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Identity, the Body, and a Theology of Womanhood

8 sessions

Made in the Image of God: A Theology of Womanhood - For Women

Genesis 1:26–28Genesis 2:18–25Exodus 18:4Deuteronomy 33:26Deuteronomy 33:29Psalm 33:20Psalm 70:5Psalm 121:1–2Genesis 3Romans 5:12–21Genesis 3:7–10Genesis 3:16–19Romans 5:17Genesis 12–21Genesis 16:13Genesis 21Exodus 1–2Galatians 3:16Psalm 139:7–12Matthew 6:8Joshua 2Ruth 1-41 Samuel 1-2Matthew 1:5Luke 1:46-55Judges 4–52 Kings 22Esther 4Judges 21:25Genesis 1:27Acts 2:17–18Luke 1–2John 4Luke 7:36–50Luke 24:1–12Acts 16:11–15Romans 16Genesis 1:27–28Galatians 3:26–29Revelation 21:1–5Genesis 1–2Revelation 21–22Philippians 1:6Genesis 1:26–282:18–25Genesis 3Romans 5:12–21Genesis 12–21Exodus 1–2Joshua 2Ruth 1–41 Samuel 1–2Judges 4–52 Kings 22Esther 4Luke 1–2John 4Luke 7:36–50Luke 24:1–12Acts 16:11–15Romans 16Galatians 3:26–29Revelation 21:1–5

A serious theological exploration of what it means to be a woman made in the image of God — not a list of roles or traits, but a doctrine worth thinking deeply about. This eight‑week study moves from Genesis to Revelation, tracing how God reveals His image through women in creation, covenant, and new creation. Participants will engage Genesis 1–2 with care, freeing the text from distortions that diminish or exaggerate woman’s design, and will meet women across Scripture — from Eve and Sarah to Rahab and Ruth, from Mary to the women at the tomb, and those named in Paul’s letters. Together, we’ll consider how the word used to describe woman as “helper” is the same word most often used of God Himself, and how this truth reshapes how we see partnership, voice, and calling. Each session grounds theology in lived experience and kingdom community, inviting women to discover that their womanhood is not peripheral to God’s mission but integral to His image, His story, and His redemptive work in the world.

What's Included

When you pull this study into your workspace, these items come with it.

Lessons8
Teaching sessions adapted for your audience.
Handouts8
One handout per lesson when this deliverable is included.
Discussion Guides0
Questions and prompts for teachers and parents.
Slides0
Presentation decks for classroom use.

What You'll Study

In His Image

Genesis 1:26–28; 2:18–25

The Creation of Woman and the Image of God

Learning Objectives

Participants will grasp that both male and female were created in God’s image and share His vocation to rule and cultivate. They will study the Hebrew term *ezer* to understand woman as a reflection of God’s own help and strength. They will identify ways this truth reshapes how they view their identity and purpose.

Distorted Reflections

Genesis 3; Romans 5:12–21

The Fall and the Fracturing of the Image

Learning Objectives

Participants will recognize how sin distorted the partnership between man and woman and fractured God’s image in humanity. They will explore how God’s redemptive plan begins immediately after the fall. They will reflect on areas in their own lives where the image of God is being restored.

Covenant Women

Genesis 12–21; Exodus 1–2

Faith, Promise, and Partnership

Learning Objectives

Participants will understand that God advanced His covenant promises through women of faith and struggle. They will trace how the matriarchs reveal God’s faithfulness in family, barrenness, and belonging. They will articulate how faith amid imperfection reflects the enduring image of God.

Unexpected Mirrors

Joshua 2; Ruth 1–4; 1 Samuel 1–2

God’s Image in the Unlikely

Learning Objectives

Participants will see that God delights in revealing His image through unlikely women. They will examine Rahab, Ruth, and Hannah as models of faith, courage, and redemption. They will identify how God’s grace transforms their own stories into reflections of His character.

Prophets, Poets, and Risk‑Takers

Judges 4–5; 2 Kings 22; Esther 4

Courage and Calling

Learning Objectives

Participants will recognize that God calls women to speak and act prophetically in His name. They will study Deborah, Huldah, and Esther as examples of Spirit‑empowered courage. They will discern how God’s voice and authority can be expressed through their own obedience and discernment.

The Image Made Flesh

Luke 1–2; John 4; Luke 7:36–50

Jesus and the Women He Met

Learning Objectives

Participants will grasp how Jesus’ interactions with women reveal the heart of God’s Kingdom. They will study how He restores dignity, identity, and purpose. They will reflect on how encountering Jesus personally reshapes their understanding of womanhood.

Witnesses and Co‑Laborers

Luke 24:1–12; Acts 16:11–15; Romans 16

Women in the Birth of the Church

Learning Objectives

Participants will understand that women were central witnesses and co‑laborers in the early church. They will explore how resurrection faith and gospel partnership redefine community and mission. They will identify ways to live as participants in that same Kingdom calling.

Restored Image, Renewed Community

Galatians 3:26–29; Revelation 21:1–5

The New Creation and the Full Reflection

Learning Objectives

Participants will see that the image of God is being fully restored in Christ and will be completed in the new creation. They will trace how Scripture’s story ends with men and women reigning together in God’s renewed world. They will commit to living as a community that reflects that future reality now.

Actual Lesson Preview

A real rendered lesson for Adults from this study — a preview, not the full content.

Sample Content

Interpretation — What does it mean? (15 min) Interpretation helps us understand the purpose and message of the text in its context. We move from “what it says” to “what it means.” Genesis 3 reveals that sin begins with mistrust — a question about God’s goodness. How does this reshape our understanding of sin as more than disobedience, but as relational rupture? Consider how mistrust distorts our image-bearing capacity. How does the relationship between man and woman change after the fall (Genesis 3:16–19)? What do these consequences show about the ripple effects of broken communion with God? Discuss how partnership turns to power struggle, and vulnerability becomes fear. In Romans 5, Paul calls Christ the “second Adam.” What does this mean about God’s intent for humanity and His response to the fall? Explore the contrast between inherited brokenness and gifted righteousness — how grace overflows where sin increased. Transition: Understanding what the fall means helps us now consider what it means for us — how we live as people in whom God’s image is being restored. Application — What does it mean for us? (15 min) Application draws the truth of Scripture into daily life — our relationships, decisions, and sense of identity. Where do you see evidence of the fall’s distortion in your own life or relationships — moments of hiding, blame, or control? (Answer: The fall’s pattern still echoes in our fear of being seen, our defensiveness, and our struggle to trust both God and others. Recognizing these patterns helps us invite God’s grace into them.) How have you experienced God pursuing you, as He pursued Adam and Eve — calling out, “Where are you?” (Answer: God still initiates; through conviction, community, or Scripture, He invites us out of hiding and into restored fellowship.) Romans 5 says grace reigns through righteousness leading to eternal life. What is one concrete way you can let grace “reign” this week in a relationship or situation marked by blame or shame? (Answer: Extend forgiveness, speak truth gently, or take responsibility without defensiveness — choosing reconciliation over self-protection.) Transition: To help this truth sink deeper, let’s ground it in a story that shows how God’s restoration begins right in the middle of failure.

This study adapts to your church

When you bring this study into your workspace, it adapts to your theological convictions, your teaching context, and your audience. No other curriculum does this.

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