Message Big Idea

When we read certain stories in the Old Testament, it’s hard not to wonder: Is God sexist or empowering?

Scripture

Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis 2:18-23, Genesis 3:1-6, Genesis 3:14-19

Ice Breaker and Opening Thought

1. Who is a friend or group of friends that you remember fondly from when you were a kid through adulthood?
2. If you’ve been around churches and Christianity for very long, you may know that there has been some disagreement about women in leadership in the church. How have churches you’ve attended approached this topic?
3. If time allows, see the additional notes in the leader’s guide. What stands out to you?

Bible Discussion

4. Read Genesis 1:26, 2:18-23, 3:1-6, and 3:14-19. What do you notice about women in these passages?
5. The word helper in Genesis 2 is “EZER” in the original Hebrew, and it is used over 100 times in the Old Testament to refer to God and his strength and power as a helper or warrior. This helper is a warrior, not an assistant! When God, “It is not good for the man to be alone,” God’s next act was to create a warrior! Look at Genesis 2:18 again; How does the definition of EZER change your understanding of this scripture?
6. Look again at Genesis 3:16. If we understand that this statement isn’t God’s dream for women and men, but a result of the curse, what might it mean for us to be a people who are working to restore God’s dream for the world?

Life Application

7. Do you think the way women are perceived is different in the church compared to outside of the church? Explain.
8. What can we do as a church to elevate the role/view of women in our church community and the individual communities?

Challenge

As we close, let’s join hands as a group and remember that we reflect the image of God. Let’s commit to partnering together to carry out the work of restoring God’s dream for the world. Will you pray with me?