session 7 god’s design lived out today: application

SESSION 7

GOD’S DESIGN LIVED OUT TODAY:APPLICATION

Andreas J. KostenbergerAndreas J. Kostenberger

Session 7: God’s Design Lived Out Today

4 Imperatives

Men

Women

Conclusion


God’s Design Lived Out Today: 4 Imperatives

1. Men and women are created in God’s image to be partners on mission for God.

We serve together in the Spirit’s power, making disciples of all nations.

We exercise our gifts in keeping with God’s design.



2. Men and women together are part of God’s household and should live accordingly.

Relationships in the church are modeled after the home.

The church should foster relationships between its members with the older teaching the younger.



3. The church should seek to strengthen families to carry out God’s mission.

Churches should be deliberate in mentoring and discipling members of both genders at every stage of life.

The church should help teach men and women how to fulfill their roles as men and women.

Discipleship should not be viewed individualistically but as a part of the household of faith.



4. Singles should be welcomed and valued in the church body just as married couples.

The church should affirm singles and fully integrate them in the life of the church as part of the household of God.

There are many advantages to singleness (1 Corinthians 7) that enable singles to make a unique and vital contribution to the church.


God’s Design Lived Out Today: Men

A true man reflects God’s design of providing, protecting, and leading those entrusted to him.

A true man is a disciple and disciple-maker.

Men’s roles include worshiper, disciple, witness, husband, father, leader, provider, and protector.


God’s Design Lived Out Today: Men

WorshiperDiscipleWitnessHusbandFatherLeaderProviderProtector

Mentoring and training menExercising spiritual giftsHospitalityParticipating in public worshipTeaching men, women, and

childrenElderDeacon


God’s Design Lived Out Today: Women

A true woman reflects God’s design of honoring and respecting the man’s leadership while serving as his intelligent partner in fulfilling God’s calling to “rule” the earth together.

A true woman is a disciple and disciple-maker.

Specifically, women have a calling in discipling other women and children.



The church should affirm the gifts and callings of women and support them in nurturing and using their gifts.

The church needs the ministries of women!

True femininity is about godliness and character, not physical beauty.

The church should value and affirm motherhood, raising children, and hospitality.



WorshiperDiscipleWitnessWife (companion, helper,

partner, advisor)MotherWorker (good works in

general, work in the home)Hospitality

Mentoring and training women

Exercising spiritual gifts within biblical parameters

Teaching and other ministry to children

Advisor to church leadership (qualified mature women)

Deaconess (servant role for qualified mature women)



What about women in the workplace and public office?

A woman’s first priority, in keeping with God’s design, is her family and home.

How that works out in individual situations must be worked out by couples within the context of the local church.


God’s Design Lived Out Today: Conclusion

The church needs to teach on and support biblical views on manhood, womanhood, marriage, and singleness.

These can be taught in sermons or Sunday school settings.

They can also be imparted through vibrant men’s and women’s ministries.


God’s Design Lived Out Today: Conclusion

Life-on-life ministry should be central to the church’s vision of discipleship.

Discipleship can happen spontaneously, but it must also be undertaken deliberately.

Everyone in the church should have the opportunity to be involved in mentoring relationships.


Please Stay in Touch!

Twitter: @akostenberger

Website: www.biblicalfoundations.org

Facebook: Biblical Foundations

Email: [email protected]

session 7 god’s design lived out today: application

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