A letter from the guys at my church to the girls at my church for valentines:
Women Theologians
Ladies,
As men, we can read the passages such as 1Timothy 2:9-15 or Corinthians 14:33-38 and see in them only restrictions on women. We can react and say, “You have to obey this rule and this restriction”. Although there is a reason for these verses, and we must take them very seriously, if this is our attitude we don’t understand these verses. These verses are not there to give us an attitude of “placing restrictions on women”; these verses instead challenge us as men to lead and honor the women around us.
We can look at the scriptures and see God’s heart for women. A Godly woman is described with eloquence and dignity throughout. We have women like Sarah, Ruth, and Esther, and many more who stand out in the history of Israel. We watch and listen as Jesus treats women with honor. They were always near ministering to him, and he to them. Paul walked with the women around him, relying on the gifts that God had given them. And there is so much more, but for times sake, I am barely even touching the surface of how the scripture describes the beauty of women. My point is I don’t believe that the majority of heroes of the faith should be men. As we see these scriptures opened up and obeyed we will see the churches littered with the heroines of the faith. There is no place for any thought that women have less to offer. The Bible screams against this and rebukes any man who contemplates this. It is not God’s heart to put restrictions on women. In the scriptures, He has provided an amazing protection of the beauty and the expressiveness that only a woman can provide. It is God’s heart for a woman to bloom, under the nourishment and protection of His word.
Our pastor has recently been talking about how Mary’s act of anointing Jesus before His death was a powerful and poignant act. In that act, one women out-theologized all the many men that were in the room. If anyone thinks because a women cannot preach or teach, she has less expression of theology they are wrong. Christ made it clear, what this woman had done would be told everywhere the Gospel was preached. By her act she has challenged both men and women over the ages wherever the Gospel has been preached. Jesus had no intention to limit this woman’s expression of theology . . . nor do the scriptures.
As men, God has called us to lead in the church, but we’d be a fool if we thought we were more than what we are, fellow servants in the Lord, co-laborers in the gospel of God’s grace, with no more influence and strength then the women around us. What Mary did was powerful and meaningful. And she out shone the men around her. A woman can express theology and influence the direction of the church in a way that a man could never do. The church cannot be all God has called it to be without the women, co-laboring with the men.
God has called us men to lead, but He has also called us to honor and cherish the women in our lives. Peter tells husbands that if they do not honor and value their wives, their prayers will not be heard. I don’t believe this just applies to a husband and a wife. If we as men do not honor and cherish the women in our church, we are in danger of having our prayers not heard. A woman has a desire to be captivating and God has left her with a means for that desire to be filled. A woman shouldn’t have to force herself on us to show her theological insight. No, instead as men, we should treat women as captivating and valued. We should seek out what their hearts and what their ideas are. We should be in awe of the insight that God has given women.
Sisters, as your brothers, we want to learn how to encourage you to express theology in the fullness of being a woman and to treat you with the eloquence and dignity that the scriptures dictate. We want you to feel valued and cherished. We want to fight for you with our prayers and actions. Not by convention; by loving you like Jesus, laying our lives down, letting our lives point to one who is truly Romantic, your Savior and Lord. May we be stripped away, so that you will see Jesus. Be patient, we still have a lot to learn, but we pursuing to learn more and grow together through God’s stunning grace in becoming men who treat you with honor, and with God’s help we will. He will grant what He commands . . . by grace alone.
May Our Eyes Always Be Upon Jesus
(written by Landon Lewis)
May our eyes always be upon Jesus,
The founder and perfecter of our faith,
So that we may not grow weary or faint
As we attempt each day to run the race.
Do not grant our eyes the chance to wander
Lest we will give in to the temptation
To stop and marvel at our endurance
Or cringe at our lack of motivation.
Direct our eyes to the one who came down
And though tempted to quit, ran for His church
In perfect, perpetual righteousness
And endured the cross to finish the work.
As our eyes behold your Son’s bloody stripes
May we rest in His race and perfect time
Because it is His hands that will carry us
And His legs that have crossed the finish line.
May God cultivate and bring your heart to full bloom,
Your brothers
Showing posts with label strength of a woman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label strength of a woman. Show all posts
Monday, February 16, 2009
Saturday, October 25, 2008
The Dignity of Women
Where are the men, in these days, who believe in women? Who believe in their strength and influence? Who are willing to stand in honor of the women around them? Where are the men who believe in the dignity of women? Where are the men who believe God at His word, when the scriptures give them such high honor? Below is a quote written by a man, during a war, declaring that the women were there hope. What is said here about women should not be something that is uncommon. It should be an attitude that we as men regularly portray. I want to challenge the men to believe God's word.
For the rest of this sermon go to: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=914081731428
For the rest of this sermon go to: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=914081731428
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Colossians 3:18-21
Colossians 3
18Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. 20Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.
18Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. 20Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.
Ephesians 5:22-33
Ephesians 5:22-33
22Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. 25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30because we are members of His body. 31FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. 32This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.
22Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. 25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30because we are members of His body. 31FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. 32This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.
Titus 2:1-5
Titus 2:1-5
1But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. 3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. 6Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
Women are commanded to stand up for God’s word and teach other women. Women should not shrink back from this command or allow the culture to rob them from standing up for these issues. The Bible commands them to teach other women to be women and if they do not they are in sin. This should be common, women teaching other women about what it means to be a women and how to honor men in the church and to be wives and mothers. Likewise, men are to disciple other men and teach them what it means to be a man. There needs to be mothers and fathers in the church.
1But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. 3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. 6Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
Women are commanded to stand up for God’s word and teach other women. Women should not shrink back from this command or allow the culture to rob them from standing up for these issues. The Bible commands them to teach other women to be women and if they do not they are in sin. This should be common, women teaching other women about what it means to be a women and how to honor men in the church and to be wives and mothers. Likewise, men are to disciple other men and teach them what it means to be a man. There needs to be mothers and fathers in the church.
Jeremiah 44:15-25
Jeremiah 44:15-25
15Then all the men who were aware that their wives were burning sacrifices to other gods, along with all the women who were standing by, as a large assembly, including all the people who were living in Pathros in the land of Egypt, responded to Jeremiah, saying, 16"As for the message that you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we are not going to listen to you! 17"But rather we will certainly carry out every word that has proceeded from our mouths, by burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, just as we ourselves, our forefathers, our kings and our princes did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; for then we had plenty of food and were well off and saw no misfortune. 18"But since we stopped burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything and have met our end by the sword and by famine." 19"And," said the women, "when we were burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and were pouring out drink offerings to her, was it without our husbands that we made for her sacrificial cakes in her image and poured out drink offerings to her?"
20Then Jeremiah said to all the people, to the men and women--even to all the people who were giving him such an answer--saying, 21"As for the smoking sacrifices that you burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, you and your forefathers, your kings and your princes, and the people of the land, did not the LORD remember them and did not all this come into His mind? 22"So the LORD was no longer able to endure it, because of the evil of your deeds, because of the abominations which you have committed; thus your land has become a ruin, an object of horror and a curse, without an inhabitant, as it is this day. 23"Because you have burned sacrifices and have sinned against the LORD and not obeyed the voice of the LORD or walked in His law, His statutes or His testimonies, therefore this calamity has befallen you, as it has this day." 24Then Jeremiah said to all the people, including all the women, "Hear the word of the LORD, all Judah who are in the land of Egypt, 25thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, as follows: 'As for you and your wives, you have spoken with your mouths and fulfilled it with your hands, saying, "We will certainly perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her " Go ahead and confirm your vows, and certainly perform your vows!'
Women have a large influence on men for evil or for good. Even though Solomon was the wisest man, he fell because of the influence of women.
15Then all the men who were aware that their wives were burning sacrifices to other gods, along with all the women who were standing by, as a large assembly, including all the people who were living in Pathros in the land of Egypt, responded to Jeremiah, saying, 16"As for the message that you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we are not going to listen to you! 17"But rather we will certainly carry out every word that has proceeded from our mouths, by burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, just as we ourselves, our forefathers, our kings and our princes did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; for then we had plenty of food and were well off and saw no misfortune. 18"But since we stopped burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything and have met our end by the sword and by famine." 19"And," said the women, "when we were burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and were pouring out drink offerings to her, was it without our husbands that we made for her sacrificial cakes in her image and poured out drink offerings to her?"
20Then Jeremiah said to all the people, to the men and women--even to all the people who were giving him such an answer--saying, 21"As for the smoking sacrifices that you burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, you and your forefathers, your kings and your princes, and the people of the land, did not the LORD remember them and did not all this come into His mind? 22"So the LORD was no longer able to endure it, because of the evil of your deeds, because of the abominations which you have committed; thus your land has become a ruin, an object of horror and a curse, without an inhabitant, as it is this day. 23"Because you have burned sacrifices and have sinned against the LORD and not obeyed the voice of the LORD or walked in His law, His statutes or His testimonies, therefore this calamity has befallen you, as it has this day." 24Then Jeremiah said to all the people, including all the women, "Hear the word of the LORD, all Judah who are in the land of Egypt, 25thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, as follows: 'As for you and your wives, you have spoken with your mouths and fulfilled it with your hands, saying, "We will certainly perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her " Go ahead and confirm your vows, and certainly perform your vows!'
Women have a large influence on men for evil or for good. Even though Solomon was the wisest man, he fell because of the influence of women.
Proverbs 14:1
Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
A woman is to actively seek to serve God. This is a command for a woman to actively build her home. A woman may not have the authority, but she does have the power and the influence to build her home or tear it down.
The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
A woman is to actively seek to serve God. This is a command for a woman to actively build her home. A woman may not have the authority, but she does have the power and the influence to build her home or tear it down.
Proverbs 11:16
Proverbs 11:16
A kindhearted woman gains respect,
but ruthless men gain only wealth.
Just because a woman cannot teach or have authority over a man, it does not mean that she is not to be highly respected, and even respected over certain men. A woman who embraces God’s calling for her is more respected than ruthless men who have neglected their role and responsibility before God.
A kindhearted woman gains respect,
but ruthless men gain only wealth.
Just because a woman cannot teach or have authority over a man, it does not mean that she is not to be highly respected, and even respected over certain men. A woman who embraces God’s calling for her is more respected than ruthless men who have neglected their role and responsibility before God.
Proverbs 31:31
Proverbs 31:31
31Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.
Even though this woman does not sit at the gates or discuss issues with the men, her reputation precedes her and brings her honor at the place of influence of the city. She is respected and has influence on the affairs of the city and I believe this respect and influence is greater than some of the men in the city. This verse also shows that it is not necessary for a woman to speak to influence the church or society for that matter. If she walks in womanhood and godliness she will influence many, more than if she tried to teach or take authority. And her influence will not only be a gain to her, but as we see in this chapter it is a gain to the husband, children, and the city; all these become greater not less because of her.
From a letter I wrote: I want to leave you with this thought. The Proverbs 31 women did not sit at the gates and yet she was praised at the gates. It is my belief that even though she was not in a place of authority, nor did she venture to speak at the gates, she had more influence than many of the men in the town. I would even venture to say that she had more influence than some of the men who sat at the city gates (I put this lightly, I think she had great influence). On top of this it says her husband is known in the city gates, when he sits among the elders. This is not a quality about the husband, it is a statement about the women (Proverbs 31 is about the wife not the husband). Also 1 Peter 3 shows how this character would influence an ungodly man. Imagine what it would do with a godly man. Also I know as a man there stronger way a woman could influence me; there is something about this kind of woman that challenges a man to be more than he is. I think power and influence in God's kingdom does not look like the world. And that is why I am not afraid to say, lets obey this. The scripture says that he makes the strong things foolish by what the world calls weakness. God's strength is often made powerfully evident in the things the world calls weak. And the greatest in the kingdom of God is the one who serves.
31Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.
Even though this woman does not sit at the gates or discuss issues with the men, her reputation precedes her and brings her honor at the place of influence of the city. She is respected and has influence on the affairs of the city and I believe this respect and influence is greater than some of the men in the city. This verse also shows that it is not necessary for a woman to speak to influence the church or society for that matter. If she walks in womanhood and godliness she will influence many, more than if she tried to teach or take authority. And her influence will not only be a gain to her, but as we see in this chapter it is a gain to the husband, children, and the city; all these become greater not less because of her.
From a letter I wrote: I want to leave you with this thought. The Proverbs 31 women did not sit at the gates and yet she was praised at the gates. It is my belief that even though she was not in a place of authority, nor did she venture to speak at the gates, she had more influence than many of the men in the town. I would even venture to say that she had more influence than some of the men who sat at the city gates (I put this lightly, I think she had great influence). On top of this it says her husband is known in the city gates, when he sits among the elders. This is not a quality about the husband, it is a statement about the women (Proverbs 31 is about the wife not the husband). Also 1 Peter 3 shows how this character would influence an ungodly man. Imagine what it would do with a godly man. Also I know as a man there stronger way a woman could influence me; there is something about this kind of woman that challenges a man to be more than he is. I think power and influence in God's kingdom does not look like the world. And that is why I am not afraid to say, lets obey this. The scripture says that he makes the strong things foolish by what the world calls weakness. God's strength is often made powerfully evident in the things the world calls weak. And the greatest in the kingdom of God is the one who serves.
Proverbs 31:30
Proverbs 31:30
30Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Part of a letter I wrote: How does God define beauty? – simply; womanhood. Proverbs talks about womanhood and says, "her worth is far above jewels . . . . Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised." We have been lied to. This is the standard of beauty. This is captivating. It is captivating beauty that is far above any other standard of beauty. It is a standard of what should attract us as men as we pursue to find a wife, physical attributes should no longer be the standard. And it is a standard by how we treat other women other then our wife. It is not only our duty to have this as our standard of beauty but it is also our delight and exceeding joy, as God transforms our definition of beauty to His and His passions become our own. Women need this from us, the passion of God through us, declaring to them that they as women are beautiful, more precious then jewels. Oh, how "good and acceptable and perfect" is the will of God and how wonderful is His gifts to us!
If God defines beauty as womanhood, I want to defend this as a man. The world has attacked the integrity and strength of womanhood. A man does not sit back idle while a woman is beaten, but instead steps in front of her and defends her. Women are oppressed in the church by those who will either ignore scripture or discredit the Word and the Word’s power and wisdom. On one side, oppression comes from restricting the role of a woman, till it loses its strength, treating them as worthless and not allowing them to have influence. On the other side, the role of a woman and its strength is all together denied. This picture is contrary to the picture in the scriptures, where the man is the head, but serves her as Christ would serve the church. This struggle has played out throughout history and has even entered the church. One of the most controversial scriptures regarding this is "in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve." What freedom is in this verse for women! It underscores a strength and influence that God has given women. And yet some have used this to oppress women further than what this scripture allows and choked the life out of the Word of God and others have ignored it, and denied the power and strength of womanhood and power of the Word of God.
I will try to explain. Paul writes this because, "For Adam was formed first, then Eve." This was God’s heart before sin entered the world. God created Adam first, because he was to be a man. We as men are to embody manhood. He was created first because he had a role to fill that was specific to a man, to lead out, to be a king, warrior, father, priest, to display the glory of God. The woman was also given strength, power, and influence, but as woman and not as a man. I said the verse in 1 Timothy 2 was freedom for a women. What does it give to a woman? It says, "Let a woman learn in silence with all submission." Our culture, paints a different picture of these words then the scripture. It is a command that provides a woman as much influence in the affairs of the church as a man. Her role is vital to the strength of the church. In 1 Peter 3:3 "Do not let your adornment be merely outward – arranging of the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." How strong is this gentle and quiet spirit! It is strong enough to change the hard heart of an ungodly man. "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear." If it has this affect on the ungodly man, how much more so on the godly men. A woman like this will influence the direction of the church and build the church in the Lord and challenge the church to be more. Far from being weak, it is an amazing strength. "God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty" 1 Corinthians 1:27. This is an incorruptible beauty that is very precious in the sight of God. Oh, how indescribable is the wisdom of God! It is in God’s heart for a woman to display His character, glory, majesty, and strength through a "gentle and quiet spirit" and to powerfully influence the church "in silence." When 2 Timothy commands a woman to be in silence, it is not a restriction, but a command to live fully and to influence the church fully. This is a woman’s strength. This is a woman’s power. When the scripture says "in silence" it does not mean inaction, but action. If anything, this truth is more demanding on a woman than any concept of the world. As an example, Proverbs 31 talks about a woman, who had the heart of her husband and children. She was respected and trusted, not only by her husband and children, but also by the city. She was a woman who had strength and influence and helped to shape the course of her family and city, but she did this "in silence" and with a "gentle and quiet spirit". It is obvious from this chapter that this is a call to action. The scripture speaks much more on the role of women and their call to action. This letter would be long if I wrote on all that God has commanded a woman to do. I could go further into theology (I am barely touching the surface with the word of God) and history, and further into all that God has for women. I believe that women have a huge influence in the church. I have seen women turn the tide in situations in a way that no man could. God has given them a strength that we as men cannot imitate well. We need them, desperately. But I am writing this not to defend this so much, but more so to say that want to learn to be a man who encourages women to live fully. As a man I want to defend this beauty and strength that God has given women. I want to stand up when the world tries to come in and oppress her from every direction. I want to defend her honor, her integrity, her strength, her beauty, and her womanhood. And I want to honor God, in honoring my sisters, His daughters, His princesses.
God has called us men to a place of stepping up, this is our role. I want to do that and be an example of a godly man, for our women. Women need us to be men of God. I want to be this. I am writing this because I am weak and I need the support of my brother’s to live this out and I want to express this desire, so they can walk with me in this. I do not believe a man lives alone, but instead goes to battle with his brothers. I am asking you and my brothers to hold me accountable and to demand this from me."
30Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Part of a letter I wrote: How does God define beauty? – simply; womanhood. Proverbs talks about womanhood and says, "her worth is far above jewels . . . . Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised." We have been lied to. This is the standard of beauty. This is captivating. It is captivating beauty that is far above any other standard of beauty. It is a standard of what should attract us as men as we pursue to find a wife, physical attributes should no longer be the standard. And it is a standard by how we treat other women other then our wife. It is not only our duty to have this as our standard of beauty but it is also our delight and exceeding joy, as God transforms our definition of beauty to His and His passions become our own. Women need this from us, the passion of God through us, declaring to them that they as women are beautiful, more precious then jewels. Oh, how "good and acceptable and perfect" is the will of God and how wonderful is His gifts to us!
If God defines beauty as womanhood, I want to defend this as a man. The world has attacked the integrity and strength of womanhood. A man does not sit back idle while a woman is beaten, but instead steps in front of her and defends her. Women are oppressed in the church by those who will either ignore scripture or discredit the Word and the Word’s power and wisdom. On one side, oppression comes from restricting the role of a woman, till it loses its strength, treating them as worthless and not allowing them to have influence. On the other side, the role of a woman and its strength is all together denied. This picture is contrary to the picture in the scriptures, where the man is the head, but serves her as Christ would serve the church. This struggle has played out throughout history and has even entered the church. One of the most controversial scriptures regarding this is "in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve." What freedom is in this verse for women! It underscores a strength and influence that God has given women. And yet some have used this to oppress women further than what this scripture allows and choked the life out of the Word of God and others have ignored it, and denied the power and strength of womanhood and power of the Word of God.
I will try to explain. Paul writes this because, "For Adam was formed first, then Eve." This was God’s heart before sin entered the world. God created Adam first, because he was to be a man. We as men are to embody manhood. He was created first because he had a role to fill that was specific to a man, to lead out, to be a king, warrior, father, priest, to display the glory of God. The woman was also given strength, power, and influence, but as woman and not as a man. I said the verse in 1 Timothy 2 was freedom for a women. What does it give to a woman? It says, "Let a woman learn in silence with all submission." Our culture, paints a different picture of these words then the scripture. It is a command that provides a woman as much influence in the affairs of the church as a man. Her role is vital to the strength of the church. In 1 Peter 3:3 "Do not let your adornment be merely outward – arranging of the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." How strong is this gentle and quiet spirit! It is strong enough to change the hard heart of an ungodly man. "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear." If it has this affect on the ungodly man, how much more so on the godly men. A woman like this will influence the direction of the church and build the church in the Lord and challenge the church to be more. Far from being weak, it is an amazing strength. "God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty" 1 Corinthians 1:27. This is an incorruptible beauty that is very precious in the sight of God. Oh, how indescribable is the wisdom of God! It is in God’s heart for a woman to display His character, glory, majesty, and strength through a "gentle and quiet spirit" and to powerfully influence the church "in silence." When 2 Timothy commands a woman to be in silence, it is not a restriction, but a command to live fully and to influence the church fully. This is a woman’s strength. This is a woman’s power. When the scripture says "in silence" it does not mean inaction, but action. If anything, this truth is more demanding on a woman than any concept of the world. As an example, Proverbs 31 talks about a woman, who had the heart of her husband and children. She was respected and trusted, not only by her husband and children, but also by the city. She was a woman who had strength and influence and helped to shape the course of her family and city, but she did this "in silence" and with a "gentle and quiet spirit". It is obvious from this chapter that this is a call to action. The scripture speaks much more on the role of women and their call to action. This letter would be long if I wrote on all that God has commanded a woman to do. I could go further into theology (I am barely touching the surface with the word of God) and history, and further into all that God has for women. I believe that women have a huge influence in the church. I have seen women turn the tide in situations in a way that no man could. God has given them a strength that we as men cannot imitate well. We need them, desperately. But I am writing this not to defend this so much, but more so to say that want to learn to be a man who encourages women to live fully. As a man I want to defend this beauty and strength that God has given women. I want to stand up when the world tries to come in and oppress her from every direction. I want to defend her honor, her integrity, her strength, her beauty, and her womanhood. And I want to honor God, in honoring my sisters, His daughters, His princesses.
God has called us men to a place of stepping up, this is our role. I want to do that and be an example of a godly man, for our women. Women need us to be men of God. I want to be this. I am writing this because I am weak and I need the support of my brother’s to live this out and I want to express this desire, so they can walk with me in this. I do not believe a man lives alone, but instead goes to battle with his brothers. I am asking you and my brothers to hold me accountable and to demand this from me."
Proverbs 31:27
Proverbs 31:27
7She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
She is diligent and faithful. She builds her home.
7She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
She is diligent and faithful. She builds her home.
Proverbs 31:25,26
Proverbs 31:25,26
25Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
26She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
This woman is knowledgeable, wise, gives good council and instruction. I believe that in all that a woman does she should always be presenting the gospel and the character of God in both deeds and word. She may not be able to teach or have authority over a man, but that is not excuse for her not to teach through her life and in the times that are appropriate for her to speak, her words should fall sweetly and speak of the depth of God. If others are not learning from a woman, she is not walking in the fullness that God has for her.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
26She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
This woman is knowledgeable, wise, gives good council and instruction. I believe that in all that a woman does she should always be presenting the gospel and the character of God in both deeds and word. She may not be able to teach or have authority over a man, but that is not excuse for her not to teach through her life and in the times that are appropriate for her to speak, her words should fall sweetly and speak of the depth of God. If others are not learning from a woman, she is not walking in the fullness that God has for her.
Proverbs 31:24
Proverbs 31:24
24She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
She is industrious.
24She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
She is industrious.
Proverbs 31:23
Proverbs 31:23
23Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
This whole chapter is about the woman, not the man, and I believe this verse is about her as well. I believe it is saying this man has the reputation he has at the gates because of his wife. I think this is because of two things. Here godly walk and encouragement makes him a better man and her repetition brings him honor. She is the glory of her husband. Instead of speaking, I believe it is the role of a woman to build up men to speak, specifically her husband.
23Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
This whole chapter is about the woman, not the man, and I believe this verse is about her as well. I believe it is saying this man has the reputation he has at the gates because of his wife. I think this is because of two things. Here godly walk and encouragement makes him a better man and her repetition brings him honor. She is the glory of her husband. Instead of speaking, I believe it is the role of a woman to build up men to speak, specifically her husband.
Proverbs 31:22
Proverbs 31:22
22She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
She wears honor and is honorable. She also presents herself well.
22She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
She wears honor and is honorable. She also presents herself well.
Proverbs 31:21
Proverbs 31:21
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She does not need to fear for her family for she has done well. She looks after her family’s welfare.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She does not need to fear for her family for she has done well. She looks after her family’s welfare.
Proverbs 31:17-19
Proverbs 31:17-19
17She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
She is strong in her womanhood and senses her work as good and a delight. Womanhood is pleasant for her.
17She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
She is strong in her womanhood and senses her work as good and a delight. Womanhood is pleasant for her.
Proverbs 31:16
Proverbs 31:16
16She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
This woman is also industries and intelligent and is able to make financial decisions and take business opportunities that prosper her family.
16She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
This woman is also industries and intelligent and is able to make financial decisions and take business opportunities that prosper her family.
Proverbs 13-15, homemaker
Proverbs 13-15
13She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
14She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
This woman attends and builds her home well.
13She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
14She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
This woman attends and builds her home well.
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