth; at the same time, we are to use the earth’s resources for the betterment of humanity.
III. We are God’s treasure and co-workers Genesis 1:28-31
28 God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.” 29 God also said, “Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you, 30 for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth—everything having the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed. Evening came and then morning: the sixth day.
How do these verses answer the question of why we are here?
What do you think it means to steward God’s creation? What are some ways you enjoy God’s creation?
As human beings, we have a unique relationship with God whereby He blesses us and communicates directly to us. God has called us to serve as His agents in exercising responsible care for the creation in a way that honors Him as Creator.
What is your distraction to this truth? What do you need to put into the pouch?
The work God gave us to do gives dignity to our lives. Created in God's image, we do something very Godlike when we work. Our life's work is significant and substantial. Since God ordained work, our life's work is an extension of God's work.
God blessed Adam and Eve by entrusting them with five tasks—a job description. The first three tasks related to marriage and family; the final two tasks linked to the world.
• “Be fruitful.” The term was used to describe a vine that produced much fruit or a flower that blossomed. It also was used to describe a womb and offspring. This statement is the act of procreation. When it comes to sex, God is not a killjoy. He created it.
• “Multiply” or increase in number. It means to become many. Adam and Eve had the responsibility of bearing children and raising the population of earth. Please note: Before God gave an assignment of labor; He assigned a task of love. The family came before career.
• “Fill the earth.” This command means more than populating the earth with human beings. It carried the idea of bringing something to its intended conclusion. It says that not only were Adam and Eve to give birth to children; they were to raise them to become contributing members of society. Having children and rearing them responsibly is part of our work.
• “Subdue” the earth. God knew that creation could not be left to itself to accomplish His purposes. It needs the caretaking of humans. People are responsible for caring for God's good earth. Please note: God established work before sin entered the world. In Eden, Adam and Eve worked, but the land did not work against them. After the fall, the soil began to produce hardship for them. Even though life was much more comfortable in the garden before sin entered the world, work was still a reality even before the fall.
• “Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.” The word rule means to have dominion. It implies both conquest and caring. People are to take over the earth and to take care of the planet. In a real sense, humans were meant to work from the beginning. That work was a continuation of God's work, managing the created order. Contrary to prevailing tradition, the oldest profession was landscaping or gardening. In like manner, we, too, have been assigned responsibility—generally, like Adam and Eve; and specifically—according to our particular talents and bents.
The first institution created by God was neither the church nor the state; it was the family. The family is precious to God, and it is where people have many of their deepest needs met.
LIVE IT OUT
Why are we here? The answer is because we were created to be in fellowships with God, to display His handiwork, and to continue His good work on the earth.
The story is told of a rich man who was determined to give his mother an epic birthday present. He read of a bird that had a vocabulary of 4000 words, could speak in numerous languages and sing 3 operatic arias. He immediately bought the bird for $50,000 and had it delivered to his mother. The next day he phoned to see if she had received the bird. "What did you think of the bird?" he asked. She replied, “It was delicious.” Not knowing the purpose of something can be costly. And I suppose in the case of the bird, it was deadly. Many people are overwhelmed by the vastness of our universe and the beauty of the stars. Yet somehow, we still conclude that everything is about us.
You don’t have to wonder or guess why you’re here. You were created to live in fellowship with God.
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