Our culture has a lot to say about masculinity and femininity but what does the Bible say about it?
Talking Points:
- Our identity is rooted in the fact that we are created in God’s image. Men and women are of equal value and dignity in the eyes of God. Genesis 1:26, Galatians 3:26,28
- Women and men were created different on purpose. Womanhood and manhood are to complement rather than duplicate each other. Genesis 1:6,14,17-18
- God gets to decide how we should think about masculinity and femininity. Aligning ourselves with God’s design leads to freedom and joy. Psalm 139:13-14, John 10:9-10
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Identify the messages you and even your kids are hearing about gender identity today. How have you seen the messaging change over time?
- Read Genesis 1:26. What do you think it means that we were created in the image of God?
- Read Galatians 3:26-28. What is Paul saying in this passage? Why was this a radical teaching at this time in history? How can this be seen as a radical teaching even today?
- What do you think it means to complement rather than to duplicate? How have you seen our culture try to blur or redefine masculinity and femininity?
- Read Genesis 1:6,14,17-18, 27,31. God has a pattern of differentiating between things in his creation. Why is that significant to think about in terms of humanity?
- Read Psalm 139:13-14. God didn’t make a mistake when he created us. With that in mind, how should that impact the way we view ourselves or the way we parent our kids?
- Read John 10:9-10. How do you see these verses playing out in our culture today? Why is there freedom and joy in living the life God intended for us?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
- See also: What’s the Difference by John Piper
- See also: Holy Sexuality by Christopher Yuan
