In this self-study, you will explore the first created couple, A’dam and Chuah, as foundational characters in the Hebrew Scriptures. The focus will be on understanding what they can teach you about how you are supposed to live your life in obedience to Yahuah and your responsibilities when it comes to your relationships with Yahuah, your spouse, other people and with the rest of creation. You will explore the six key characteristics discussed in the group study. Each section invites you to reflect on how these characteristics apply to modern society’s moral and spiritual decline, particularly in areas like divorce and remarriage, abortion, sexuality, environmental destruction, societal violence, Yahuah’s judgment and His plan for redeeming humanity back to Him. As you study these themes, you will also consider the importance of obedience to Yahuah and the promise of redemption through Yahusha Ha’Mashiach who is Yahuah’s Salvation.
1. Reflecting Yahuah’s Image in today’s Society
Walking closely with Yahuah and reflecting His image in today’s society is both a profound privilege, a significant responsibility and sometimes very difficult for believers. While we were created in the image of Elohiym, sin has distorted that image. However, throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, Yahuah has provided a way for the effects of sin to be remedied. In the Tanak (Old Testament), this is revealed through the giving of the commandments and the law, the warnings from the prophets and the following destructive curses that ensued as result of continually disobedience. In the Brit Ha’dasha (New Testament), Yahusha Ha’Mashiach provides the perfect example of how to walk in these commandments and the law, fulfilling the prophecies and offering the ultimate model for living in alignment with Yahuah’s will.
Key Scriptures:
Devariym (Deuteronomy) 6:5-6 – “And thou shalt love Yahuah Elohayka with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart.”
1 Yahuchanan (1 John) 5:3: For this is the love of Elohiym, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 5:17 – “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”
1 Yahuchanan (1 John) 2:16 – “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
Reflection:
Reflecting Yahuah’s image is both a privilege and responsibility. Though sin distorted this image, Yahuah’s commandments guide us back to Him. Yahusha Ha’Mashiach perfectly fulfilled the law, showing us how to walk in alignment with Yahuah’s will. In a world dominated by vanity, pride, and selfish desires, we are called to live in contrast, and to be set apart, obeying Yahuah’s commandments as an expression of love and therefor bearing the image that we were created in.
Food for Thought:
- Are you aligning your heart, mind, soul and actions with Yahuah’s commandments?
- How can Yahusha’s example guide you to resist the world’s temptations this week?
By walking in His ways, we reflect Yahuah’s image, bringing light to a darkened world.
2. To Be Fruitful and Multiply – What This Means for Believers Today
Society today is filled with enemy attacks on this first commandment given to A’dam and Chuah. Cultures and religions all over the earth promote blatant transgression to this commandment in ways that Yahuah never intended it to be carried out. Everywhere you look, especially on TV, there is a push for promiscuous lifestyles and unions that Yahuah’s Word calls abominations. Even more alarming is the promotion of the murder of unborn and newborn babies as a form of birth control, population control, and down right satanic rituals, claiming there are ‘too many people on the planet. How absurd does that sound, considering that the first commandment given to humanity was to be fruitful and multiply and to replenish the earth?
Key Scriptures:
Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 1:28: “And Elohiym blessed them, and Elohiym said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it.”
Vayyiqra (Leviticus) 18:22: “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.”
Shemoth (Exodus) 20:13: “Thou shalt not kill.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 127:3-5: “Lo, children are an heritage of Yahuah: and the fruit of the womb is His reward.”
Romiyim (Romans) 1:26-27: “For this cause Elohiym gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another.”
1 Qorintiym (1 Corinthians) 6:9-10: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of Elohiym? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 19:4-6: “And He answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?”
Luqas (Luke) 16:18: Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
Ef’siym (Ephesians) 5:11-12: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.”
Reflection:
Yahuah’s first command to humanity, to be fruitful and multiply, affirms the sanctity of life, family, and natural relationships. However, in today’s society, we witness a dramatic shift away from this divine purpose. Instead of honouring Yahuah’s command, society promotes promiscuity, unions that are against His design, and the tragic killing of unborn children under the guise of population control and a person’s right to choose what they do with their body even if it means killing the most defenseless, innocent and greatest gift Yahuah can give a the planet. These actions represent a direct attack on Yahuah’s commandments. As believers, we are called to reject these cultural norms and realign our lives with Yahuah’s intent for marriage, family, and the preservation of life.
Food for Thought:
- Are you valuing life and relationships as Yahuah intended, or are societal pressures shaping your views?
- How can you stand for Yahuah’s principles of fruitfulness, marriage, and the sanctity of life in a world that increasingly rejects these values?
By living in obedience to Yahuah’s commandments, we honor His design for humanity and reflect His light in a darkened world.
3. Stewardship of the Earth – What Believers Can Do Today
Yahuah entrusted A’dam and Chuah with the care and management of the earth, making them stewards of His creation. Today, this responsibility remains for all believers. Yet, modern society continues to abuse the earth, neglecting the stewardship role Yahuah gave to humanity. From the exploitation of natural resources to the devastation of ecosystems, humanity’s carelessness reflects disobedience to Yahuah’s command. Moreover, what society calls “climate change” is part of Yahuah’s prophecies and His coming judgment for how we have treated His creation. As believers, we are called to live responsibly, caring for the earth and honouring Yahuah’s sovereignty over His creation.
Key Scriptures:
Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 2:15 – “And Yahuah Elohiym took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 24:1 – “The earth is Yahuah’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 24:4-5 – “The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.”
Vayyiqra (Leviticus) 25:23 – “The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is Mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with Me.”
Romiyim (Romans) 8:19-22 – “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of Elohiym. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him who hath subjected the same in hope.”
Ef’siym (Ephesians) 5:11 – “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
Reflection:
Stewardship of the earth is not just about environmentalism; it’s about obedience to Yahuah’s command to care for His creation. As believers, we are called to reflect Yahuah’s character in how we interact with the earth. Society’s exploitation and degradation of the environment is a reflection of a deeper spiritual rebellion. Believers must recognize that Yahuah owns the earth, and we are merely its caretakers, accountable for how we treat it.
Food for Thought:
- How are you honoring Yahuah in the way you care for the earth and its resources?
- What practical steps can you take to live as a better steward of Yahuah’s creation in your everyday life?
By fulfilling our role as stewards of the earth, we not only honor Yahuah’s command but also demonstrate our care for His creation, living in contrast to the world’s reckless disregard for His laws.
4. Obedience to Yahuah – What This Means for Believers Today
Obedience to Yahuah is a foundational principle for walking closely with Him. From the very beginning, A’dam and Chuah were given a command, but their disobedience led to sin entering the world. Today, obedience remains critical for believers as a reflection of our love and faithfulness to Yahuah. However, society continues to reject Yahuah’s commandments, embracing self-centeredness, lawlessness, and rebellion. As believers, we are called to obey Yahuah’s commandments, not as a burden, but as an expression of our love for Him. Yahusha Ha’Mashiach exemplified perfect obedience, showing us The Way to follow Yahuah’s commands perfectly.
Key Scriptures:
Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 2:16-17 – “And Yahuah Elohiym commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
Shemoth (Exodus) 19:5 – “Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine.”
1 Shemu’el (1 Samuel) 15:22 – “And Shemu’el said, Hath Yahuah as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahuah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
Yahuchanan (John) 14:15 – “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.”
Romiyim (Romans) 6:16 – “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
Ibrim (Hebrews) 5:8 – “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered.”
Philippiym (Philippians) 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Reflection:
Obedience to Yahuah is not just a duty but a demonstration of our love and trust in Him. Yahuah desires that we follow His commandments as a way to draw closer to Him and reflect His character. In a world that glorifies rebellion and independence, believers are called to be set apart by their obedience. Yahusha Ha’Mashiach modeled perfect obedience, even to the point of suffering the most shameful death on the cross, showing us that obedience brings us into deeper relationship with Yahuah.
Food for Thought:
- Are there areas of your life where you are struggling to obey Yahuah’s commands?
- How can you align your heart and actions with Yahusha’s example of perfect obedience?
By obeying Yahuah’s commandments, we reflect our love for Him and stand as witnesses against a world that often rejects His Truth. Obedience brings us closer to Yahuah and aligns us with His perfect will.
6. Promise of Redemption – What This Means for Believers Today
Despite humanity’s fall into sin through disobedience, Yahuah’s plan for redemption was set in place from the very beginning. The promise of redemption is woven throughout the Hebrew Scriptures and fulfilled in Yahusha Ha’Mashiach. Through His sacrifice, the consequences of sin are reversed, and the opportunity for eternal life is offered to all who believe. Redemption restores the relationship between humanity and Yahuah, bringing hope, healing, and reconciliation. As believers, we are recipients of this incredible promise and are called to live in light of the redemption provided by Yahusha.
Key Scriptures:
Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 3:15 – “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.”
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 53:5 – “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.”
Romiyim (Romans) 5:8 – “But Elohiym commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Mashiach died for us.”
Yahuchanan (John) 3:16 – “For Elohiym so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Reflection:
The promise of redemption is the ultimate demonstration of Yahuah’s love and grace. Even though humanity disobeyed, Yahuah provided a way back to Him through Yahusha Ha’Mashiach. This redemption is not earned, but freely given to all who place their faith in Yahusha. It is through His sacrifice that we are restored to right standing with Yahuah. As believers, we must live in light of this redemption, embracing the hope and transformation it brings.
Food for Thought:
- How does the promise of redemption shape the way you live and approach your relationship with Yahuah?
- Are there areas of your life where you need to embrace the full impact of Yahuah’s redemptive work through Yahusha Ha’Mashiach?
By living in the reality of Yahuah’s redemption, we walk in the hope of eternal life and the restored relationship He offers through Yahusha Ha’Mashiach.
Summary of the Six Characteristics – Fearfully Bearing the Image of Elohiym Leads to Fruitfulness and Salvation
As we have seen from the story of A’dam and Chuah, the responsibilities given to humanity by Yahuah carry both great privilege and tremendous accountability. Disobedience to Yahuah’s commandments has led to the downfall of many throughout history, resulting in brokenness, suffering, and separation from Him. From the first command to be fruitful and multiply, to the charge of stewardship over the earth, and the call to obey His commandments, failure to align with Yahuah’s will has devastating consequences.
The world today is filled with the evidence of these failures—destruction of the family, promiscuity, abominations, disregard for life, environmental destruction, and rebellion against Yahuah’s laws. These are not mere societal shifts; they are clear signs of humanity’s rejection of Yahuah’s ways, which leads to judgment and separation. The consequences of disobedience are serious, as outlined throughout the Scriptures. Yahuah does not take rebellion lightly, and the fate of those who persist in disobedience is clear—spiritual death and the wrath of Yahuah Elohiym.
Yet, amid the warnings and fearful consequences of disobedience, Yahuah’s Word offers hope through the promise of redemption. Even when humanity fails, Yahuah extends His free gift of grace, offering a way to be restored through Yahusha Ha’Mashiach. His death and resurrection have opened the door to salvation, redeeming us from the consequences of sin. The fearful consequences of disobedience are overcome by the fruitfulness of living in Yahuah’s ways and embracing the gift of eternal life through Yahusha.
For believers, the call is clear: we must turn from the ways of this world and seek Yahuah with all our heart, mind, and strength. In doing so, we can walk in His fruitfulness, reflecting His image, living as faithful stewards of His creation, and embracing the fullness of His redemption. Through obedience, we find life, and through Yahusha, we secure our place in Yahuah’s eternal kingdom—a journey that leads from the fear of judgment to the joy of salvation.
The journey from disobedience to obedience is a movement from the fearful consequences of sin to the fruitfulness of a life aligned with Yahuah’s will. Embrace the promise of redemption, and let your life be a testament to His salvation, bearing fruit for His kingdom and walking in the fullness of His grace and truth.