The Basics of Biblical WomanhoodKYLE RAPINCHUK

Introduction to Biblical Womanhood

Like a Girl

Proverbs 31

She is trusted (v. 11)

She does good to her husband (v. 12)

She works hard (v. 13-14, 19, 27b) and is discerning in matters of business (v. 16, 19, 24)

She provides for her family (v. 15, 21-22, 27a)

She cares for the poor (v. 20)

Her husband is known and respected (v. 23)

She is strong and dignified (v. 17, 25)

She is wise and kind (v. 26)

Her children call her blessed and her husband praises her (v. 28)

Proverbs 31

She is trusted (v. 11)

She does good to her husband (v. 12)

She works hard (v. 13-14, 19, 27b) and is discerning in matters of business (v. 16, 19, 24)

She provides for her family (v. 15, 21-22, 27a)

She cares for the poor (v. 20)

Her husband is known and respected (v. 23)

She is strong and dignified (v. 17, 25)

She is wise and kind (v. 26)

Her children call her blessed and her husband praises her (v. 28)

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”—Proverbs 31:30

1 Peter 3:1-6

“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”—v. 3-4

The quiet spirit here does not mean a woman can’t be bold or talkative, but rather that she avoid grumbling that would prevent a non-Christian husband from seeing God’s grace and goodness in her behavior. This is a good lesson for all women so that their behavior reflects the gospel rather than detracts from it.

1 Timothy 2:8-15

Verses 8-9 are similar to 1 Peter 3:3-4.

Proper adorning with respect to clothing, not focused on braided hair, jewelry, or costly clothing

Adorned with modesty and self-control

Paul says this is proper for women who profess godliness

Their godliness should be manifest in their good works, not in their appearance

Verses 11-12 are controversial. For purposes here, the point is that there remains a distinction between men and women and their roles in the church, and Paul supports that through an appeal to two aspects of Genesis 1-3.

Adam was formed first (v. 13)

Eve was deceived, but Adam was not (v. 14)

The Deception of Eve

Genesis 3 tells the story of the serpent deceiving Eve.

In 1 Timothy 2, Paul seems to build upon the narrative of Genesis 3 to suggest that women now have a greater propensity to believe lies. Where I want to focus is on the way that women tend to believe lies about themselves.

Lies Women Believe

Some common lies women believe…

Submission means doing everything men (esp. my husband) say

Being a homemaker is not an honorable “job”

Being a homemaker means I can’t work outside the home

My sins (gossip, selfishness, materialism, self-pity) are not so bad.

I’m not worth anything, I am unlovable, there’s something wrong with me…because I don’t have a husband or boyfriend.

If I were only married or dating I wouldn’t feel lonely, depressed, worthless.

Practical Advice

Your identity is in Christ as a daughter of God.

Singleness:

Use your giftings to serve God in the context of the local church

Use your freedom as an opportunity to advance the gospel

Demonstrate the gospel through a gentle and quiet spirit, respect, and faithfulness.

Practical Advice

Dating/marriage:

Use your giftings to serve God in the context of the local church

Find a godly man:

Who love Jesus more than you

Who is working towards God’s unique calling on him to be a man after God’s own heart

Don’t settle for anything less—ever!

Encourage the right kind of guys, and be the right kind of girl

Do not try to manipulate guys to like you

Focus on your own spiritual growth, not on outward appearance

Be an inspiration, encourager, rescuable (yet guard your heart—Prov 4:23)

Build your existence around Christ

Practical Advice for Guys about Girls

Encourage them to find their identity as a daughter of Christ

Encourage them when they manifest qualities of biblical womanhood, not primarily their appearance

If you are pursuing them, do not try to replace their central focus on God with yourself.

Continue the conversation…

Singleness

Submission

Role in the local church

Biblical examples: Ruth, Esther, Mary, etc.