WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
Male and Female
Imaging God in Marriage: Love and Respect – Unit 1
Begin
Work on your 60-second Testimony
Leader Resources
Exercises
- Review the memory verse of the week
Suggested Discussion
- TRUTH – You can discuss any of the in Bible questions. Here are some tips:
- Genesis 1:26-28 – This passage teaches the ontological equality of men and women. The man and woman were created equal in value, dignity and glory in that they shared the image of God. They also shared the same responsibility before God to fill the earth and the same authority over the animals.
- Genesis 2:15-24 – This passage teaches that men and women are functionally unique. God intended to find a suitable, or corresponding, partner to share with the man in his responsibilities before God. The woman was taken out of him to show that she corresponds to him and is dependent upon him. The man named her woman, showing that he recognized her perfect correspondence to himself – both her equality and uniqueness.
- Galatians 3:23-29 – Be aware that this passage does not teach that there is no difference between men and women. It does teach that there is no difference between men and women in respect to their being a recipient of the promise of grace. All redeemed people share in the same promise regardless of their gender.
- 1 Peter 3:7 – Peter mentions here that women are physically weaker than their husbands, but are nevertheless equal heirs of grace. Husbands should live with their wives honoring both this difference and this similarity.
- TRUTH – The important points you want to drive home are:
- Men and women are equal in the value of their being.
- Men and women are functionally unique.
- The above points are by God’s design; not by accident, the Fall, or cultural influences.
- Women are designed to correspond to men, that is, they are ontologically equal to men and functionally unique. Thus, men and women were designed by God to complement each other physically, spiritually and emotionally.
- Women are designed to be helper/supporters to their husbands (this will be explained further next week as “headship” and “submission”).
- EQUIPPING – The 3rd equipping question should create an interesting discussion. The goal of this question is to expose any perceived disadvantages of the Scriptural model of male leadership/female support as being due to sin. Help your JG see that the advantages have been designed in by God, whereas any potential disadvantages are created by our own sinfulness.
- MISSION – Introduce the 60-Second Testimony exercise with a question, “If someone asked you why you were a follower of Jesus and you only had one minute to answer, what would you say?” Allow some discussion, and bring out the importance on being able to give an attractive, concise response. Explain how the 60-Second Testimony exercise will equip your JG to effectively communicate their spiritual journey. Model the 60-Second Testimony first before any of your group members. You want to inspire your JG to make it their goal to be able to effectively share their story of becoming a follower of Jesus.
