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Discovering the Biblical Role of Women

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. GENESIS 1:26-27 NLT

Women were always a part of God’s plan

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. GENESIS 1:27 ESV

When we discuss women in the Church…

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. JOHN 14:15 ESV

God created gender

… male and female he created them. GENESIS 1:27 ESV

You are beautiful, my darling, beautiful beyond words. Your eyes are like doves behind your veil. Your hair falls in waves, like a flock of goats winding down the slopes of Gilead. Your teeth are as white as sheep, recently shorn and freshly washed. Your smile is flawless, Your neck is as beautiful as the tower of David, jeweled with the shields of a thousand heroes. Your breasts are like two fawns, twin fawns of a gazelle grazing among the lilies. SONG OF SONGS 4:1-5 NLT

God created woman to reflect himself

The spirit of God is feminine

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. GENESIS 1:1-2 ESV

The Church of God is a Bride

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… EPHESIANS 5:25 ESV

The wisdom of God is the voice of a woman

Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? PROVERBS 8:1 ESV

God created men

But among the Lord’s people, women are not independent of men, and men are not independent of women. For although the first woman came from man, every other man was born from a woman, and everything comes from God. 1 CORINTHIANS 11:11-12 NLT

Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. COLOSSIANS 3:19 NLT

The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him. O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings. PROVERBS 31:1-2 NLT

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” GENESIS 2:18 ESV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few moments to slow down, offering Jesus any burdens from your day and inviting Him into this time. When you consider your understanding of the role of women in the church, what fears do you have about God potentially changing your understanding of these roles? Ask God to reveal the beauty and strength of each gender to you as you seek His truth about both genders. As you consider these, is there anything you need to repent of when it comes to your view of either gender? Confess these to God now. Next, if you are personally struggling with gender identity (either your own or someone close to you), what support do you need from the church to help you process this? Ask God to show you any next steps you should take in seeking help and that He would give you the strength and courage to take those next steps. Finally, close your time by thanking God for His perfect plan for humanity, even asking Him for wisdom and understanding for those parts of His plan that you don’t fully understand yet. Write your reflections in the space below, sharing with your group if you feel comfortable.

Discussion Questions

  1. PERSONAL REFLECTION: Begin by completing the Personal Reflection Guide (link found on the top of sermon notes). Use this time to examine God’s plan for both genders and how you can benefit from trusting His plan. (Tip: playing some soft background music is helpful here!)
  2. REAL WITH OTHERS: Why do you think it is important for people to believe the truth that God created men and women and that they are uniquely different from each other? How have you experienced people being hurt when society fails to rely on this truth?
  3. REAL WITH SELF: Reflect back on your life; take a moment to celebrate the beauty of the women who have had an impact on you personally. What qualities of theirs reflect the character and beauty of God?
  4. REAL WITH GOD: We have so many voices from our culture telling us what is beautiful and strong; which scriptures or truths from God’s word help you to be reminded of your true beauty and strength? Are there other voices that are diminishing or distracting you from believing what God says about you?
  5. REAL WITH OTHERS: We are different, but we need each other. What difficulties have you had in listening to voices from the opposite gender? Where have you benefited from listening to their voice?
  6. TAKE ACTION: The world needs men AND women who lead, who love, and who speak God’s truth (sharing the gospel with others). Which category (leading, loving, speaking) presents the biggest challenge to you? What steps can you take to grow in this area?