Genesis - Part 5

Genesis Genesis 2:18-25 - ‘Making’ What is Not Good, Good!

Meeting Purpose

Bible study discussion on Genesis 2 - God's creation of Eve as a helper for Adam

Key Takeaways

·      God designed men and women with different roles to complement each other in marriage

·      Husbands should take the leadership role, but also recognize and allow their wives to use their gifts

·      Wives are meant to be a helper and asset to their husbands, supporting the marriage union

·      Singleness is also honored, with opportunities to be helped and to help others grow in Christ

Topics

God's Creation of Eve

·      God put Adam in a deep sleep, showing Adam's need to depend on God

·      God fashioned Eve from Adam's rib to be a helper comparable/suitable for him

·      Adam rejoiced at finally having a companion corresponding to him

Leaving and Cleaving in Marriage

·      A man leaves his parents and is joined to his wife, shifting primary loyalty

·      They become "one flesh" - united in sharing all of life together

·      Establishing independence from parents and solidifying commitment is wise

Roles of Husbands and Wives

·      Husbands take the leadership role as given the command, but not domineering.

·      Wives are helpers/assets using their gifts to support and complement husbands

·      Differences between spouses are by design to help shape each other

Next Steps

·      For husbands: Receive your wife as God's gift, let her use her gifts, take the leadership role

·      For wives: Support and be an asset to your husband in the marriage union

·      For singles: Consider ways the church body can be helpers fit for your needs

·      Compare the "helper" of Genesis 2 to the Holy Spirit as helper described by Jesus

Application Exercises

Describe how a wife should be an asset to a marriage?

If you are a believer and are married, in what ways do you consider your spouse as an asset?

If you are a believer and not married, describe some ‘helpers fit’ for your needs. In what ways can they be assets to your growth in Christ?

(see also -1 Cor.7:1-16 for the Apostle Paul’s perspective on Marriage)

Compare man’s “helper” here in Genesis with the believer’s “helper” in the Church age – Deut. 33:7; Ps. 33:20; 70:5; 115:9–11; 146:5; Hos. 13:9; John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7