Key Scripture:
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all* the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'” — Genesis 1:26 (NKJV)
Introduction: The King’s Delegation
When a king establishes a new territory, he appoints representatives to govern on his behalf.
God, the King of Heaven, did exactly this when He created mankind: He delegated authority to us.
Important:
Mankind was not created to worship at a distance, but to govern closely, managing earth as a royal representative of Heaven.
Dominion Explained
Hebrew Word for Dominion: “Radah” (רָדָה)
- Meaning:
- To rule
- To reign
- To have authority
- To manage, lead, and govern
- Implication:
- God gave humanity the legal right to govern the earth.
Genesis 1:28 (NKJV):
“Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion…’”
Key Aspects of the Mandate:
|
Command |
Meaning |
|
Be fruitful |
Produce; bring forth good results. |
|
Multiply |
Reproduce the culture of the Kingdom. |
|
Fill the earth |
Expand Kingdom influence globally. |
|
Subdue it |
Bring order where there is disorder. |
|
Have dominion |
Rule as God’s royal stewards on earth. |
Dominion is not domination over people, it is leadership over resources, systems, and creation in alignment with God’s nature.
Man’s Royal Position
- Image of God (Tselem):
- Means a visible, physical representation of an invisible God.
- Humanity carries the King’s reflection on earth.
- Likeness of God (Demuth):
- Means a functional similarity — to operate with God’s character: love, justice, wisdom, creativity, and leadership.
Key Identity Markers:
- We are sons and daughters of the King, royal citizens, not religious members.
- We are ambassadors of the Kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20).
- We were designed to legally dominate earth on God’s behalf, not seek escape.
Kingdom Principle from Lesson 1.2:
Where there is no dominion, there is dysfunction. Man is most fulfilled when operating in rulership under God’s authority.
Reflection Questions:
- In what areas of your life are you not exercising the dominion God gave you?
- How would your life change if you began to think and act as royalty rather than a religious follower?
- What responsibilities come with being made in God’s image and likeness?
Key Declaration for Students:
“I am created in God’s image and likeness. I am a royal ambassador of the Kingdom. I have dominion to lead, manage, and multiply God’s influence on earth.”
Optional Deeper Study for Students:
- Read Psalm 8:4-6 — Humanity crowned with glory and honor.
- Study Luke 10:19 — Authority over all the power of the enemy.