"The Seed of Woman"
TEXT: Malachi 2:13; 1 Tim. 5; 1 Cor. 7:14; Titus 2; Isa. 54:5
TRUTHS:
1. It is possible to wrongly interpret the Bible’s words concerning masculinity and authority. It is possible to look at the biblical content regarding these issues and assume that God favors males and has structured creation in a way that prefers and benefits men. But what is the Bible actually pointing us to? The “man” Jesus. God is not declaring that males are more important than females, but rather He is trying to ensure that we don’t ignore the source of life, human flourishing, and salvation (which all comes to us through the man Jesus).
2. Our faith is not a ‘tool’ or something we exercise so that we can live a comfortable and pain-free life. Our faith does give us power and authority, but we must remember where that power and authority is to be exercised. We have graciously been given power and authority that is to be used in our battle against sin.
3. The Word of God instructs believers how to handle their relationships with other people—right down to the way we view and treat our enemies. Stewarding these relationships and conducting ourselves in a way that honors God’s Word is a critically important aspect of the Christian faith. If we fail to properly handle our personal relationships it will inevitably hinder our prayers from being answered.
4. The Christian faith is not something that one can participate in alone. Every child of God is called to be a “member” of the body. And just as a severed appendage dies if it’s not connected to a body, the same is true for a follower of Jesus. If you think it’s just you and Jesus, and refrain from properly belonging to a local church, your faith will become misguided and will ultimately become nothing more than an idea that you used to take seriously.
5. How did God set up His church to function and interact? Like a family. A local church is supposed to feel and look like a loving family.
6. We have a blessed hope in Jesus Christ our Savior. Believers have this amazing source of hope, which is found in the person and work of Christ. What awaits God’s children is so amazing and perfect that it should fill our hearts with hope (especially when walking through a difficult season of life).
7. Christians are called to be the “peacemakers” in their families. Meaning, we cannot neglect or estrange ourselves from members of our family. We can often feel justified about “cutting off” family members who hurt us, but the children of God should prayerfully and intentionally seek to do the opposite. God desires that are hearts are free from bitterness and anger so that we can bring peace to places of chaos.
TALK TO EACH OTHER:
1. What are some of the nuances involved with being a peacemaker (Truth 7)? Meaning, how are we called to handle this area of life if the other party refuses to live peacefully or makes it difficult for us to fulfill what God has called us to?
2. What does it mean for a believer to use their power and authority against sin? How does this practically work in the lives of God's children?
3. Why would God refrain from answering our prayers based on how we are conducting ourselves in our personal relationships (Truth 3)?
4. What are some of the ways in which the enemy seeks to isolate believers and deceive them into thinking that they can serve Christ alone?
5. A local church is supposed to function and feel like a family. What are some of the implications associated with this truth? Where have you observed this going wrong as it relates to American evangelicalism?
TALK TO GOD:
Pray as you feel led concerning the following areas:
- Gratitude for being adopted into the family of God
- For husbands and wives to adopt biblical and realistic expectations; wisdom in this area of life
- That our church would be full of godly offspring
- Empowerment to be peacemakers
- Thank Jesus that we have a blessed hope
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