lesson two

JULY 28

Restoring

Dominion
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 (Gen. 1:26, NKJV).

sabbath
JULY 2

Introduction

Universal
Restoration

Isa. 58:12

The History Channels TV series American Restoration is a reality show

that follows the life of Rick Dale and his team as they take unique, brokendown pieces of American history and bring them back to life. I enjoy watching Rick and his crew restoring such items as a 1960s NASA jet pack and
a 1920s grand piano. For five seasons and over 100 episodes, Rick and his
team took their viewers on a history journey. They also were able to actually
restore masterpieces so that they had monetary value and historical worth.
There is no doubt that restorers play a key role in society. Just remember

We are called to restore the paths of truth and

righteousness that lead to His eternal kingdom.
the times when someone repaired something for you that you really treasured. It was exciting because you were able to continue enjoying the object,
because using it again brought back joyful memories and opened windows
for new opportunities.
But beyond gadgets and unique antiques, there is an even greater restoration that needs to take place. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, lost their
God-given gift of dominion once they yielded to the enemys temptation. As a
consequence, sin entered the world and began destroying not only material
items but peoples lives. Although Jesus came into this world thousands of
years ago to launch the biggest restoration campaign ever seen, there is still
much repairing and restoring that needs to be done. And while He has the
divine power to achieve this purpose, He still desires to use human hearts
and souls to accomplish His massive restoration project.
The prophet Isaiah clearly states this divine calling: Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins/ and will raise up the age-old foundations;/ you will
be called Repairer of Broken Walls,/ Restorer of Streets with Dwellings
(Isa. 58:12, NIV).
Todays generation of Gods followers also has been called to repair the
breach in Gods law. We are called to restore the paths of truth and righteousness that lead to His eternal kingdom. It is our responsibility to remind the
communities in which we live of Jesus restoring sacrificea sacrifice that
unlocks infinite opportunities of hope, health, faith, blessings, and, above all,
eternal joy.
As you study this weeks lesson, I invite you to join Gods army of restorers
that is to repair the breach, community by community.
Johann De Dier, Panama City, Panama
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sunday
Evidence

Gen. 1:26

JULY 3

The Hidden Meaning of

Dominion

Genesis 1 gives a beautiful account of Gods creation and introduces one

of the most important principles of Christianitystewardship. The meaning of
stewardship implies our obligation to be responsible for something or someone. This is exactly what God intended for humankind when He said, 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.... Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it
(Gen. 1:26, 28).

Let us start fulfilling our appointed task as Gods stewards.

The concepts of dominion and subjugation generally have been associated
with forceful, violent control of people and nations. In the beginning, Satans
plan was to make the heavenly angels think that Gods government was dictatorial. Today, he continues to spread his lies and erroneous concepts by any
means he can.
Nevertheless, stewardship should still help to define our relationship with
God. Stewardship recognizes God as Owner and humankind as His administrators. This is confirmed by King David when he says, You have made him
to have dominion over the works of Your hands;/ You have put all things under
his feet (Ps. 8:6, NKJV).
Man is to be the steward of the earth; he is to bring the material world and
all of its varied elements into the service of God and the good of mankind. The
command to subdue the earth is actually part of Gods blessing on mankind.
Created in the image of God, Adam and Eve were to use the earths vast resources in the service of both God and themselves. It would only make sense
for God to decree this, since only humans were created in Gods image.*
Hence, the account of God granting dominion to humankind helps us to
comprehend the magnitude and relevance of stewardship. We tend to associate stewardship with money, when it also clearly has to do with everything that
involves Gods creation.
Let us start fulfilling our appointed task as Gods stewards. Let us accept the
gift of dominion and subdue the earth with love, for God is eager to call on our
names and say, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful
over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things (Matt. 25:23, NKJV).
____________
* What Does It Mean That God Gave Humanity Dominion Over the Animals? GotQuestions.org, accessed July 16, 2015, http://www.gotquestions.org/dominion-over-animals
.html.

Mark Gonzalez, Medelln, Colombia

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monday
JULY 4

Logos

Dominionthe Silent
Yet Powerful Gift

Gen. 1:2628;
Psalm 8;
John 3:16

Below the AngelsGreater Than the Rest (Ps. 8:35)

Within six days, God created the heavens with the sun, moon, stars, and
planets. He also created earth with its amazing landscapes and creatures.
Surely the entire heavenly host must have watched in awe as the mighty King
of kings fashioned our world. With His own words, He spoke into being fish,
birds, cattle, and every creeping thing.
Then, on the sixth day, God created two human beingsa man and a
woman. They would live on earth and manage its resources, including the different types of creatures God had created.

Through Jesus sacrifice on the cross,

hope was born for all humankind.
Be Fruitful and Multiply (Gen. 1:28, NKJV)
Every aspect of nature that God created had a purpose. The firmament
would divide the waters. The earth with its grass and herb-yielding seed and
fruits would nourish the animals and humans. Then there were the two great
lightsone to illuminate the day and one to illuminate the night. The first five
days of Creation gave insight into the purpose of humankind and the rest of
the world.
God wanted the two people He created to populate the earth and to be
stewards of it. He also instructed them to share with their offspring knowledge
of His law and love.
However, things went terribly wrong.

Jealousy Over Mans Dominion (Gen. 3:18)

There was a being who had witnessed the creation of earth and all that was
in it. He was jealous of the dominion God had given to Adam and Eve, and he
coveted more authority than he had a right to. This being was a mighty angel
named Lucifer. When he attempted to rule Gods divine government, he and
his followers were cast out of heaven.
As Lucifer studied Adam and Eve, he developed a plan that would grieve
God. He disguised himself as a serpent and convinced Eve to eat from the one
tree God had told them not to eat from. However, when the woman saw that
the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable
to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband
with her, and he ate (Gen. 3:6, NKJV).
What had begun as a masterpiece had now been stained with humankinds
disobedience. Satan could now enjoy his sought-after dominion over the lives
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of not only Adam and Eve but of every single human born thereafter. As he
celebrated his success, he had no idea that something even more astounding
than the fall of Adam and Eve was about to unfold.

Victory Over Sin Is Foretold (Gen. 3:1315)

After questioning Adam and Eve about what they had done, God turned to
Satan and told him, And I will put enmity/ Between you and the woman,/
And between your seed and her Seed; / He shall bruise your head, / And
you shall bruise His heel (Gen. 3:15, NKJV). As Satan perhaps daydreamed
about victory over God, God clearly foretells his demise. It took many years for
this to happen, but happen it did. Jesus, who came to earth through the seed
of the woman, died for our sins on the cross and, in so doing, bruised Satan.
How kind God was! Divine justice required that sin should meet its penalty,
but divine mercy had already found a way to redeem the fallen human race
by the voluntary sacrifice of the Son of God (1Peter 1:20; Eph. 3:11; 2Tim.
1:9; Rev. 13:8).1

New Hope Is Born (1Pet. 3:1418)

Through Jesus sacrifice on the cross, hope was born for all humankind. Today, with joy and without fear or hesitation, we can share with our communities
that Jesus died, that He arose, and that He is coming back for those who love
Him and obey His Word. He will renew the strength of those who wait on Him
(Isa. 40:31). In heaven, there will be plenty of room for anyone who is willing
to accept His calling (John 14:2), a place in which there will be no more tears,
pain, or suffering (Rev. 21:4).
Let us strive to hold on to the dominion Christ has regained for us through
His sacrifice. Today is the perfect time to claim victory over sin and to grasp
the countless blessings God has in store for our lives. And as we hold on to
His promise, let us be strong and courageous to share it with others who are
in need of hope. We should never forget that God sits secure on the throne of
the universe, holding the affairs of all dedicated men in His hand.2
All that you could have ever been at some point in your life was lost because
of sin. However, it can be regained through the precious blood of the Lamb. He
experienced the second death (eternal separation from God because of sin)
so that you would not have to. But He was wounded for our transgressions,/
He was bruised for our iniquities;/ The chastisement for our peace was upon
Him,/ And by His stripes we are healed (Isa. 53:5, NKJV).

REACT
1. What role does dominion play today, centuries after Jesus sacrifice?
2. Spend some time meditating on Isaiah 53:5. In place of the words our
and we, say your name.

__________
1. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, 2nd ed., vol. 1, p. 233.
2. Ibid., vol. 7, p. 572.

Claudia Lopez, Panama City, Panama

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tuesday
JULY 5

Testimony

Restoring What
Was Lost

Gen. 1:2628

Created to be the image and glory of God (1Corinthians 11:7), Adam

and Eve had received endowments not unworthy of their high destiny.
Graceful and symmetrical in form, regular and beautiful in feature, their
countenances glowing with the tint of health and the light of joy and hope,
they bore in outward resemblance the likeness of their Maker.... Every
faculty of mind and soul reflected the Creators glory. Endowed with high
mental and spiritual gifts, Adam and Eve were made but little lower than the
angels (Hebrews 2:7), that they might not only discern the wonders of the
visible universe, but comprehend moral responsibilities and obligations.1

Christians are set as light bearers on the way to heaven.

As soon as the Lord through Jesus Christ created our world and placed
Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Satan announced his purpose ... to
unite them with his own ranks of rebellion. He was determined to efface the
image of God from the human posterity, and to trace his own image upon
the soul.... [He] succeeded in bringing rebellion into our world.2
Adam and Eve broke Gods law and fell, and the family of Adam must
perish. God could not alter or abolish his law to save lost man.... Jesus
saw the degradation of man.... Jesus pitied the fallen race and offered to
take the wrath of God upon himself.3
Now God wants to restore His original plan. But there is something we
need to do. We are called to be representatives of Christ, showing forth
the goodness and mercy of the Lord. As Jesus has revealed to us the true
character of the Father, so we are to reveal Christ to a world that does not
know His tender, pitying love....
Christians are set as light bearers on the way to heaven.... Their life
and character should be such that through them others will get a right conception of Christ.4
Finally, when all is said and done, the redeemed will be welcomed to the
home that Jesus is preparing for them.... Every sinful tendency ... has
been removed by the blood of Christ, and the excellence and brightness of
His glory, far exceeding the brightness of the sun, is imparted to them....
They are without fault before the great white throne, sharing the dignity and
the privileges of the angels.5
__________
1. Ellen G. White, Education, p. 20.
2. Ellen G. White, Christ Triumphant, p. 10.
3. Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, p. 274.
4. Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 115.
5. Ibid., p. 126.

Tiffany Gamas, Panama City, Panama

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wednesday
JULY 6

Ps. 19:14

How-to

Our Role in This World

When God created Adam and Eve, He gave them dominion over nature.
However, because they eventually sinned, we all have become predators of
our own environment. We see the effects of contamination and global warming
everywhere. I live in a city where you see more and more buildings and less
and less countryside. The effects of sin are becoming so bad that God will one
day have to destroy those who destroy the earth (Rev. 11:18, NKJV).

Just like the woman at the well, many of us thirst. We

drink from the waters of the world but are never satisfied.
Surrendering our dominion over the world to Satan has caused our planet
to suffer. He constantly tries to separate humankind from God, and attacking
nature is one such attempt. Nature is one of Gods books through which He
declares His love for us (Ps. 19:14). So destroying nature is just another way
of causing stress, which in turn can separate us from our Creator.
Many people and enterprises improve our planet by going green. While
this is a noble cause, we need to remember that God will one day destroy
our planet and create a new heaven and a new earth. Following are some
important items that will help us to be ready for these events:
Water. Just like the woman at the well, many of us thirst. We drink from
the waters of the world but are never satisfied. Jesus, however, offers us the
eternal water of life (John 4:714).
Air. Prayer is the breath of the soul.* Just as we need to breathe fresh air,
we should make prayer a constant feature of life. Prayer, like air, is a necessity (1Thess. 5:17).
Sunlight. The original source of energy in the world is the sun. We cannot
live without it. Likewise, we cannot live without Jesusthe Sun of Righteousness. He alone is our Source of healing and power (Mal. 4:2). Only He can
give us life.
Plants. We need to be connected to the Vine (John 15:14). Without Jesus, we are surely condemned. Let us allow Him to purify us so that we can
have perfect characters.

REACT
1. Why is it necessary for Christians to go green even when we know that
Jesus will soon return?
2. Why is it important for Christians to take care of nature?
__________
* Ellen G. White, Prayer, p. 12.

Israel Gamas, Panama City, Panama

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thursday
JULY 7

Opinion

Acting Upon the

Restored

Gen. 2:15

Many of us are well aware of the conditions in which we were created.

God created us perfect, in His image and likeness, and He gave us dominion
over creation. However, we lost this dominion because of the sin we brought
to the world. Thus, Jesus came to earth to die on our behalf in order that our
relationship with God might be restored.

God has called all of us to care for His creation.

What are we doing with our dominion that has been restored for us? The
command we received is pretty clear. God calls us to tenderly care for His
creation (Gen. 2:15). It is not a surprise nowadays to see how little humans
really care about the earths maintenance. So many of us take for granted the
benefits we receive from the nature that God created to sustain us and for us
to enjoy. Despite the passing of centuries, many people continue to think that
they are under the dominion of creation. This causes them to worship what
God has made and to ignore the purposes for which He created us.
How thankful we should be to have Gods Word. It teaches us how we
should live and what our conduct should be regarding all of creation. In addition to giving us this knowledge, God also gives each of us talents and
spiritual gifts to use on His behalf.
Ever since sin came to earth, humankind has been in a battle between
good and evil, between carnal passions and the Holy Spirit. God is calling
us to exercise self-control. We must submit all of our passions to Him and
concentrate all of our talents on elevating ourselves heavenward so that we
can live in harmony with our heavenly Father. We must all use the talents we
have in the measure in which they have been entrusted to us and for the different purposes that God desires us to fulfill.
God has called all of us to care for His creation. Whether we have one
talent or several, He will ask us to give an account of how we used them. If
we truly believe that He has given us dominion over His creation, then let us
truly take care of it until He returns.

REACT
1. What can you do to improve the care that Gods creation requires?
2. Read 1Corinthians 6:19. How does ones body being the temple of
the Holy Spirit relate to creation? How does this knowledge change the way
of caring for ones body?
3. How does Jesus sacrifice influence your daily decisions and behavior?
Zukeidys Palacio, Panama City, Panama
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friday
Ps. 8:6

Exploration

JULY 8

Regaining What Was Lost

CONCLUDE
At his creation, Adam was placed in dominion over the earth. But by
yielding to temptation, he was brought under the power of Satan, and the
dominion which he held passed to his conqueror. Thus Satan became the
god of this world. . . . But Christ, by His sacrifice paying the penalty of
sin, would not only redeem man, but recover the dominion which he had
forfeited. All that was lost by the first Adam will be restored by the second.*
After the Fall, human beings lost so much, including the dominion that had
originally been given them. What can the church and individual members
do to regain some of what was lost after the tragic fall of our first parents
in Eden?

CONSIDER
Working with community leaders in your city to plant vegetable gardens where people with low incomes can come to get fresh fruits and
vegetables. Perhaps the garden could even be located on your church
grounds if space there is plentiful.
Singing all three verses of This Is My Fathers World, hymn no. 92
in the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. Or listen to it at https://www
.youtube.com/watch?v=NuBC4ocgm0c.
Writing a fourth verse for This Is My Fathers World that expresses
your appreciation for an aspect of nature that you particularly enjoy.
Taking a well-behaved pet to nursing homes or hospices. There are
many therapy organizations that offer training in this area. See a list
of such groups at the American Kennel Club Web site: http://www.akc
.org/events/title-recognition-program/therapy/organizations/.
Walking for your health in a safe city park rather than at a gym that
charges a high membership fee.

CONNECT
Proverbs 6:68; Isaiah 1:18; Matthew 6:26.
Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, pp. 9, 10.

__________
* Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, November 4, 1908.

Lyn Brewer, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

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