1)      Jesus once said we can “know the truth( Jn. 8:32).

2)      I am pretty sure that those who are here believe that Jesus was right.

3)      I am also confident that those who are here believe the rest of Jn. 8:32.

4)      At the end of this verse Jesus said the “truth” makes people free.  Truth is good.

a)      Some do not want it because it conflicts with their personal beliefs.

b)      We find other cases where people turn away from the truth because they think it is too narrow.

c)      Truth may be rejected because it goes against what the majority of people believe.

d)     I begin this morning with a simple but key point:  truth is truth.

 

5)      Truth is not settled by a majority vote, popular opinion, a government, or the latest poll.

6)      Today we are going to look at the truth about women.

7)      Our study starts in the first book of the Bible, the book we know as Genesis.

a)      As you open your Bible to Gen.1, please accept my appreciation for being with you.

b)      For several years this congregation has put together a very nice and timely program.

c)      A day like this always requires help from a large number of people.

d)     To all who have helped make this day possible, thank you.

e)      For those who have had a part in inviting me to be with you, thank you.

 

8)      If you have found Gen. 1, let’s read verse 27 together – READ

a)      God made “man” in His image.

b)      Notice the word “man” – does MAN mean “male” or “man” in the sense of mankind?

c)      This is an important question to answer because of what follows.

d)     In verse 28 we have information about this “man” subduing the earth.

e)      The “man” in verse 27 is to have dominion over the fish of the sea and the birds of the heaven.

f)       In fact, the “man” of verse 27 is to be over all the living things on the earth.

 

9)      Is the word “man” inclusive of the female gender or does it only describe males?

10)  “Man” describes both.  This is clear from the Hebrew text as well as our English translations.

11)  At the end of verse 27 we are told that God created “male and female.”

12)  Male and female have been created in the image of God and both have dominion over the earth.

a)      When we study the role of men and women this is a very important point.

b)      In some very significant ways men and women are equal.

c)      They both have authority over all of God’s creation.

 

13)  By saying “male” and “female” God also implied there are some differences.

14)  Men and women have equality in many ways, but equality does not mean they are the same in every way.

a)      Not long ago I met a lady who shook my hand.  She had a grip that was like a construction worker’s hand.

b)      When it comes to physical strength, most women do not have the strength of a male. 

c)      There are exceptions, but the general physical makeup of men and women is different.

d)     There are physical differences, but the spiritual nature is basically the same.

e)      Each has a soul, each sins, each needs a savior, each can become a child of God, each can go to heaven.

f)       We could study men and women from the standpoint of how they are the same and how they are different.

g)      Today we begin with a brief foundation from Genesis 1and 2.

 

15)  Adam needed a helper; he had a chance to look at the animals God created.

16)  Out of all the animal creation there was not a single suitable helper for him.  Why not?

17)  Not one of the animals had the spiritual qualities possessed by the first man.

18)  Adam needed another human—someone with similar physical, intellectual, and emotional qualities.

19)  Many have noted how Eve was not taken from Adam’s feet (implying he could trample on her).

20)  Eve was not formed from Adam’s head (indicating she would rule over him).

21)  Taking something from his side indicated a companion—equality.

a)      Whatever a woman’s role is, equality must be part of the conclusion.

b)      Equality does not mean that a person will have the exact same role as another individual.

c)      Imagine a setting where there are two cups of coffee on a table; each cup is the same.

d)     Inside each cup is exactly 5 ounces of a beverage.

e)      One cup has coffee and the other has orange juice.  Things are basically equal but not identical.

f)       In some respects a woman’s role is identical to that of men.  In other respects it is not.

 

22)  We now come to the main point of our lesson.

23)  What is a woman’s role?  This question can be broken down into additional questions.

a)       Are we talking about her role in the church, in society, work world, in the home, in marriage, in the military or something else?

b)      Our topic is broad enough to cover every place a woman might be.

 

24)  In describing the role of women we may offer this general answer:  she is to follow the will of God.

a)      God has a will; His will can be followed or not followed.

b)      When it is not followed, a person is not fulfilling their divine role.

c)      The proper role for women (as well as men) is to see what God’s word says and then do it.

d)     This is also the role for males and children. 

e)      Until the end of time God has a role for all people in all cultures that people are to heed.

 

BASED ON WHAT HAS BEE SAID THUS FAR WE ARE IN A POSITION TO ASK WHAT GOD’S SPECIFIC WILL IS FOR HUMAN FEMALES.  WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT A WOMAN’S ROLE?

 

a)      As all here probably know, this is a very broad subject and it is discussed throughout the Bible.

b)      Since today we are thinking about the book of Proverbs, my statements will be confined to this book.

c)      My remaining information is going to be given fairly quickly and it will fall into two categories.

d)     We can define the role of women positively and negatively from the book of Proverbs.

 

2)      Since it is good to end on a positive note, we will start with the negative.

3)      In Prov. 5-9 we read about wicked women.  Some ladies do not fulfill the role God has given them.

a)      God wants women to be righteous (just as men), but some do not make this choice.

b)      Prov. 5:3 refers to “strange women” (the writer is describing prostitutes) – that is the wrong role for women.

c)      Verse 3 describes enticing men – he says “her mouth is smoother than oil.”

d)     The author behind the Proverbs knew some things about humanity.

e)      Women have used their bodies in illicit ways; God says that is not the right role for women.

f)       Sex and sensuality outside of marriage get a lot of attention, but that is not God’s will for ladies.

g)      Women can talk, dress, and act provocatively as they interact with men who are not their husbands.

h)      Prov. 5 says this is not God’s will for any woman no matter what her age.

i)        This teaching applies to girls in their teens as well as women who are on social security.

j)        Lewd and loose women are not on the side of right.

k)      This is an especially important message for young women in the church.

 

4)      I read a sad story the other day from a member of the church.

5)      A wife was waiting for her husband and she was listening to some children talk.

6)      These young people ranged in age from 6-8 – they were well under the age of 10.

7)      There were four girls and one boy in the group.

8)      The girls were speaking about their boyfriends and who would be having sexual intercourse.

9)      A lot of young girls get off to a bad start – that is not God’s will.

10)  Sometimes that bad start leads women into the type of life described in Prov. 5-9.

a)      Women can take such a bad course the Proverb writer (5:8) says “run” from them.

b)      When a woman chooses this type of role, she may be carrier of a sexually transmitted disease, verse 11.

11)  The writer speaks of a person’s “body and flesh” being consumed.

12)  It is not God’s will that women get and infect people with a STD.

13)  One does not have to be old to get a STD –- teenagers can get infected just as well as older people.

14)  Women can make some choices that really displease God.

15)  Another bad choice that we find in this book is found in Prov. 12 and prov. 19.

 

16)  I once spoke with a young married couple that was facing with some very difficult times.

17)  The husband said he did not “feel loved” by his wife.  Both were at fault in the marriage.

18)  I told the young wife, “You can build up your husband or you can destroy him.”

19)  The way you treat your man will make him feel like a million dollars or you can rip him apart.”

20)  A woman can be like “rottenness” in a man’s bones (Prov. 12:4).

a)      By a woman’s looks, actions and words females can inflict great damage on men.

b)      This is not God’s will for men or women, but it is a possible choice.

c)      A wife can nit pick, fault, complain, whine, and absolutely devastate the man she is with.

d)     Prov. 19:13 makes this point in an even more dramatic way.

e)      Here the wise man said a nagging wife is like a constant drip.  Imagine a leaking faucet.

f)       Have you ever had one of those in your house?

g)      You are trying to sleep and you keep hearing water plop into a sink or bathtub.

h)      A wife can become a chronic complainer.  Her whining never stops.

i)        God says that is not a proper role for a woman.

    

RATHER THAN LIVE IN VIOLATION OF GOD’S WILL, GOD WANTS WOMEN TO FOLLOW WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS.  THIS IS THEIR PROPER ROLE, AND MUCH ABOUT THE POSITIVE SIDE OF THIS TOPIC IS FOUND IN THE BOOK OF PROVERBS.

 

a)      Prov. 31:17 has a good summary of the “worthy woman.”

b)      Verse 10 begins the discussion about finding a “good wife.”

c)      Verse 17 serves as a mini conclusion to the first few verses; it says a fine lady is a hard worker.

d)     What is the proper role for a woman?  She is to work.  This does not mean she does it all.

e)      Men are also to work, but some other speaker will have to deal with that point.

f)       When people are not willing to work, they violate a basic instruction in the Bible.

g)      Lazy women (and men) are not pleasing to God.  They are not fulfilling their role.

h)      A woman’s work will often extend to many areas, three of which are the home, church, outside activities.

i)        A woman who is working (and men too) will think there are not enough hours in the day.

j)        If you have ever reasoned that you would like a little more time, you are probably headed in the right direction.

k)      Some of a woman’s work will involve her family.

l)        Verse 11 says if a woman is married, her husband is to be able to trust her.  His “heart” trusts her.

m)    No man with any sense wants a wife he cannot trust.  No woman wants a man she cannot trust.

n)      When a woman marries, part of her role is to be a companion for her husband.

o)      A wife is to be there for her mate and a man is to be there for her.

p)      The reverse is also true, but that is off topic.

 

2)      Verse 12 says a wife helps her husband; in the home a wife has some responsibilities to her spouse.

3)      This same verse says she “does him good and not evil.”

4)      A lot of wives “do evil” to their husbands (many men treat their wives in this same manner).

5)      God’s says a wife’s role is to DO GOOD to the man she married.

6)      This is not once or twice a year (maybe on her husband’s birthday or their anniversary).

7)      The text says she does good “all the days of her life.”  This is a big responsibility that last a lifetime.

a)      Most of these basic points are usually conveyed when two people get married.

b)      A man and a woman vow to love, care for and help one another.

c)      These words are not just words—at a marriage ceremony the preacher describes responsibilities.

d)     Verse 26 in Prov. 31 speaks of a woman offering “wise” words to her husband.

e)      A wife should be reflective and contemplative.  Her role is to help her husband.

 

8)      It has been said that behind every good man is a good woman.

9)      Many men are successful because of their wives.

10)  Children have often done very well because of mom.

11)  Men have many responsibilities in rearing children.  Women are also great teachers.

12)  There is a poem entitled “The Hand That Rock the Cradle” by William Ross.

13)  A lot of people have found some wisdom in what this man wrote.

14)  What we see in Prov. 31 is really a parallel to the early information in Genesis.

a)      Eve was not created to go out and conquer the world; she was a helpmeet.

b)      She was to be by Adam’s side – this is precisely the picture we get in Prov. 31.

15)  I have some neighbors and they are both preachers.  It is a husband and wife team.

a)      God intended for husbands and wives to be a team, but my neighbors have it wrong.

b)      Rather than equality with differing roles, the world often wants equality and sameness of role.

c)      That is not God ‘s will.

d)     Listen carefully to verse 10 in Prov. 31 – READ

 

16)  The text does not say, “a worthy king who can find”?  The king was not looking for a co-ruler.

17)  What was being sought was a woman—a wife—a companion—a helpmeet.

18)  There are passages in the New Testament such as 1 Tim. 2 that talk about leadership in the church.

19)   In those verses Paul specifically says men (males) are responsible for preaching and teaching in mixed assemblies.

a)      If we did not have that information we could deduce these things from the Old Testament.

b)      The leadership role in spiritual matters has been given to males.

c)      There were times in the Old Testament when God used women like Deborah.

d)     God turned to women when men failed to stand up and be men.

e)      Now God says those days are gone – the times of ignorance God “winked at” (Acts 17:30).

f)       God tells men to stand up and be men:  fulfill their destiny (responsibility).

 

20)  Women have work to do – more work than they could ever hope to accomplish in a lifetime.

a)      Prov. 12:4 says a wife is her husband’s “joy and crown.”  What a great description.

b)      I can’t name a single woman who wants to be introduced as man’s “old lady.”

c)      I once knew a preacher who called his wife “the old bag of bones.”

d)     He may have thought it was funny – I never got the impression his wife liked that description.

e)      If you are a wife or even a single person, imagine being adored by a loving husband.

f)       He loves you as much as you could ever imagine being loved.

g)      He regards you as his joy and crown.

h)      He wants to love, protect, honor and help you.  He wants you as the queen of your home.

i)        Those actions make a woman feel good, special, fulfilled.

j)        This is God’s role for women in the home—to be loved and adored by a husband.

 

21)  This can happen if a woman is fulfilling her God given role and the man is doing what he should.

22)  A woman’s role is “building her house” (Prov. 14:1).  This does not mean she is a carpenter.

a)      She works at making her house a home.

b)      Some women work outside the home and that is recognized in Prov. 31.

c)      A lot of women work outside the home and that is a matter of personal judgment (Rom. 14).

d)     If you make this choice, bear this in mind.

23)  Everything that is done outside the home should have a lower priority than work in the home.

a)      At a wedding ceremony, people marry a person, not a job.

b)      A job will not last into eternity; the client that may be so important today may be out of business in 6 months.

c)      Deadlines come and go.  Bosses retire and die.  Even jobs come and go.

d)     Our spouses and our children have eternal value and thus deserve first priority.

24)  The author of Prov. 14 said a woman has gifts that can literally build a house.

a)      She may never pick up a hammer or saw, but she can build the most beautiful of homes.

b)      She can create an environment of love, tranquility, peace, harmony, and joy.

 

25)  I know a man that comes home, gets undressed, and puts on what he calls his “happy pants.”

26)  He changes from his work clothes to something casual.  There is nothing magical about his pants.

27)  His home is a happy place and much of that environment comes from his wife.

28)  Some women may have the idea that their role is to look beautiful to all who see them.

29)  Listen to God: Do not let your adornment be merely outward — arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel —  4 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.

30)  Women engage in some of the most special and important work in the world.

31)  Maybe that is why we set aside a day to honor them each year.

32)  To those women who seek to fulfill their divine responsibility, you should find great satisfaction with your life.

33)  To any man who has a wife seeking to live out the role the Bible has assigned for her, let her know you love and appreciate her.