What’s the Difference Between a Man and a Woman?
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
Five Marks of a Proverbs 31 Woman
The biblical picture of a godly woman combines strength and servanthood, and Proverbs 31 provides the classic example.
Talking Points:
- Mark #1: Strength. Being a woman doesn’t mean you’re weak or timid. Godly women give over their fears to God. Proverbs 31:17,25
- Mark #2: Compassion. It’s easy for women to get internally focused. A woman of virtue is other-focused enough to see the needs around her. Proverbs 31:20
- Mark #3: Wisdom. Knowledge plus experience equals wisdom. Godly women share the truth without condescension or judgment. Proverbs 31:26
- Mark #4: Attentiveness. Godly women are tuned in to their surroundings, in the world and at home. This doesn’t mean that all women have to be homemakers – but those who choose to be should not feel “less than”. Proverbs 31:27
- Mark #5: Servanthood. God’s Word affirms the difference in roles between women and men. Submission to godly leadership in a woman’s life does not diminish her strength or personhood. Proverbs 31:11-12
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What are some of the misconceptions about women in our society, especially from the Christian community? How have you seen those misconceptions hurt women in the church or your witness among non-believers?
- Read Proverbs 31:17,25. Share about a strong, wise woman in your life. What impact has she had on your life and those around her?
- Read Proverbs 31:20. Define compassion in your own words. Why do you think compassion makes the list?
- How have you seen self-esteem issues enslave you or another woman in your life? How has that issue affected your/their abilities as a wife, mom, friend, co-worker?
- Read Proverbs 31:26 and Proverbs 16:24. How have you seen wisdom tainted by harshness? How can you improve in the way you use your words to lead others?
- Read Proverbs 31:27. In what areas of your life are you working hard? How have you seen laziness cause trouble in your life?
- Read Proverbs 31:11-12 and Mark 10:45. How would you define submission? How does submission relate to servanthood? Why does it require strength to be a servant?
- Read Ephesians 5:33. Based on this verse, what kind of love is a husband to have for his wife? How do love and respect tie together?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Five Marks of Mature Masculinity
Biblical manhood is the divine calling to take primary responsibility for protection, provision and servant leadership.
Talking Points:
- Mature masculinity doesn’t initiate every action, but feels the responsibility to provide a general pattern of initiative. Jesus himself only led his disciples for a few years, and then he left them with the task of starting the church. John 6:5-6
- Mature masculinity does not assume the authority of Christ over others, but advocates for it. The last thing we need in the church is more men who think it’s all about them. Ephesians 1:21-22
- Mature masculinity grows out of love, not out of self-assertion. Too many men lead from a place of insecurity, trying to promote themselves instead of leading from a place of love for others. Philippians 2:3-4
- Mature masculinity expresses itself not in the demand to be served, but in the strength to serve others. Jesus himself left the comforts of heaven to take on flesh and live among us. Philippians 2:5-7
- Mature masculinity recognizes that the call to leadership is a call to sacrifice. Biblical manhood always ends up in the same place: on the altar of sacrifice. Philippians 2:7-8
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share about a man you greatly respect. Describe the characteristics and actions that have set him apart?
- Read John 6:5-13. Define initiative. How did Jesus show initiative in this passage? How did involving the disciples make a greater impact?
- Read Ephesians 1:21-22. What does it look like when men usurp Christ’s authority in the church? What does it look like when men lead others to Christ?
- Read Philippians 2:3-4. Identify all that these verses tell us to do or not to do. What does it look like to lead from a place of humility versus insecurity?
- Read Philippians 2:5-7. How do you think people would’ve responded to Jesus had he acted more like a king ruling over his followers? How have you seen Christian men misunderstand what servant leadership looks like?
- Read Philippians 2:7-8. Jesus gave it all for us. How should that type of leadership be exhibited in men today?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
- See also: What’s the Difference by John Piper
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