Wisdom for Women

“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”   Titus 2:3-5

Paul’s message to Titus as he headed to the Island of Crete is as valid today for the church as it was 2,000 years ago. The church needed leaders, but it also needed people whose lives lived to the glory of God. Our passage for this week points the attention of our focus on women. From the words of Paul, we can outline a dozen guidelines for women of the church. And, they’re broken into internal and external attributes. If you’re a woman in the church, consider your life and how it measures up to the standard suggested by Paul.

Internal Attributres

1.   Exudes Godliness—“Reverent in their behavior” When people look at you, what do they see? Do they see someone who bears the appearance of a God lover? Do they see someone who is involved in serving the church?

2.   Let the Cursor Flash—“Not malicious gossips” It used to be talking over the back fence or the laundry line, but today, gossip can happen happen in an e-mail, a text, a facebook posting as well as over a cup of coffee with a friend. Perhaps this quote will provide a good guideline. “Everything that is said must be true...everything that is true does not have to be said!” Think before you trype. Pause before you send. Better yet, let the cursor flash!

3.   Marked by Moderation—“Not enslaved to much wine” Do you obsess on the things in your life? It doesn't have to be wine. It could be chocolate, or fries or even that game of tennis you just have to get in. Be the master of your world, don't let it master you.

4.   Patron of Excellence—“Teaching what is good” Perhaps the best illustration of this point is from another one of Paul's letters. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

External Attributes

5.   Passing the Pink Baton—“Encouraging the young women” No matter your age or your situation, there's someone in your life who would benefit from your words of encouragement. Try it today, you'll be amazed at the fact that it helps you as much as it helps the person you're trying to encourage.

6.   Friendship not Duty—“To love their husbands” OK, it had to get to the men in your life, didn't it. Just remember, these words about marriage were written in an age which it was very common for a marriage to be arranged. And, even in those circumstances, they made it happen. It takes a while and a lot of dedication, but it comes with a reward.

7.   Delight not Drudgery—“To love their children” So, what did your kids do this morning that upset you? What did they say to you last night that had your eyes rolling? Just remember, your children are a gift from God, not a consequence for something bad you've done in the past. Take time to love and enjoy them.

8.   Keeps Her Head—“To be sensible” Fly off the handle, lose your mind, blow your top, go balistic, pop a fuse...why is it we have so many ways to express our anger and so few to describe what being sensible means? No matter what you call it, just don't do it. Be sensible instead.

9.   Dress Exposes Her Heart—“To be pure” To be pure can cover a lot of territory from the way a woman dresses to the way she acts in public. One thing for sure, it starts internally and moves out from there. If you're pure internally, it will show on the outside. "Guard what goes into your heart and you'll be on the right path." Proverbs 4:20

10. Vocation not Occupation—“To be workers at home” Many women today do have employment outside the home, so the challenge is to keep the work life and home life in the right perspective. This is especially critical if there are children in your home. Do that you can to make home a place they want to be, not a place they want to flee.

11. Overflowing Graces—“To be kind” Some words that come to mind related to this point 
 include generous, sensitive, caring, doing the good things.

12.  Complement not Competition—“Subject to their own husbands” Marriage is a
 partnership that calls for dedication going both ways. Men, treat your wives well, and  
 women, do the same. In doing so, recognize the order the Lord has put into place, the 
 husband is to be the head of the house and the wife is to be an indispensable partnter
 with him.

That’s a lot to pull out of a few words in Paul’s letter, but in those few words, he painted a picture of the ideal woman. Just don’t try to do it alone. Call on God for help, and seek a mentor to help guide you.

Now, will someone report that Tom was speeding when he left the parking lot on Sunday?

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THE COMMENDABLE QUALITIES OF A WOMAN

by Pastor George

What follows is a summary of the qualities that are noted as commendable in the New Testament writings that are directly associated with women or for both women and men. They represent the critical role that women have in their household, in the church, and for the expansion of the gospel. In our current study at church in Titus, it indicates that the lack of certain qualities may bring dishonor to the Word of God. To turn it around, the display of such qualities then may honor the Word of God and as it later states in Titus, may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.

As we have talked about at church the role of “leading women,” these would be the qualities that a woman should be working towards. Older women need to be helping younger women to learn them. A more detailed explanation of these qualities will follow at a later date, but for now here is the list:

1. Hospitality – (showing hospitality or the verses indicate that the woman hosted the church in her home)  Acts 16:14-15; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; 1 Tim 5:9,10
2. A servant of the church - Rom 16: 1,2;   washed the saint’s feet - 1 Tim 5:9,10
3. A hard worker - Rom 16: 6, 12
4. Subject to her own husband - Eph 5: 22-24; Col 3:18; 1 Pet 3:1
5. Respects her husband - Eph 5:33
6. Obedient to authority – Eph 6: 5-8; Titus 3:1
7. Assists those in distress – 1 Tim 5: 9, 10
8. Shared in the struggle for the gospel – Phil 4:2, 3
9. As employers, grants justice and fairness – Eph 6:9; Col 4:1
10. Receives instruction quietly with submissiveness and does not seek to have teaching authority over men in the church – 1 Tim 2:11-15
11. Continues in faith, love, and sanctity (holiness) with self-restraint (control) – 1 Tim 2:15
12. Dignified – 1 Tim 3:11
13. Not a gossiper, slanderer, nor speaks evil of anyone – 1 Tim 3:11; Titus 2:3; 3:2
14. Temperate – 1 Tim 3:11
15. Uncontentious (avoids quarrels) – Titus 3:2
16. Faithful – 1 Tim 3:11
17. The wife of one man (one man woman) – 1 Tim 5:9, 10
18. Reputation for good works – 1 Tim 5:9, 10; Devoted to every good work – Titus 2: 3,4
19. Brought up children – 1 Tim 5:9, 10
20. A woman of strength who is not weighed down by sins led on by various impulses – 2 Tim 3:6, 7
21. Reverent – Titus 2:3-5
22. Not enslaved to much wine – Titus 2:3
23. Teaches what is good and trains younger women – Titus 2: 3,4
24. Sensible – Titus 2:5
25. Pure – Titus 2:5
26. Worker at home – Titus 2:5
27. Kind – Titus 2:5
28. Gentle – Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:4
29. Showing perfect courtesy to all – Titus 3:2
30. Chaste – 1 Pet 3:2
31. Respectable – 1 Pet 3:2
32. Not frightened by any fear because her hope is in God – 1 Pet 3:6