The Vital Role of Women

2. The Vital Role of Women

3. We know the limitations… • 1 Cor. 14:34-35 • The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.

4. We know the limitations… • 1 Tim. 2:11-12 • A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.

5. Let’s focus on the contributions… • Rom. 16:1-2 • Vv. 3-5a • V. 6 • V. 12 • There were hard-working women in Rome!

6. But what about the limitations? • The public assembly is actually a small part of the work of the congregation • There is much work outside the assembly that must be done, if the church is to thrive • Women are uniquely qualified to participate in this work

7. 3 Areas Where Women Are Vital • Benevolence • Edification • Evangelism • This is the work of the church • Women are vital to the work of the church!

8. Benevolence • An important work • James 1:27 – This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and keep oneself unstained by the world • All Christians are to be involved in it

9. Benevolence • Women bring grace and beauty to this work • Mercy and compassion are second nature to them • Rom. 12:6-8 • Women have unique abilities through which benevolence can be rendered • Acts 9:36-39

10. Edification • Building up of the body • Eph 4:15-16 - but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

11. Edification • Women play such a vital role, teaching children and younger women • 2 Tim. 1:5, 3:14-15 • Titus 2:3-5

12. Edification • It has been said-men are natural producers, women natural nurturers • Families greatly benefit from both these roles, especially nurturing • Many gospel preachers have been encouraged by godly women

13. Evangelism • Spreading the gospel • Matt. 28:19-20 - Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

14. Evangelism • Everyone to be involved • Acts 8:1-4 – scattering because of persecution, v.4 – therefore those who had been scattered went about preaching the word

15. Evangelism • Women can help support those who preach • Acts 16:15 - A woman named Lydia…And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.” And so she persuaded us • Luke 8:1-3

16. Evangelism • Priscilla • Provided a place for Paul to stay during his ministry at Corinth - Ac 18:1-4 • Pulled Apollos aside and corrected him at Ephesus - Ac 18:24-26 • Hosted a church at Ephesus in their home - 1Co 16:19 • Hosted a church at Rome in their home - Ro 16:3-5

17. Evangelism • Without speaking a word, Godly women can lead people to Christ, including their unbelieving husbands – 1 Pet. 3:1-2 • Many souls have been saved and churches started through the evangelistic efforts of godly women!

18. The Conclusion of the Matter • Scripture places limitations on women AND men • Proverbs 31