I Am Special

I. SERMON OPENING

Ice Breaker:
Children, have you ever said, “I don’t like how I look,” or “I want to be like someone else”? If yes, raise your hand.

Rhetorical Question:
If God is the Creator, could He ever make a mistake when He created you?

Transition:
Today we will learn that each of us is created special by God, and the right response is a grateful heart.

II. TEXTUAL BACKGROUND

Genesis chapter 1 declares God as the Creator of all things. Verses 26–27 stand as the climax of creation, where humanity is created differently from all other creatures.

The Hebrew word for “image” is tselem, and for “likeness” is demuth. These words emphasize that humans are designed to represent God on earth.

III. SERMON POINTS

I. I Am Created in the Image of God (Gen. 1:26)

“Let Us make mankind in Our image, in Our likeness…”

• Human beings are not created by accident.
• We are given divine dignity and worth.
• The image of God means we can love, think, and choose what is right.

Parallel Verse:
Psalm 139:14 – “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Theological Message:
A child’s value comes not from achievements, but from creation.

Transition:
If we are made in God’s image, did God make us all the same?

II. I Am Uniquely and Wonderfully Made (Gen. 1:27)

“…male and female He created them.”

• God creates diversity as beauty.
• No human is higher or lower than another.
• Every child carries God-given uniqueness.

Parallel Verse:
1 Corinthians 12:18 – “God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be.”

Illustration:
Like crayons—if there is only one color, the picture is dull. God uses all colors!

Transition:
If I am special, how should my heart respond?

III. I Live with a Grateful Heart

• Gratitude means accepting who God made me to be.
• Gratitude means respecting others.
• Gratitude is shown through words and actions.

Parallel Verse:
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances.”

IV. AGE-BASED APPLICATIONS

A. Toddlers (1–5 Years)

• Application: Jesus loves me. I am God’s creation.
• For Parents: Pray gratitude prayers with children daily.
• Activity: Point to body parts and say, “Thank You, God.”

B. Young Children (6–10 Years)

• Application: I will not compare myself to others.
• Activity: Draw yourself and write “I thank God because…”

C. Preteens & Teens (11–15 Years)

• Application: Use talents to glorify God.
• Activity: Group discussion: “What uniqueness did God give me?”

V. CLOSING

Call to Response:
Let us say together: “I am special because God created me!”

Poetic Ending:
I am not a mistake,
I am not forgotten,
Formed by God’s loving hands,
With purpose beautifully written.

Rhyme:
Walking through fields bright and fair,
Grateful hearts rise in prayer,
I am God’s creation true,
Special, loved, and thankful too.