Speaker: Pastor Chad Everett
Main Passage: Genesis 1: 26–28
Overview
In this foundational message, Pastor Chad Everett teaches that spiritual authority begins with submission to God. From the beginning, God created mankind in His image and entrusted them with dominion over the earth. That authority wasn’t about control—it was about relationship. Through Jesus, God restored what was lost in the Garden so that we can once again walk in His original intent: ruling under His rule, through obedience and fellowship with Him.
Why This Study Matters
This study will help you rediscover how authority and submission work together in God’s design. You’ll see how “Your yes to God defeats the kingdom of darkness,” and why authority isn’t something we earn but something we steward by saying yes to His Word.
Day 1 – God’s Original Design
Big Idea:
God created humanity in His image and likeness to reflect His nature and represent His authority on the earth.
Read Key Scripture:
Genesis 1: 26–28 (NKJV)
Quote from Pastor Chad:
“How God initiated things in the beginning represents His will. His design hasn’t changed.”
Discussion Questions:
New Christians: In Genesis 1: 26–27, what does it mean that God made mankind in His image and likeness? What do you learn about your identity from these words?
Mature Christians: How does Genesis 1: 28 reveal both blessing and responsibility in God’s design for humanity?
Jr. & Sr. High Students: What do “image” and “likeness” teach you about how God wants you to live differently from the world?
Families with Young Children: Read Genesis 1: 31 together. What did God say about everything He made, and what does that tell us about His purpose for people?
Families with Teenagers: Pastor Chad said, “How God initiated things in the beginning represents His will.” How does Genesis 1: 26–28 show what God still wants for families today?
Application Step:
Read Genesis 1: 26–28 aloud. Circle or underline every word that shows purpose (“make,” “bless,” “subdue,” “dominion”). Ask God to help you live according to His design this week.
For Families with Young Children:
Have kids draw a picture of God creating people in His image. Talk about how we can “look like” God by being kind, loving, and helping others.
For Families with Teenagers:
As a family, talk about what qualities of God they see in themselves and each other. Pray together, thanking God for creating each person in His image for a unique purpose.
Day 2 – Authority Delegated, Not Earned
Big Idea:
True authority must be delegated by a valid source. God gave mankind dominion—it was never demanded or achieved by effort.
Read Key Scripture:
Psalm 8: 4–6 (NKJV)
Quote from Pastor Chad:
“You can’t hijack true authority. God gave it—and that makes it legitimate.”
Discussion Questions:
New Christians: According to Psalm 8: 4–5, how does God view mankind in comparison to the rest of creation?
Mature Christians: What does the phrase “You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands” teach about delegated authority?
Jr. & Sr. High Students: Pastor Chad explained that the Hebrew word Elohim means “the Supreme God.” How does knowing you were made just below Elohim change how you see your worth?
Families with Young Children: Look at Psalm 8: 6 together. What did God put under mankind’s feet? What does that mean about the kind of authority He gave?
Families with Teenagers: Why is it important to see that authority comes from God and not for self? Read Psalm 8: 6 again and talk about how that applies in your home or school life.
Application Step:
Write a prayer thanking God for entrusting you with His authority. Ask Him to teach you how to use it humbly and obediently.
For Families with Young Children:
Give each child something simple to be “in charge” of (watering a plant, feeding a pet). Explain that authority is a gift from God that should be used to care for and bless others.
For Families with Teenagers:
Discuss what “stewardship” means. Talk about one area—like social media, work, or school—where they can use their influence for good instead of self-promotion. Pray for wisdom to lead with humility.
Day 3 – Dominion by Relationship
Big Idea:
God’s intent was for His people to exercise dominion through their relationship with Him—not apart from Him.
Read Key Scripture:
John 15: 5 (NKJV)
Quote from Pastor Chad:
“Dominion was not God working for Adam—it was God working through Adam.”
Discussion Questions:
New Christians: According to John 15: 5, what happens when you remain connected to Jesus? What happens when you don’t?
Mature Christians: How does abiding in Christ protect us from trying to operate in authority apart from relationship?
Jr. & Sr. High Students: When you read John 15: 5, how do you see the connection between obedience and fruitfulness?
Families with Young Children: Jesus said He is the vine and we are the branches. What happens to a branch if it’s not connected to the vine? Why is it important for us to stay connected to Jesus – the vine?
Families with Teenagers: How can your family stay “connected to the vine” together—through prayer, worship, or serving others?
Application Step:
Spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you’ve tried to do things in your own strength. Reconnect by simply saying, “Lord, I need You in this.”
For Families with Young Children:
Invite each person to say something to Jesus as if they were a branch talking to the vine—for example, “Jesus, thank You for helping me grow,” or “Jesus, I don’t want to be apart from You.” End by praying together, asking, “Jesus, help our family stay close to You and grow strong in Your love.”
For Families with Teenagers:
Challenge everyone to take five minutes alone today to pray or listen for God’s voice. Then come back together and share one way you sensed God speaking or encouraging you.
Day 4 – The Power of Yes
Big Idea:
Spiritual authority is exercised through submission. Every “yes” to God is a “no” to the enemy.
Read Key Scripture:
James 4: 7 (NKJV)
Quote from Pastor Chad:
“Your yes to God defeats the kingdom of darkness.”
Discussion Questions:
New Christians: According to James 4: 7, what two actions are necessary to resist the devil successfully?
Mature Christians: How did Pastor Chad connect this verse to Genesis 3 and Adam and Eve’s choice? What does this reveal about authority lost and restored?
Jr. & Sr. High Students: Why is submission to God the first step before resistance? Look for the order in the verse.
Families with Young Children: Read James 4: 7 together. What does it mean to “say yes to God”? Can you think of a time your family did that?
Families with Teenagers: How can your “yes” to God as a family shut the door on things the enemy tries to bring into your home?
Application Step:
When faced with a temptation or challenge today, stop and say, “God, I submit to You.” Then act in obedience to what His Word says.
For Families with Young Children:
Make a “Yes to God” chart. Each time a family member chooses to obey God (sharing, forgiving, helping), add a sticker or check mark. Celebrate how every “yes” brings joy to God!
For Families with Teenagers:
Talk about a real situation where it’s hard to say yes to God—peer pressure, forgiveness, honesty, etc. Read James 4: 7 together and pray for courage to submit to God first.
Day 5 – Restored Authority Through Christ
Big Idea:
Through Jesus, God restored mankind’s authority and reinstated His original mandate: to walk in dominion under His lordship.
Read Key Scripture:
Matthew 28: 18–19 (NKJV)
Quote from Pastor Chad:
“For too many, the cross is the ending point instead of the beginning point of walking in the new covenant.”
Discussion Questions:
New Christians: What does Jesus claim in Matthew 28: 18, and what command follows in verse 19? What does that mean for you personally?
Mature Christians: How does Jesus’ statement about “all authority” relate back to God’s command in Genesis 1: 28?
Jr. & Sr. High Students: How does knowing Jesus gave you authority change the way you face fear or temptation?
Families with Young Children: Read Matthew 28: 19 together. What does it mean to “make disciples”? How can your family do that in simple ways?
Families with Teenagers: Pastor Chad said the cross restored the Genesis mandate. What are practical ways your family can walk in that restored authority today?
Application Step:
Spend time praying with gratitude through Matthew 28: 18–19.
- Thank Jesus for the authority He’s been given.
- Thank Him for sharing that authority with His followers.
- Thank Him for calling you to go and make disciples in His name.
Let the words of the passage guide your prayer of thanksgiving and commitment.
For Families with Young Children:
Read the verse aloud and talk about what “Go and tell” means. Together, thank Jesus for loving people everywhere and ask how your family can share that love.
For Families with Teenagers:
Invite everyone to read the verse silently, then share one phrase that stands out (“All authority…,” “Go therefore…,” “Make disciples…”). As a family, pray a short prayer of gratitude based on those words—thanking Jesus for trusting you to carry His message.
Bonus Reflection: Living in Restored Dominion
Big Thought:
God’s original intent was never for His people to live powerless or disconnected from Him. From Genesis to the cross, His plan has always been relationship that produces authority — dominion through submission.
Scripture Focus:
Genesis 1: 26–28 · Psalm 8: 5–6 · Matthew 28: 18–19
Reflection Summary:
When God created mankind, He said, “Let them have dominion.” That statement defined how heaven intended life on earth to function — people made in God’s image, walking with Him, and carrying out His will.
Sin didn’t erase that calling; it only interrupted our connection to the source of authority. Through Jesus, that connection was restored. Authority flows again where submission and relationship are restored.
As Pastor Chad said, “Your yes to God defeats the kingdom of darkness.”
Authority isn’t about control — it’s about yielding. Every “yes” realigns heaven’s order in our lives and pushes back the enemy’s influence.
Personal Reflection Questions:
- Which truth from this week most changed how you think about authority or obedience?
- Where do you sense God inviting you to strengthen your “connection to the vine”?
- How can your “yes” to God bring freedom or change into your home, workplace, or relationships this week?
Family or Roads Group Discussion Idea:
Gather your group or family and read Genesis 1: 26–28 and Matthew 28: 18–19 aloud.
- Talk about how God’s plan began in Genesis and was completed through Jesus.
- Let each person share one “yes” they want to give to God this week.
- Pray together that your lives will reflect His image and extend His dominion everywhere you go.
Closing Thought:
Dominion isn’t conquered — it’s received through relationship.
When you live close to the King, His authority flows through you.
Stay connected. Keep saying yes. Walk in what He already restored.