The Worthy Woman
Introduction:
The role of women in the local
congregation is vital to the future of that church.
There are just a few limitations placed upon women
compared to the large number of works in which she can
be involved. Each and every congregation of God’s
people would find it very difficult to function
effectively without the input of the women. Their work
is extremely valuable and important. It’s just
different in some ways than men’s work.
Body:
I.
Examples in the New Testament of Women’s
Work
A.
Phoebe
(Romans 16:1-2) “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who
is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may
receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the
saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need
of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of
myself also.”
NKJV
Her work as a servant of the church in Cenchrea was
highly regarded by Paul. It even impacted the
congregation in Rome. She had assisted Paul in his
endeavors to preach the gospel. She was more concerned
with furthering the kingdom than in following her own
desires. She was also called a “helper.” Vine:
A word of dignity indicates high esteem with which she
was regarded. Thayer: One who cares “for
the affairs of others” and aids “them with her
resources.” A truly remarkable woman!
B.
Tabitha
[Dorcas] (Acts 9:36-42) “At Joppa there was a
certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated
Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and
charitable deeds which she did. 39b And all the widows
stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments
which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 41b, 42
he presented her alive. And it became known throughout
all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.”
NKJV [“Full
of” – abounding] She used what she had to help and
serve others. She had used her sewing talent for good
as well. She brought glory to God and was well-thought
of among the brethren. May we all strive for the same.
C.
Priscilla
and Aquila (Romans 16:3-5a) “Greet Priscilla and
Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked
their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give
thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
Likewise greet the church that is in their house.”
NKJV
Recall that both had been involved with
instructing Apollos in the way of the Lord more
accurately. Paul referred to them here as fellow
workers. Both were actively involved in the Lord’s
work. They had risked their lives for Paul as well as
opening up their home so the church could meet there.
II.
Ways Women May Serve Their Lord
A.
In the Home Read Titus 2:1-5. “But
as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound
doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent,
temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the
older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior,
not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good
things – that they admonish the young women to love
their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet,
chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”
NKJV
1.
Wife Love her husband, [seek what
is best for him, what is in his best interest]. Be in
subjection to her husband. (I Peter 3:1) “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,”
NKJV
Respect his God-given leadership role. When you do
this, you are serving Christ. It is not demeaning – but
God pleasing. (Proverbs 12:4) “An excellent wife
is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is
like rottenness in his bones.”
NKJV
2.
Mother Love her children, [have
their best welfare at heart]. This is an unselfish
work, often very tiring and not very glamorous! Caring
for her children’s physical concerns is time-consuming
and exhausting. But all of us are indebted to our
mothers for the great care given to us through the
years. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Men are what
their mothers made them.” Women are equipped with
special abilities. They are much better care-givers and
nurturers than are men.
Mothers
“It is to her we turn and depend when the
heart is sore, the body racked with pain, the soul
filled with sorrow, and the spirit broken by
bitterness. We long for the touch of her hand, the
soothing music of her voice, the light of her smiles,
and the healing counsel coming from her union with
Jehovah.” God’s Woman, C. R. Nichol
Along with this, she is to be a
homemaker, a good manager of the household, a diligent
worker in this area. This is also a God-given role for
her. Note: Proverbs 31:15, 27-28. “She also rises
while it is yet night, And provides food for her
household, And a portion for her maidservants. 27-28 She
watches over the ways of her household And does not eat
the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call
her blesses; Her husband also, and he praise her:”
NKJV
A great blessing that comes with being a mother is the
opportunity of teaching her children the ways of the
Lord, especially during their younger years.
Recall the words of II Timothy 1:5 “5 when I call to
remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which
dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother
Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” and II
Timothy 3:14-15. “But you must continue in the things
which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from
whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you
have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make
you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus.”
NKJV
Timothy’s mother and grandmother filled a very important
role, especially since the father had no part in his
spiritual training. This role cannot be
over-emphasized!
3.
Teacher
a.
Older women are to teach younger ones.
(Titus 2) Teach them to be good wives and mothers.
b.
Teach women’s classes where just women
are present. [Comment on class at Nettleton.]
c.
Teach children’s classes. They are very
well-adapted in this area. Women excel and exert
immense influence which will last for eternity.
4.
Personal Worker
a.
One-on-one studies – no situations where
she exerts authority over a man, though. Recall the
woman at the well. (John 4) Priscilla (Acts 18) and
those who were scattered in Acts 8.
(Philippians 4:3) “And I urge you also,
true companion, help these women who labored with me in
the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow
workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.”
NKJV
b.
Send and grade correspondence courses.
Truth for the World
c.
Hand out tracts; send mailers or flyers
to the community.
5.
Benevolence
a.
Visit the sick at home or in the
hospital. This is very effective, probably because in
general she is more sympathetic and understanding.
“Better bed-side manners”
b.
Organize activities: fellowships,
potlucks, showers, meals for families [funerals,
illnesses].
c.
Send cards, make quilts, gather and sort
clothes for the poor.
Conclusion:
The above is just the tip of the
iceberg. Women contribute to all areas of vital
importance to the local church. They contribute
immeasurable to the work of the Lord’s church. We all
have work to do. Are you doing yours?
Bobby Stafford
July 26, 2015
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