How God Draws Near : The Seven Words of Worship: Creativity

Series: How God Draws Near : The Seven Words of Worship

Sermon Title: Creativity

Speaker: Sam Rainer

Date: February 2,, 2025

 

 

Reflect

  1. What’s a creative hobby or skill you’ve tried in the past but didn’t pursue? What drew you to it, and why did you stop?
  2. If you could instantly master any creative ability—painting, music, writing, etc.—what would it be, and why?

Encounter

  1. In Genesis 1:1, God introduces Himself as “Elohim,” the Creator. Why do you think God chose to introduce Himself this way? How does this shape our understanding of who He is?
  2. Psalm 19:1-6 describes creation as declaring the glory of God, but it also says nature is “wordless.” How does this passage contrast the general revelation of creation with the specific revelation of Scripture (Psalm 19:7-11)?
  3. Read John 1:3 and John 1:10. How does Jesus’ role in creation connect with His role as Redeemer? How does this impact the way we view our creative abilities?

Transform

  1. How does knowing that we are God’s “masterpiece” (Ephesians 2:10) challenge the way we see ourselves and others? How should this influence our creative expressions?
  2. How can we use creativity in worship, both individually and as a church? What are some practical ways we can reflect God’s creativity in our daily lives?

Additional Discussion Questions

  1. How does the concept of “creativity revealing God’s existence” challenge the way we engage with art, music, and innovation in the world?
  2. What are some dangers of creativity that is detached from God? How have you seen creativity used in ways that either honor or distort His design?
  3. The sermon mentions that “the worst art is that which denies the Artist.” How do you interpret that statement? How should this affect our approach to creativity and worship?

Interesting Facts and Tidbits

  • The name Elohim appears 35 times in Genesis 1:1–2:3, emphasizing God’s role as the all-powerful Creator.
  • Isaiah 45:18 says God did not create the world to be a place of empty chaos, reminding us that true creativity brings order and purpose.
  • Ex nihilo means “out of nothing.” Unlike human creativity, which requires materials, God’s creativity is truly original—He created the universe from nothing.

Related Passages

  • Exodus 31:1-6 – Bezalel is filled with the Spirit of God for artistic craftsmanship in building the Tabernacle. Shows how creativity is a God-given gift for worship.
  • Colossians 1:15-17 – Describes Christ as the One through whom all things were created. Reinforces how Jesus is both Creator and Redeemer.
  • Romans 1:19-20 – Explains how God’s invisible attributes are clearly seen in creation, reinforcing the theme of general revelation.
  • Ephesians 2:10 – Declares that we are God’s workmanship, or “masterpiece,” which ties into the sermon’s emphasis on our identity in the Creator.
  • Revelation 4:11 – Praises God as the Creator of all things, emphasizing that all creation exists for His glory.

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