S2: Men and Women in Christ | "Adam & Eve" | Malcolm Cox

Our world fractured on many lines: wealth, class, race and ethnicity, religion, age, education1. It Was Very Good! Gen 1:31A. Good CreationHumankind made good - not a mistakeWe have a roleB. RoleResponsible - jointlyFruitfulRule togetherNo hierarchyC. Generosity of GodCreation Fruitfulness/stewardshipPurposeAfter the ‘big picture’ view of Gen 1, now let’s zoom in on the detail2. It Was Not Good, Gen 2:18For Adam to be without a companionA. Helper‘Eve’ - ‘life’, 3:20ezer - other references including to GodFor the work - good work God has in mind for us“…’ezer is a generic term that refers to someone who contributes to completing a task or accomplishing a goal. The objective here is for the ‘ezer to partner in tending the Eden garden. Genesis does not comment one way or another on whether woman is a minor partner (contributing less than Adam), a major partner (contributing more), or an equal partner. Gupta, Nijay K.. Tell Her Story (p. 24). IVP.He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. (Deut 33:29) You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, against your helper. (Hos 13:9) But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer. (Ps 70:5) I lift my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Ps 121:1)B. Need one anotherNot about marriage per se, although most often expressed in that wayCreated for community - their fruitfulness will see to thatTheir partnership will enable them to serve the creation loaned to them by GodGod’s vision: men and women working together harmoniously to bless each other, their children, creation, the worldPlan was to be together enjoying intimacy with God"Eve wasn't created from Adam's head to dominate him, nor from his feet to be trampled on, but from his side to stand beside him as an equal, from under his arm to be protected, and from close to his heart to be loved."C. Generosity of GodHuman companionshipBeautiful place to livePurpose/workCompanionship with God3. It Was Bad, Gen 3Consequences of rebellion/sinA. Blame shiftingCould argue man more responsible because she was deceived, but he rebelled. He received direct command, 2:16-17B. Broken trust and dreamWith each other, the creation and GodPreviously worked together for creation’s benefit - now fear 3:10‘desire for husband’ - can mean dominate 3:16‘rule over you’ - descriptive or prescriptive? 3:16Evidence of sin connected with hierarchy? C. Generosity of GodGraceNo eternal evil: Hitler etc.Clothing (better than Adam’s, 3:7/21)Not killed/destroyed - protectedConclusion, Gen 3:15 - There is hope….What do we learn about God?Creative GenerousKindProtectivePatientProviderSensitivePowerfulVisionaryJustWhat is our aim?Pre-fall relationship?Accept post-fall situation of struggle for dominance?“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.  The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (Romans 16:20 NIV11)Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm