Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Genesis 1:26

What’s wrong with animal rights? In simplest terms, the belief behind the animal rights movement is that there is no difference between Man and the animals. But Scripture says otherwise.

According to the Book of Genesis, both Man and animals were created by God separately; neither evolved from the other. Though there are similarities, there is a stark contrast between Man and animals as well.

For one, Man has a longing in his heart to know God.

Man is created in God’s likeness —not in His physical image, but in His moral and spiritual image. When God created animals, in his mercy, He gave them instincts. But when God made Man in His image, He gave people spirits.

Adrian Rogers says, “The Holy Spirit is to Man what instinct is to the animals. Now, if you were to take the instinct out of the beehive, what would happen? It'd be very much like our world today—men without the Holy Spirit.”

Man has a capability for dominion, but he also has a capacity for depravity… one that animals don't have.

Animals can't sin because animals don't have any choice. The reason they don't have any choice is they don't have any moral basis; but Man does!

Man also has a concern for his destiny that animals do not have.

Man is the only creature who knows he's going to die, while animals never think about death. But the Bible says that God has put eternity in the hearts of men.

Animals have bodies and souls (a soul being made up of a mind, emotions, and a will). But only Man has a spirit. And the Holy Spirit molds us into what we're meant to be.

Adrian Rogers also adds, “With your body you know the world beneath you. With your soul you know the world around you. But with your spirit, you know the world above you! And God made Man with a spiritual capacity to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him.”

Apply it to your life

What did God make you to do? God created you to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him. The Bible says, "It is in him that we live, and move, and have our being." Do you know Him, love Him and serve Him with the spirit He gave you?