Continued from last week, we completed our look at the foundational chapters of Genesis that lay the foundation for the “submit” commands in the New Testament.
Does the image of God relate to men and women identically? Most say “yes.” However, upon closer examination of what the Bible does say, and does not say, it seems that the man (male) is created directly in the image of God, and the woman (female) receives this indirectly, since she is taken from the man. Further, this distinction emphasizes function and assigned responsibility, not value. It relates to God-designed and God-assigned gender roles. Men and women are equal before the Lord. Each has different assigned roles based upon God’s design. Living by God’s truth requires, in part, living by God’s design for man and woman.
We have a perfect example of what a father should be. God describes Himself as our Father. As we look at things that are true of God the Father, we can learn how we should act as fathers to our children.
Before one can correctly understand “submit” commands and their contexts regarding gender, we must first understand God’s established order and design in creation. These commands relate directly to and stem from God’s purposeful design of man and marriage. To teach the commands without the understanding of creation is to miss the foundational concepts necessary to make God’s plan work. These commands involve God’s designed plan, purpose, and position for each gender.
Northridge Baptist Church
Why do we go through hard times? Sometimes when we do what is right, God gives us trouble. Why does this happen? God loves us and cares for us. God desires that we grow. As our Heavenly Father, God uses hard times to accomplish this. The Bible calls this “chastening.” Notes and audio can be found here.
So we’re created in the image of God. So what? Is this just a theological definition, or are there lasting implications?
Submitting assumes that, at the very least, we disagree with those over us. It also can include submitting to unfair and harsh authorities. What is to be our response? What did Jesus do in this situation?
We spent the class time examining the many Biblical examples of those that did (and some who didn’t) obey God before all others. We did not distribute notes this week (!). The entire Basic Disciplines for Believers series can be found here.
Though the Bible doesn’t expressly explain what “the image of God” means, we are able to draw some conclusions why mankind is so special. As always, notes can be found here.