What is our working definition of sexism in today’s message?
Sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on a person’s sex or gender. Sexism can affect anyone, but it primarily affects women and girls. It has been linked to stereotypes and gender roles, and may include the belief that one sex or gender is intrinsically superior to another.
Why did God create women? Were we created to be a subordinate helper?
“Then God said, “Let us make human being in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground. So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Gen. 1:26-28
“The kind of rule God has in mind is not a ‘masculine’ rule, but a masculine plus feminine, male plus female, rule. Only this kind of shared participation in representing God’s reign to the world is capable of doing justice to the God whose image we bear.” Daniel Kirk
Gen. 2:18 -“Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
Ezer - Helper, strength, assisting presence. Kenegdo means “Helper of the same nature.”
Before the fall Eve was called to serve in partnership with Adam. She was created to lead with him in a true harmonious partnership of kingdom rule and dominion.
The fall of man and sin brought about the curse and a change in relational status.
Gen. 3:16 “Then he said to the woman, “I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy, and in pain you will give birth. And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you.”
The power struggle begins. With sin the holy and harmonious partnership that once existed is now broken.
BUT THERE IS STILL HOPE.
In the midst of the curse a promise is declared…
Genesis 3:15 - And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”
A prophetic picture of the birth and ministry of Jesus. He would come to right all that sin had broken.
When Jesus began his ministry, he was no normal Jewish Rabbi. He challenged the status quo. He was radical and he welcomed women into his presence. He taught them, he healed them, and he sent them out as disciples.
3 things Jesus knew about women.
1-Jesus knew when you educate women you elevate the family and impact the community. (Luke 10:38-39)
2- Jesus knew women aren’t the only ones to blame for sexual sin. (John 8:1-11)
3. Jesus knew the testimony of a few women had the power to start a worldwide movement. (John 20:11-17)
The Apostle Paul wrote…
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26-28