Man and woman 1

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Opening question

  • How would you describe what it means to be a man or woman?

Study

Read Genesis 1:26 – 28, 2:5-9, 15-24.

  1. What are the similarities and differences between the creation of man and the creation of woman? Make a list with 2 columns for similar/different, considering things like:
    • their being (Genesis 1:26-28)
    • the method (Genesis 2:7, 2:21-23)
    • order of creation
    • their purpose/role (Genesis 1:28, 2:15, 18-20, 23, 24) 
    • instructions from God (Genesis 2:16-17).
  2. It can be tempting to think about the differences between man and woman as superior/inferior or lesser/greater. How does God promote equality and diversity in the different sexes?
  3. Genesis 2:18 says that God made Eve as a helper for Adam. What do you think this means? 
  4. Read the following passages to see the same Hebrew/Greek word for “helper” used throughout the Bible. What does each example teach us about what it means to be a helper and what it does not mean?
    • Exodus 18:1-4
    • Psalm 121:1-2
    • Hosea 13:8-9
    • Hebrews 13:5-6
Read 1 Corinthians 11:3, 7-12.
  1. The New Testament says that man is head of a wife and that Christ is head of a man and uses the creation story to explain why. Ray C. Ortland Jnr in ‘Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood’ says that ‘Male domination and feminism are two viruses[monsters] attacking our sexuality today’ and that they have resulted in sexual exploitation, confusion and perversity. 
    • Why are male domination and feminism not the answer? 
    • What dangers can you see in moving away from God’s design and how would you promote a biblical view of what it means to be male and female and exist together?
  2. Where do you see examples in life of significance and worth being placed on someone’s role or position rather than on their identity as created by God?
Share and pray for each other to value your identity in Christ, serving him and others in the various roles God has given you.

YouTube video: This video was released for marketing during the Women's World Cup 2023 and shows actual footage of the France Women's team. The first half of the video has been edited to have male masks applied over the women's footage to break down many stereotypes and assumptions in female football.

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