The Christian Woman - The Christian Woman's Ministry and Witness

Transcription

1 The Christian Woman - The Christian Woman's Ministry and Witness Introduction: All Christians are ministers (servants) to others and witnesses of God's truth. This is as true of women as of men. Part One: A Woman's Ministry -- Ruth Shelburne I. God does have a ministry for each one and all of us. A. Singles and single mothers can let God and Christ fill the place of a partner. (George) B. "Women do two thirds of the world's work, grow at least half of the world's food, and still find time to produce every single one of the world's babies." (Newman) II. Women are valuable to God. A. He loves and approves us. We were his idea. B. Power of our words. C. Our prayer: "Dear Lord, please help me to invest what I have and not worry or covet what I do not have. You have given me everything I need to carry out my mission and ministry. May I do so faithfully and with joy." Women can minister in: A. Teaching B. Writing C. Singing D. Praying E. Giving F. Drama G. Serving - the fields are open and the harvest is white. IV. Women in the 21st Century A. All we are and have belongs to God (talents are gifts from God). B. Spiritual gifts - identify them and be accountable to God for the way we use them Matthew 25:14-30 V. Fear hinders our use of our gifts from God

2 A. Three kinds of fear: 1. Self doubt - fear of failure which is worse than failure itself. 2. Self consciousness - centering on self rather than on God and the ministry He has given us to use for the Kingdom. 3. Self pity - I have failed in the past so I'm afraid I will fail again so I'm never going to try. B. Three examples of failure in scripture: 1. Moses was a murderer and failed at his first attempt to deliver his people, yet God used him powerfully. 2. David was an adulterer yet he was called a man after God's own heart (after he repented). 3. Abraham was a liar yet he was called the friend of God (he called his wife his sister - a half truth for she was his half sister). VI. Message is: God uses imperfect people to do his work. VII. In this course we will use Biblical role boundaries. This is a controversial area of Bible interpretation. We respect honest differences of opinion and interpretation. We will try to be very faithful to the Word of God. V Does scripture give leadership to men? If so: A. This does not mean one role is more valuable than the other, simply that they are different. B. We can question and resist, or we can accept God's counsel and get on with ministry within God's guidelines and be fruitful. C. When we are led by God's Spirit there is no competition between men and women - we are on the same team. D. Women were created "a helper suitable for man..." Genesis 2. E. We are "heirs together of the grace of life." 1 Peter 3:7. F. God's servants don't have to agree on every fine point of applying God's teaching about male and female roles. There is room for differences on "disputable matters." Romans 14. IX. Women and men differ: A. Physically. B. Emotionally. 2

3 X. God's wisdom A. Isaiah 55:8,9 - God's thoughts and ways are higher. B. Philippians 2: Christ submitted to God. C. Isaiah 64:8 - God is the potter, we are the clay. D. Romans 9:20 - Can we talk back to God? XI. Great Christian women throughout history have made a pivotal difference in the history of the Christian world. A. Mother Teresa B. Corrie ten Boom C. Elizabeth Elliott D. Susannah Wesley E. Women you know personally XII. Some ministries women do well. A. Reaching out and relating to other women. B. Counseling and studying with women on personal issues. C. Teach children - "Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." D. Teach adolescent girls about puberty and maturity. E. Women excel in devotional gifts. F. Homemaking. G. Hospitality - Matthew 10:42; Hebrews 13:2; Matthew 25: H. Prayer and Fasting - Luke 2:36. I. Music. X Women impact the lives of other people, the church, literature, music - we impact the world. Let's do it in the wisdom of God and by the power of His Holy Spirit. Part Two: A Woman's Witness B Kristine Reeves I. Witness: To tell others of personal experiences, what a person has seen or heard. 1 John 1:2-3. 3

4 II. Examples of women witnessing in scripture. A. Mary Magdalene. Mark 16:9. B. Woman at the Well. John 4:39. C Servant Girl who witnessed to Naaman. 2 Kings 5:1-5, Some things that enhance your witness. A. Live a life that backs up your profession. 1. James 1:22 2. James 2: Ephesians 5:8-12,15-17 B. Be approachable and non-threatening. Galatians 6:2. C. Love people with a humble and servant=s spirit. 1. Philippians 2: Romans 12:9-10 D. Be transparent. Titus 3:3-7. Things that will undermine your witness. A. Betraying a confidence. 1. Proverbs 11:13 2. Proverbs 16:28 3. Proverbs 26:20 B. Careless living or questionable practices. 1. Romans 14: Romans 14:15 3. Romans. 14:17 C. The way we dress. 1Timothy 2:9. IV. Witness in the workplace. A. Ephesians 6:6-8 B. 1 Timothy 6:1 4

5 By Ruth Shelburne and Kristine Reeves. May be reproduced for non-profit, non-publishing instructional purposes provided this whole copyright notice is included and document content is not altered. South Houston Bible Institute, Crescent Landing, Houston, TX