NL The Beginning of a New Heart: Lesson 2 – Interpersonal Relationships

Introduction: Human beings are created in the image of God, and they are communal in nature. The glory and beauty of God's image are better revealed in community life. On the contrary, those who live in isolation from others become "islands".

1. A description of human relationships before the fall of man.

a. Why are all men (men and women) equal? (Gen. 1:26-27)

b. Description of the conjugal relationship.

• What was the purpose for which the wife was created? (Gen. 2:18, 20)
• The irreplaceable nature of the wife in the life of her husband. (Gen. 2:19-20)
• How did God make woman? (Gen 2:21-22)
• How does a husband address his wife? (Gen 2:23)
• What is meant by "the two became one"? (Genesis 2:24-25)

2. A description of human relations after the fall of man.

a. How does a man react before being confronted with the fact that he has made a mistake? (Gen. 3:11-12)

b. How does a woman react before being confronted with the fact that she has made a mistake? (Gen. 3:13)

c. What is the relationship between husband and wife after the offence? (Gen. 3:16)

d. Why did Cain kill his brother Abel? (Gen. 4:1-8) What is the relationship between the world today?

3. How can rapprochement be restored?

a. Galatians 3:28 "And there is no distinction between Jews and Greeks, between autonomous persons and slaves, or between men and women, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Ephesians 2:14 "For he hath reconciled us, and hath made both into one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition."

b. Ephesians 4:1-3

• I exhort you, O Lord's prisoners, that as you have been called, so conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called.
• Be humble, gentle, patient in all things, forgiving one another in love.
• Communicate with one another in peace, endeavouring to preserve the unity of the Spirit.

c. Galatians 5:13 "Brethren, you were called to be free; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your passions, but rather serve one another in love."

d. Galatians 6:8-10

• He who sows according to his lusts will reap corruption from them; but he who sows according to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.
• We must not lose heart in doing good; if we are not discouraged, we shall reap a harvest in due time.
• Whenever you have the opportunity, do good to all, and more so to those who are of the family of believers."

Conclusion: We with our sinful nature today need to be reconciled to God daily so that we can be at peace with others daily.