God Fearing Women Are to Be Praised (Proverbs 31:30-31)
Introduction:
1. In this chapter King Lemuel described a virtuous woman. 2. He concluded by stating that a God fearing woman is to be praised. 3. One way she is to be praised is by "her own works." 4. In our lesson we are covering passages that reveal God's will concerning the work of God fearing women in the church. 5. Let us begin by pointing out . . .
Discussion:
I. SOME WORKS IN WHICH WOMEN MAY PARTICIPATE
A. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) Christian women are to adorn themselves with "good works." 1. "Good works" include a variety of good activities, especially acts of service. 2. The Bible tells us about many women who did good works, including: a. Dorcas (Acts 9:36, 39) b. Mary, the mother of John Mark (Acts 12:12) c. Phebe (Romans 16:1-2). B. Women may be of great assistance to preachers (Philippians 4:3). C. Women are to teach. 1. Women are to teach children, especially their own (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). 2. Older women are to teach younger women (Titus 2:3-5). 3. Women may teach with their husbands in private settings (Acts 18:26). D. Women may participate in a variety of works in the church; however, . . .
II. GOD HAS PLACED CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON THE WORK OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH
A. These restrictions do not mean that women are inferior to men. 1. Concerning salvation in Christ, we are all one (Galatians 3:26-28). 2. Even though we are one in Christ, God has given men and women different responsibilities that each is to fulfill. 3. As we examine these responsibilities, we see that women are given certain restrictions. 4. Let us keep in mind that one component of fearing God is "greatly delighting in His commandments" (Psalm 112:1). B. According to 1 Timothy 3:1-2, women may not be appointed as "elders." C. We learn from 1 Timothy 3:12 that women may not be appointed as "deaconesses." D. Women may not serve as teachers in a "mixed" assembly [consisting of men and women]. 1. Some are surprised to learn this, but there were "women prophets" [prophetesses] in the early church. a. (Acts 21:8-9) Philip the evangelist had 4 daughters who prophesied. b. "Prophecy" was one of the 9 spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. c. Prophets taught God's Word through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 2. Women who prophesied were given certain restrictions revealed in: a. 1 Corinthians 11:3-5 b. 1 Corinthians 14:32-35 c. 1 Timothy 2:11-12. 3. To summarize,: a. women may teach children b. women may teach other women c. women may teach with their husbands in private settings d. women are forbidden to teach audiences consisting of men and women.
Conclusion:
1. According to the Bible, women play a vital role in the work of the church. 2. Let us observe the restrictions that God has given to women in His Word. 3. See Proverbs 31:30-31.
