Context: Genesis chapters 1-3
Discussion Focus: Chapter 3
Edification and Purpose:
1)Strengthen faith in God's Word and character.
2) Encourage husbands and believers to...
-Lift up their family and friends in prayer
-Speak up and make their voices and opinions heard
- Stand up and stand firm for righteousness and against evil.
UNITY IN CHRIST PREVENTS DECEPTION
Man and Woman: They were made to walk and fight together, and were called not only 'good,' but “very good.” Each are unique in design but both are made in God's image.
Gen 1:25 “...and God saw that it was good. 26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion ... and over all the earth... 27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion... over every living thing that moves upon the earth. 29And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat... and it was so. 31And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”
One Flesh:They were one flesh and had a shared potential. If one is weak in something, than the other is strong in that matter that both succeed together. Each are designed and called as “very good.” So, they were not ashamed of who they were in each other's presence.
Gen2:23 “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.”
Man and Woman: They were made to walk and fight together, and were called not only 'good,' but “very good.” Each are unique in design but both are made in God's image.
Gen 1:25 “...and God saw that it was good. 26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion ... and over all the earth... 27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion... over every living thing that moves upon the earth. 29And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat... and it was so. 31And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”
One Flesh:They were one flesh and had a shared potential. If one is weak in something, than the other is strong in that matter that both succeed together. Each are designed and called as “very good.” So, they were not ashamed of who they were in each other's presence.
Gen2:23 “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.”
Truth VS Lies:
It's a matter of trust or faith...
-God had faith in Adam, but Adam did not return the favor. He knew that God was True to His Word and still sins anyway.
It's a matter of communication and Godly Instruction/ Stewardship...
-Eve may have had a misguided view of the command that God gave. (Perhaps, she had been taught improperly or maybe not). I wonder about this because she seems to maybe misquote God, “...do not even touch it or you will die...”
It's a matter of Integrity...
-Any entity, whether an individual or culture , that is caught in sin will challenge God's word and character.
-Their eyes may have been opened to some extent but their minds were currupted.
“Be not conformed to the world, but transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12.
DON'T BACK DOWN
The man (ADAM): placed in authority and had more experience and knowledge and is later held accountable for the fall. Adam had first-hand experiences of God's faithfulness to His word. Though Adam was not deceived, he sinned even when he knew it was wrong.
James 4:16 “As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.”
1 Peter3:7 “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
“
Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”
- Summary:
“Do the good you know that you should,” “honor those under your protection,” and “love your wife as Christ loved his bride and died for her...and wash her in the Word of God like he has.” If your not a husband, you must still protect, honor and wash with the Word those under your authority.
DON'T FIGHT ALONE
The woman (EVE): -an easier or more vulnerable target in this case, was not covered (or protected) and MAYBE EVEN not taught properly by the one in authority (i.e. - Adam) BUT we are not sure how she was or was not tought. Eve have was deceived and relied on the more experienced (Adam) to prevent deception.
I Tim 2:13 “For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.”
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
Reemphasize: James 4:16, 1 Peter3:7, and Ephesians 5:25 for Husbands or persons in authority to TAKE ACTION. Paul said,“Actions speak louder than words.”
Genesis 2:18 “Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper (a)suitable for him."
(a )literally means - “corresponding to.”
May I suggest an alternate or contextual meaning may imply- “capable,” (to walk along side of him through life's journey). In order for her to truly be an equal and corresponding “help meet” she must have the potential for similar(i.e. - intelligence, etc) as well as unique functions (i.e. - childbirth and nursing, even different use of the brain, etc).
By design she is physically more delicate and graceful and therefore slightly weaker, but “Eve” was also given a more vulnerable role (submission and dependency). She was entrusted to Adam from the day her Father (GOD) gave her away. However, weaker is not worse.... or “less than.”
“Help-Meet” Does Not = “Help-less”
- Jesus submits to the Father whom He is in unity with... submission doesn't have to imply inferiority.
John 10:30 ”I and the Father are one."
John 5:19 “Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”
Phil 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
If Jesus was given authority over the church with one role, as well as being One with the Father and submits to the godly counsel of His Father in a simultaneous role, than it is a privilege to learn firsthand of our LORD's experiences through whatever role we are given (whether leading, submitting, or both).
Drop the attitude “gender warriors”-
“I can do anything you can do... better. I can do anything better than you.” - Music lyric
Believe and Obey HIS COMMANDS and Trust HIS WORD
- Jesus asks the same of us that God did in the beginning with Adam and Eve.
“Believe on the one God has sent.” John.
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans.
Luke11:28 “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
John 14:22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"23Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.”
Genesis 22:18 “Abraham...through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
Exodus 19:4 “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."
Trust and Obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus.” -Hymn Lyrics
In the words of Christ Jesus...
“Go and do likewise.”
Applications:
God = given of wisdom
God (your true strength) will strengthen you
in temptation and testing.
God's teaching sets you free if you heed the instruction.
Source: JAMES Chapter 1
2 My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, 3 because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience.4 Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need. 5 But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom without criticizing you. 6 But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind.7-8 Such doubters are thinking two different things at the same time, and they cannot decide about anything they do. They should not think they will receive anything from the Lord....
12 When people are tempted and still continue strong, they should be happy. After they have proved their faith, God will reward them with life forever. God promised this to all those who love him.13 When people are tempted, they should not say, "God is tempting me." Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone.14 But people are tempted when their own evil desire leads them away and traps them.15 This desire leads to sin, and then the sin grows and brings death.
16 My dear brothers and sisters, do not be fooled about this.17 Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows.18 God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things he made. 19 My dear brothers and sisters, always be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily,20 because anger will not help you live the right kind of life God wants.21 So put out of your life every evil thing and every kind of wrong. Then in gentleness accept God's teaching that is planted in your hearts, which can save you.
22 Do what God's teaching says; when you only listen and do nothing, you are fooling yourselves.23 Those who hear God's teaching and do nothing are like people who look at themselves in a mirror.24 They see their faces and then go away and quickly forget what they looked like.25 But the truly happy people are those who carefully study God's perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God's teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy.
It's a matter of trust or faith...
-God had faith in Adam, but Adam did not return the favor. He knew that God was True to His Word and still sins anyway.
It's a matter of communication and Godly Instruction/ Stewardship...
-Eve may have had a misguided view of the command that God gave. (Perhaps, she had been taught improperly or maybe not). I wonder about this because she seems to maybe misquote God, “...do not even touch it or you will die...”
It's a matter of Integrity...
-Any entity, whether an individual or culture , that is caught in sin will challenge God's word and character.
-Their eyes may have been opened to some extent but their minds were currupted.
“Be not conformed to the world, but transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12.
DON'T BACK DOWN
The man (ADAM): placed in authority and had more experience and knowledge and is later held accountable for the fall. Adam had first-hand experiences of God's faithfulness to His word. Though Adam was not deceived, he sinned even when he knew it was wrong.
James 4:16 “As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.”
1 Peter3:7 “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
“
Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”
- Summary:
“Do the good you know that you should,” “honor those under your protection,” and “love your wife as Christ loved his bride and died for her...and wash her in the Word of God like he has.” If your not a husband, you must still protect, honor and wash with the Word those under your authority.
DON'T FIGHT ALONE
The woman (EVE): -an easier or more vulnerable target in this case, was not covered (or protected) and MAYBE EVEN not taught properly by the one in authority (i.e. - Adam) BUT we are not sure how she was or was not tought. Eve have was deceived and relied on the more experienced (Adam) to prevent deception.
I Tim 2:13 “For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.”
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
Reemphasize: James 4:16, 1 Peter3:7, and Ephesians 5:25 for Husbands or persons in authority to TAKE ACTION. Paul said,“Actions speak louder than words.”
Genesis 2:18 “Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper (a)suitable for him."
(a )literally means - “corresponding to.”
May I suggest an alternate or contextual meaning may imply- “capable,” (to walk along side of him through life's journey). In order for her to truly be an equal and corresponding “help meet” she must have the potential for similar(i.e. - intelligence, etc) as well as unique functions (i.e. - childbirth and nursing, even different use of the brain, etc).
By design she is physically more delicate and graceful and therefore slightly weaker, but “Eve” was also given a more vulnerable role (submission and dependency). She was entrusted to Adam from the day her Father (GOD) gave her away. However, weaker is not worse.... or “less than.”
“Help-Meet” Does Not = “Help-less”
- Jesus submits to the Father whom He is in unity with... submission doesn't have to imply inferiority.
John 10:30 ”I and the Father are one."
John 5:19 “Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”
Phil 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
If Jesus was given authority over the church with one role, as well as being One with the Father and submits to the godly counsel of His Father in a simultaneous role, than it is a privilege to learn firsthand of our LORD's experiences through whatever role we are given (whether leading, submitting, or both).
Drop the attitude “gender warriors”-
“I can do anything you can do... better. I can do anything better than you.” - Music lyric
Believe and Obey HIS COMMANDS and Trust HIS WORD
- Jesus asks the same of us that God did in the beginning with Adam and Eve.
“Believe on the one God has sent.” John.
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans.
Luke11:28 “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
John 14:22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"23Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.”
Genesis 22:18 “Abraham...through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
Exodus 19:4 “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."
Trust and Obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus.” -Hymn Lyrics
In the words of Christ Jesus...
“Go and do likewise.”
Applications:
God = given of wisdom
God (your true strength) will strengthen you
in temptation and testing.
God's teaching sets you free if you heed the instruction.
Source: JAMES Chapter 1
2 My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, 3 because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience.4 Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need. 5 But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom without criticizing you. 6 But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind.7-8 Such doubters are thinking two different things at the same time, and they cannot decide about anything they do. They should not think they will receive anything from the Lord....
12 When people are tempted and still continue strong, they should be happy. After they have proved their faith, God will reward them with life forever. God promised this to all those who love him.13 When people are tempted, they should not say, "God is tempting me." Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone.14 But people are tempted when their own evil desire leads them away and traps them.15 This desire leads to sin, and then the sin grows and brings death.
16 My dear brothers and sisters, do not be fooled about this.17 Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows.18 God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things he made. 19 My dear brothers and sisters, always be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily,20 because anger will not help you live the right kind of life God wants.21 So put out of your life every evil thing and every kind of wrong. Then in gentleness accept God's teaching that is planted in your hearts, which can save you.
22 Do what God's teaching says; when you only listen and do nothing, you are fooling yourselves.23 Those who hear God's teaching and do nothing are like people who look at themselves in a mirror.24 They see their faces and then go away and quickly forget what they looked like.25 But the truly happy people are those who carefully study God's perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God's teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy.
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