The Biblical Roles of Men and Women

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I. God created people in His own image.   1:26-27

  1. We are eternal
  2. We are moral
  3. We are spiritual 
  4. Male and female have equal value

II. Both Adam & Eve were to oversee creation.  1:28

III. Creation order declares a very clear social formation  

  1. Adam was created first (2:7)
  2. Adam is charged with responsibility & leadership in his home. (2:15-20)
  3. Adam was to lead with God’s word & dependence. (2:15-20)
  4. Adam is given a “helper” suitable for him.   2:18
  5. Differences between male & female include the physical, sociological and identity.
  6. Male and female roles reflect the Trinity.  

As human beings who reflect God back to Himself, we are called not only to reflect God's rulership over the universe, and His love and compassion to each other, but also to reflect His Trinitarian existence.       John Piper

      7. God created complimentarianism, leadership order and marriage before the fall of Adam and Eve                              

At the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to lead, provide for and protect women in ways appropriate to a man's differing relationships.

At the heart of mature femininity is a freeing disposition to affirm, receive and nurture strength and leadership from worthy men in ways appropriate to a woman's differing relationships.     What is the difference ~ John Piper

Two truths:

  1. When God’s order is distorted, confusion reigns.
  2. When couples are not following God’s blueprint, conflict will be evident.

Questions for this week:

I.  For Starters:

  1. What did you learn growing up, that has been helpful to you, in the areas of being           masculine or being feminine? (Look up masculine and feminine if needed)
  2. How does the fact that you are made in God’s image affect you?

II. Overview of Genesis 1 and 2

  1. Read Genesis 1:26-31 and chapter two out loud. What stands out to you?
  2. What all is it that makes people different than the animals? (1:26-28)
  3. What comes to your mind when the text says that God made Eve a “suitable helper” for Adam? How does the event that took place in verse 19 explain to Adam what God wants him to know about a “suitable helper”?
  4. Would you define Eve as a “suitable helper” to Adam an equal person or inferior           person in the relationship? Explain.
  5. Read Ephesians 5:18-21. What is the role of every follower of Christ according to         verses 21? Why do you think Americans view submission as a weak or inferior   characteristic?
  6. Read 1 Corinthians 11:1-3 and Philippians 2:5-11. Would you say that Jesus is inferior to God the Father because “God is the head of Christ”? Why or why not.
  7. Review the definitions above of masculinity and femininity by John Piper. What did you learn or what was reinforced by theses definitions?

III.  Growing deeper

  1. Review Sunday’s message with someone.
  2. Discuss the difference between masculinity and being abusive or misusing one’s power as a man. How do you know when a man has crossed the line and misused    his masculinity? (check the above definition if needed)
  3. Discuss the difference between femininity and being a doormat. How do you      know when a woman is to stand up for herself in a relationship with a man? (check the above definition if needed)
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