THE WOMAN WHO IS A GODLY WOMAN
                                PROV 31:10-31

   INTRODUCTION:

   A.  This lesson, even more difficult to know how to approach. I can't
       speak from experience, yet a study of Scripture will give us insight
       into what God wants woman to be.
   B.  Address second greatest breakdown in  home & family: and that is
       abdication of woman from her God given role in home and family.

   DISCUSSION:

   I.  YES, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE

   A.  God made them "male" and "female". Gen 1:27  All of man's rhetoric
       will not change this
   B.  One reason for difference in hair length in 1Cor 11:3-16 is a
       distinction between the man and the woman.
   C.  Woman made as "help meet" for man Gen 2:18 "meet" - suitable or
       appropriate - helper, not same as - more on this later in the lesson
   D.  God gave them different roles in life Gen 3:16,19

   II.  A CONTRAST BETWEEN TWO WOMEN

   A.  A "strange woman" Prov 7:6-27
     1.  A woman with attire of a harlot V 10, Gen 38:14,15
     2.  A woman subtle (watch, reserve, besiege) of heart
     3.  Loud, stubborn - won't stay at home
     4.  Only interested in the gratification of the flesh
     5.  Her house is the way to hell
   B.  A "virtuous woman" is priceless Prov 31:10-31
     1.  She can be trusted
     2.  She is not lazy; works diligently in various endeavors
     3.  She is charitable, helps the poor and needy
     4.  Prepares well for her household
     5.  Supports her husband behind the scenes
     6.  She is wise and kind
     7.  Concern for inner strength & beauty  30; 1Pet 3:3,4; 1Tim 2:9,10
   C.  Examples of two kinds of women
     1.  Delilah Jud 16;   Jezebel 1Ki 18,19,21;   Potiphar's wife Gen 39
     2.  Ruth;   Esther;   Sarah 1Pet 3:6
   D.  More to being real woman than just being female. Masculine more than
       just being male, feminine more than just being female
   E.  Can be godly & not physically attractive, as world views 1Pet 3:3,4
   F.  As supreme quality of manhood is strength of a noble character and
       foundation of a noble character is self-mastery , so it is with
       woman

   II.  THE ROLE OF WOMAN

   A.  A "help meet" for man
     1.  "God created woman for a purpose, to fill a special need; not as a
         competitor, but as a 'helper suited to him.' She is to be a
         complement to him."  1 
     2.  "Each  supplies characteristics and qualities to help bring out
         the best in the other. Women have greater potential for influence
         in this role than any other."  1
   B.  In submission to man
     1.  Learn in silence (quietness) with subjection 1Tim 2:11 Greek
         involves tranquillity that arises from within and has to do with a
         disposition or attitude such as is described in 1Pet 3:4. Same
         basic idea as 1Tim 2:2 regarding a quiet and peaceable life
     2.  Teach or usurp authority OVER man not allowed 1Tim 2:12-14
       a.  Yes, they can teach by example and word
       b.  Teach by manner of life 1Pet 3:1-6
       c.  Teach by precept  Titus 2:3-5
   C.  Marry, bear children, guide the house 1Tim 5:14
     1.  Marry because she is man's compliment 1Cor 7:2
     2.  Bear children because that is what she is designed for Gen 3:16;
         1Tim 2:15 (saved=deliverance from temporal danger or suffering)
     3.  Guide house because primary function is homemaker. Guide -- to
         rule, involves domestic responsibilities, management/direction

   III.  BE GLAD YOU ARE A WOMAN

   A.  Rocket scientist, great painter, government official most important?
   B.  "While all these have a place of importance, it is of far greater
       value to be a good homemaker and have a part in molding and
       developing the character of our future citizens. Your opportunity to
       be of benefit to society is greater in home than in any other realm
       or capacity."  1

   CONCLUSION:

   A.  Real need today in church, families, and countries for WOMEN with
       courage of convictions - strength of character to be godly women
   B.  Until women accept God given responsibilities church and country
       will suffer, because family won't be what God designed and as family
       goes, so goes church and country.
   D.  "Take your place with confidence and pride.  Be a first class woman
       and not a second rate man!"  1

   (1. Ruth E. Hazelwood  The Challenge of Being a Wife.)

   Daniel Lee Henderson  Buckhorn   2/12/98 9:19:40 PM
   From an outline by Jerry L. Henderson


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