Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
Different by Design
Scripture
4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.
Main Idea
In Matthew 19, Jesus refers to Genesis 1:27 and clearly speaks about how men and women are different. We know this bibilically and statistically.
Men are natural risk takers and make up a majority of workers in high-risk jobs. Firefighters (95%), oil rig workers (97% male), construction workers (93%)
Women are are natural nurturers and make up a majority of workers in caregiving jobs. Kindergarten teachers (97%), nursing (99%), social work (92%).
This is not a result of learned behavior or cultural conditioning. This is designed by God.
We can fall into two ditches of thought.
1) Thinking there are no differences at all between men and women.
2) Thinking men or women is superior to the other.
Men and women are different by design. These differences are not for criticism or erasure. These differences are to be celebrated.
Where culture has created gender confusion, the Bible offers gender clarity. Everyone is created in the image of God. Dignity is grounded in Creation itself.
Creation of Man
Genesis 2:7
7 then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. Man is the only thing created with the breath of God. Everything else in the Bible was spoken into existence.
Creation of Woman
Genesis 2:21
21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.
God took something living (the rib of Adam), and made it into a more refined part of man. God does not create her from the dirt. God makes her from the same creation of Adam. Adam was formed, Eve was made. God used two different methods to create two different designs.
Hebrew word used with creation of men: "yasar" - to shape or form like clay
Hebrew word used with creation women: "bana" - to build, skillfully construct
Connection to the Church
Eve was taken from Adam's side, so she would remain connected to him. In the New Testament, the side of Christ was pierced and out came blood and water, which formed the Church. This is a direct parallel to the creation of Adam and Eve. The church was Jesus' bride formed from his side. Eve was Adam's bride formed from his side.
Ribs protect lungs, heart. Eve was skillfully made to protect vital parts of life.
The differences between men and women are meant for collaboration. Think together. Allow yourself to be influenced by your spouse.
God said it is not good for man to be alone. God chose to use others to meet man's needs. He created a helper in Eve. Helpers do not mean for women to be maids or secretaries for their spouses. The Hebrew word uses the word "ezer" to describe Eve's role. It is the same word God uses to describe himself. Helper, defender, protector, supporter. God can use others in our lives to help. This is why relationships give us life. God works through others to meet our needs.
Men and women have complementary strengths and weaknesses.
"Men are superior to women... at being men.
Women are superior to men... at being women.
Men, stop trying to be women.
Women, stop trying to be men."
We are different by design. God made you and loves you.
"Man was created from the lowest substance, but animated from the highest source."
Discussion Questions
- Review the definitions of "yasar" and "bana" as it relates to the creation of men and women. What other actions can you relate with "yasar" and "bana"? For example, "yasar" could be related to what a blacksmith does while "bana" might be related to what a painter does.
- Who have you met in your life that you think is a great example of what it means to be a biblical man or a biblical woman?
- What cultural viewpoints do you think drive people to think there are no differences between men and women or that one sex is superior to the other?
Summary
Jesus and Genesis both call out that men and women are different and created in the image of God. Neither is secondary or superior, and both are made to be in relationship with the other. We are different by design, just as God intended.
Take Action
- Pray for God to cast away thoughts that do not align with His word.
- Look around in your life and ask yourself if you are helping and protecting your spouse.
- Look at your relationships and ask if they meet the expectations of God.
Announcements
- Groups is shifting to a class format. Check out the new offerings at vel.city/classes
- Hope Pantry is helping with food insecurity on Feb 14 from 9a-11a. More info at vel.city/hopepantry
- Essentials is holding a session on Feb 15 from 1p - 3:30p. Come and hear the heartbeat of the house and how to get more connected. vel.city/essentialsclass
