Memory Text — Genesis 2:18 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
Westminster Confession 27.1 Of the Communion of Saints — All Saints that are united to Jesus Christ their Head, by his Spirit, and Faith; …they have fellowship in his Graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory; and being united to one another in love, they have communion in each others gifts, and graces; and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, in an orderly way, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.
Monday: Gen 2:18-25. What is the first “not good” in the Bible? Do you think Adam being alone means he was experiencing suffering, or was imperfection/incomplete? Some take this to mean marriage fixes loneliness, but what does the Bible offer for the lonely (Eccles 4:12, Prov 17:17, Ps 25:16 )? What would Adam be unable to do alone (Gen 1:2-30, 2:15-18)?
Tuesday: Gen 2:18-25. God designed mankind as a relational being, made to be in community. One reason is that mankind in community reflects God in Trinity. How is God eternally “in community” (e.g. Gen 1:2, 26, John 17:24-26)? As image bearers of God, how does mankind in community (especially the church) reflect that?
Wednesday: Gen 2:18-25. Mankind was made for relationship (communion), “being with” God (Gen 2:16f, Gen 26:3, Mt 1:23). This is reflected in people needing community, “being with” others. How is our culture struggling with being present, with deep community? What effects do you think that has?
Thursday: Gen 2:18-25. The church ought to be one of the places of deepest community, of “being with” one another. Can you think of specific instances where you experienced that? Consider Rom 12:15, Eph 4:32, 1 Thess 5:11, 1 Jn 4:7). Give thanks for the communion of saints at New Hope. How can we/you grow in this?
Friday: Gen 2:8-25. Another aspect by which we see mankind is designed as relational is that God designed marriage. Read Gen 2:8-25, looking for hints of this community/relationship in marriage. To what ultimate community does marriage point (Eph 5:29-33)? Pray for the marriages close to you, and for those in church.
Saturday: Look at Gen 2:8-25 and seek to define what is marriage?