05/06/2026
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
Theme: "Stewards of God's Creation"
Main Text:
Genesis 2:15 "And the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it."
Introduction
World Environment Day reminds us of our responsibility to care for the earth. Long before environmental conservation became a global concern, God entrusted humanity with the stewardship of His creation. The earth belongs to God, and we are called to manage it faithfully.
Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
I. GOD IS THE CREATOR OF THE ENVIRONMENT
A. God Created Everything Good
Genesis 1:31 "And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good."
Creation reflects God's wisdom and power.
Nature reveals God's glory.
The environment is a gift from God.
Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God."
Lessons
Respect God's creation.
Appreciate the beauty and resources God has provided.
Worship the Creator through gratitude.
II. HUMANITY IS APPOINTED AS STEWARDS
A. We Are Caretakers, Not Owners
Genesis 2:15
[15]And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it.
The words "dress" and "keep" mean:
Cultivate
Protect
Preserve
B. Stewardship Requires Responsibility
Luke 16:10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much."
Lessons
Use natural resources wisely.
Avoid wastefulness.
Leave a healthy environment for future generations.
III. SIN AFFECTED CREATION
A. The Fall Brought a Curse Upon the Earth
Genesis 3:17-19
[17]And to Adam He said, Because you have listened and given heed to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat of it, the ground is under a curse because of you; in sorrow and toil shall you eat [of the fruits] of it all the days of your life.
[18]Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth for you, and you shall eat the plants of the field.
[19]In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you shall return.
Human rebellion affected the environment.
Greed and selfishness lead to destruction.
Pollution, deforestation, and environmental degradation are often results of human irresponsibility.
B. Creation Suffers
Romans 8:22 "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now."
Lessons
Environmental problems are also spiritual issues.
Repentance includes responsible living.
IV. GOD EXPECTS US TO CARE FOR HIS CREATION
A. God's Laws Included Environmental Protection
Deuteronomy 20:19
[19]When you besiege a city for a long time, making war against it to take it, you shall not destroy its trees by using an ax on them, for you can eat their fruit; you must not cut them down, for is the tree of the field a man, that it should be besieged by you?
God instructed Israel not to destroy fruit trees unnecessarily during war.
B. Wisdom in Resource Management
Proverbs 12:10 "A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast."
Practical Ways to Care for Creation
Plant trees.
Keep our surroundings clean.
Avoid pollution.
Conserve water and energy.
Protect wildlife and natural resources.
V. CREATION POINTS PEOPLE TO GOD
A. Nature Reveals God's Character
Romans 1:20
[20]For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification], [Ps. 19: 1-4.]
God's power is seen in creation.
God's wisdom is displayed in nature.
God's faithfulness is reflected in the seasons.
B. Environmental Care Becomes a Witness
Matthew 5:16
[16]Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.
When Christians care for God's world, they demonstrate God's love and wisdom.
VI. THE FUTURE OF CREATION
A. God Will Restore Creation
Isaiah 65:17
[17]For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth. And the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. [Isa. 66:22; II Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1.]
"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth."
B. The Hope of Renewal
Revelation 21:1
[1]THEN I saw a new sky (heaven) and a new earth, for the former sky and the former earth had passed away (vanished), and there no longer existed any sea. [Isa. 65:17; 66:22.]
God's final plan includes the restoration of all things.
Lessons
We care for creation not because it is eternal, but because it belongs to God.
Our stewardship today reflects our hope in God's coming kingdom.
Conclusion
God has entrusted His creation to us. World Environment Day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to biblical stewardship. Christians should lead in caring for the environment because creation belongs to God.
Key Truths
1. God created the earth.
2. Humanity is God's steward.
3. Sin damages creation.
4. Christians must care for the environment.
5. God will ultimately restore creation.
Memory Verse
Genesis 2:15 "And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it."
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating the earth and entrusting it to our care. Forgive us where we have neglected our responsibility as stewards. Give us wisdom to use Your resources faithfully, to protect the environment, and to be good caretakers of all that You have made. May our lives reflect Your love for creation and bring glory to Your name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.