A.There are two extreme portrayals of what a woman should be in our modern society.
1.One portrayal is that which is taught by radical feminism.
a.Feminism is simply the policy of political, economic, and social equality for women.By this definition, the aims of feminism are noble.
b.However, radical feminists have gone beyond the pursuit of these aims.Their goals have become to overturn the order that God ordained from the beginning for men and women.To them, any recognition of distinctions between men and women is offensive.
c.As a result, feminists lead women to believe that they must become more like men in order to be equal.They discourage women from traditional roles and relationships, thus creating a void of godly wives and mothers.
2.The other portrayal is that which is taught by popular culture.
a.According to this model, a woman is defined almost entirely by her appearance.Physical beauty and youth are valued above all other traits.Women are assigned their places in life according to these characteristics.
b.Therefore, women are led to pursue beauty at all costs.Their esteem for themselves is entirely based upon their ability to attract others by their appearances.With such a value system, women are encouraged to do anything to attract attention, including exposing themselves to any level of immodesty and indecency.
B.Neither of these portrayals is suitable for women who profess godliness.
1.A godly woman refuses extreme feminism, for she knows that she is worthy in the eyes of God as she embraces the order that He has ordained (Gal. 3:28).
2.A godly woman likewise refuses the immodest and superficial values of popular culture, for she knows that God values her soul, regardless of her physical appearance.Any use of her body should be in the glorification of God (1Cor. 6:20).
C.In the word of God and in Christ Jesus, we see the correct examples of what a woman should be.
1.In all stages and stations in life, the Bible gives direction for women who would profess godliness.
2.Even though Jesus was a man on earth, He is the standard for godly women just the same as He is the standard for godly men.
II.WOMEN PROFESSING GODLINESS
A.The portrayals for women taught by radical feminism and by popular culture are both refuted by the Scripture’s teachings regarding the proper adornment for women professing godliness.
1.Notice the emphasis given to godly character and good works rather than outward appearance.
a.Consider 1Timothy 2:9-15.
i.The proper attire for a godly woman is not that which draws attention to the appearance of her body, for her clothing should be modest and discreet.
ii.The godly woman’s primary concern is not with her outward appearance, but rather it is with performing good works that are fitting to her claim of godliness.
b.Also consider 1Peter 3:1-6.
i.This message is similar to that of 1Timothy 2:9-15, but it is specifically addressed to godly wives.
ii.Notice in verse 3 that godly wives are to adorn themselves “with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.”Other things that are called “imperishable” or “precious” in 1Peter are our inheritance in heaven (1:4), our faith (1:7), the blood of Christ (1:19), the word of God (1:23), and Christ Himself (2:4, 7).If a woman wants to place herself in this classification, then she will put on a gentle and quiet spirit.
c.Let us properly understand these instructions regarding a woman’s adornment.
i.These passages are not explicit prohibitions against women wearing jewelry, dresses, and braided hair.Rather they are prohibitions against placing inappropriate emphasis upon outward and worldly things at the expense of the inward and spiritual things.
ii.Consider the description of an excellent wife in Proverbs 31:10-31.Verse 22 says that she makes fine covering for herself.However, verse 25 says “strength and dignity are her clothing.”This is a woman who understands that her worth is in her relationship to God rather than her appearance (vv. 30-31).
iii.1Timothy 2:9-10 and 1Peter 3:3-4 have a similar construction to John 6:27.The meaning is a message of priorities and appropriate values.
2.Therefore, the characteristics of a woman that are most valued by God are opposite of those most valued in the world.
a.Popular culture pressures women to be immodest and unchaste, while God counsels modesty and discretion.“As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.” (Prov. 11:22)
b.Feminists lead women to be bold and domineering, while God embraces those who have a gentle and quiet spirit.“It is better to live in a corner of a roof, than in a house shared with a contentious woman” (Prov. 21:9).“It is better to live in a desert land, than with a contentious and vexing woman” (Prov. 21:19).
3.Women can learn godly characteristics from the example of Christ.
a.Notice that Jesus did not have an attractive appearance so that men would have regard for Him (Isa. 53:2).This was of no concern to Him.
b.However, He was precious in the sight of God, having a meek and gentle spirit in full submission to the Father (Matt. 11:28-30).
i.He did not assert Himself or seek to exalt Himself, even though He was equal with the Father (Phil. 2:5-10).
ii.His desire was to glorify His Father, and He trusted that God would in turn glorify Him (Matt. 26:39; John 17:4-5).
B.Let us consider the specific directions given in Scripture for women in the various situations of life.
1.Older women are given instructions: “Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women…” (Tit. 2:3-4a).
2.Young women are to be encouraged, “to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored” (Tit. 2:4b-5).
3.Married women should pursue the standard of an excellent wife given in the Scriptures.
a.A detailed study of Proverbs 31:10-31 is beyond the limits of this lesson, but a reading of this description of an excellent wife is recommended.
b.Married women are commanded to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ (Eph. 5:22-24; Col. 3:18).
c.“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who shames him is as rottenness in his bones.” (Prov. 12:4)
4.Mothers are commanded to love and raise their children (1Tim. 5:10; Tit. 2:4) and teach them the word of God (2Tim. 1:5; 3:14-15).
5.Unmarried women are described as having a greater opportunity to serve the Lord: “And the woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband” (1Cor. 7:34).
6.A godly widow is described as one who fixes her hope on God, prays continually, abstains from wanton pleasure, engages in good works, practices hospitality, and serves the saints (1Tim. 5:5-10).A younger widow is advised to marry again (1Tim. 5:14-15; 1Cor. 7:8-9).
III.CONCLUSION
A.Notice again that in all of these traits and behaviors that are commanded of women, Jesus is the standard to be pursued.
1.Although Jesus was a man on earth, He has left all people a perfect example of love, submission, humility, gentleness, service, reverence, and instruction.
2.Women who imitate the example of Jesus in these traits are likewise glorifying their Father in heaven as Jesus did.
B.A godly woman deserves equal honor as a godly man, just as Christ deserves equal honor with the Father, for she is “a fellow heir of the grace of life” (1Pet. 3:7).
