It didn’t surprise God that Adam needed a companion. The Creator of time glimpses each moment of it in the same instant. The thought boggles our minds, I know. So let’s move on to something we can comprehend.
Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone: I will make him a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him – Genesis 2:183
If God recognized this problem, we shouldn’t doubt it.
A Lesson from the Garden
Read Genesis 2:18-25.
Have you ever wondered why God didn’t make the woman right away? Verse 19 tells us God made the animals and birds. Look at verse 20. What was the true purpose behind God’s parade of livestock?
You’ve heard the saying: “dog is man’s best friend,” but that’s not a truth from scripture. After God made all the animals and Adam named them, there still wasn’t a suitable helper for him.
List the ways a wife helps her husband in our world.
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I don’t know how things work in your household, but my husband and I share all the domestic chores. If I cook dinner (which is usually a minimum of five nights per week), he does the dishes and cleans up the kitchen. When our kids lived with us, they shared this responsibility. On weekends, he cooks breakfast and sometimes I clean the kitchen up afterward. What can I say? Dishes aren’t my thing.
I keep the house clean. We both do the laundry. He takes care of mowing the lawn and weeding the flowerbeds. (Praise the Lord! I detest yard work. And remember my black thumb?)
We help each other take care of our home. It’s a team effort.
That’s exactly what God created in the garden.
Read Genesis 1:28-30. What responsibility to God give to Adam and Eve?
How does that look in the 21st Century?
Obviously, the Earth is “replenished.” However, reproduction guarantees that humans will continue to be able to share the Gospel and shine the light of Christ in our dark world.
Lessons from Godly Women
You can’t read a woman’s study book without turning to Proverbs 31, right? King Lemuel’s mother described the perfect wife. This Virtuous Woman shows us more than we want to see. (It does me, anyway. Does this woman ever sit down and take a break?)
Read Proverbs 31:20-25. How does this woman help others? Who does she help?
v. 20
v. 21-22
v. 23
v. 24
What is the result of her helpfulness (v. 25)?
Copy Proverbs 31:31.
How does that verse motivate you to be more helpful?
Read Acts 9:36-39.
Who is the godly woman named in this passage?
How is she described (v. 36)?
What did she do to help others?
What did Peter do (v. 40-41)?
Why do you think he did this? Is this what the two men who brought him to Joppa expected?
I believe Tabitha’s death left a hole in the church and community of Joppa. Her helping heart ministered to many people and displayed the love of God for all to see. Even though I can’t sew a lick (and don’t want to learn), I admire this saint. Will I ever be described as “full of good works” like she was? I don’t know, but I believe helping others should be every Christian’s priority.
Lessons from Jesus
Consider the life of Christ. He was always helping others, putting their needs before his own.
List some ways Jesus helped people during his earthly ministry?
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Read Matthew 25:31-46.
When will this separation of sheep and goats take place?
It’s important to note that the sheep didn’t inherit the kingdom because of the works listed in verses 35 and 36. Just as James 2:17, 18 & 26 confirm, authentic faith in Christ produces works.
The children of the kingdom, sheep, were characterized by many good works. What sort of actions does Jesus say they do?
What is the key to this kindness in Christ’s eyes (v. 40)?
Jesus came to minister to others and give his life. We should pattern ourselves after Him, which means helping others on a daily basis.
This Bible lesson was first published in FINDING FOCUS THROUGH THE LENS OF GOD’S WORD in 2016, copyright belongs to Sharon Hughson
When I was baptized, I took Tabitha as a middle name. Being a handworky person myself she’s a great role model, although I doubt anyone’s going to be calling me back from the dead for the sake of my knitting! I also love that she’s described as a disciple – the only specifically feminine version of the word in the NT.
And that Proverbs 31 woman – phew! I comfort myself with the thought that she clearly had staff, which I don’t (not to mention a lot more energy!). Sometimes I wonder when there’s going to be a women’s Bible-study book called “The Proverbs 31 Woman: Entrepreneur & Employer”.
Very thought-provoking – thank you. I like the way you’ve drawn together strands from different parts of the Bible to illustrate a single concept.
Deborah- I’m so glad you found the study helpful and/or insightful. I’d welcome any suggestions you have for improving it.
I’ve always been impressed by Tabitha’s “value” to the believers in her community. That is something for me to strive toward. As for the Proverbs 31 woman, I think the biggest thing she teaches me is that ALL I do can be service for the Lord when my heart and spirit are right with Him.