I thank God for the women that came together to study God's word. He is a gracious God, allowing us to glean much from his precious words.
After prayer we re-read the scriptures that we were directed to read from the beginning of our study:
Genesis 2:20-25; Genesis 3:1-21; Genesis 4: 1,25
Then as we began looking at the questions, Shera reminded all that it would most likely take us weeks to get through this lesson, that she had not finished. So, it was ok to take your time and pour over the words, that they come to life and God breathes life into our souls. We can do nothing without the revealing and life through the word. She reminded us that as we begin answering the questions that this was a pre-fall time. That things were perfect, as God had created.
The following statements are from our discussions. They are meant to remind those that attended of what was covered, and they are for those that could not come so that they might be a part of the study as well.
1. How do we describe Eve? What attributes would we use?
She was a helper to her husband, a perfect mate in a perfect creation, a perfect gift, innocent, distinctly different from Adam, all female, openly un-guarded, strong physically and in spirit, un afraid, led by her husband, unique!
2. What do we know about her?
She was made special, God took time in her creation, then she was brought to Adam as a special gift. She was the last to be created, and she was not created from the dust, but from life. We don't know about her personality, strengths, talents, and there are reasons why the descriptions were left out.
3. The 4 main truths were taken from the book exactly as written
1. fundamentally equal with Adam 2. Created- essential unity in the ideal marriage relationship
3. Marriage that was destined to be a union of heart and soul. 4. She had a divinely, designed role as a woman.
We discussed at this time how science has discovered that when a man and a woman come together there is an actual chemical bonding between them. This bond grows through time. However, when a man or a woman has multiple partners the bond is weak and they no longer have the stronger ability to stay together for a length of time. This is a bond that God created and that many today do not even desire.
4. What is Satan's desire in temptation?
Skepticism of God's words, suggesting uncertainty about God's meaning. This is how he has led us to deny our roles. This is how man corrupts.
5. In what ways do we try to cover our shame and guilt brought on by our sins?
We blame others and God, trying to hide things, down playing the severity of our sin.
Shera said ," we try to hide them with 'every size and shape of fig leaves'". What sins are we hiding from ourselves?
6. how did the curses also impact Eve?
Death passed upon them all, the earth changed, they would work hard to live, they were subject to disease, death, rebellion, sin. They would have engulfing emotions of shame and guilt. They now lacked the communion of God, and they realized that they had hurt God's heart. God was waiting for their confession.
Staci said, " God wants us to come to him naked and unashamed." These are powerful words! Without all the stuff, shedding our sin.
7. In which areas did Eve take comfort and hope in
The promise that through her children a savior would come. She would live to have children, she would live and she would still have her husband to be there to protect her and to help provide for her needs. God is merciful.
And this is where we ended. There was much more mentioned, and wonderful insights spoken. We look forward to our next study.
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