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Women In The Bible Series
Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 9, 2022 (message contributor)
Summary: When God created the female, she was designed to be a completer, Gen. 2:18-25. Together with her husband, they became one flesh, or a complete person.
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When God created the female, she was designed to be a completer, Gen. 2:18-25. Together with her husband, they became one flesh or a complete person. Eve was created to furnish that which was lacking in Adam. Adam filled out what was lacking in Eve. Men and women still fill those vital roles to some degree today. Proverbs 18:22 implies that He who finds a good wife obtains favor from the Lord. The woman described in Proverbs 31 is trustworthy, capable, intelligent, diligent, generous, and kind, bringing her husband goodness and blessings her whole life long.
A strong woman first seeks God with her whole heart and soul. She seeks His strength which is holy and righteous and seeks out wisdom and understanding. She immerses herself in Jesus and knows who she is through His eyes. When God said women are “weaker vessel”, It is by design we are to be protected by our husbands as delicate and valuable. In fact, it’s our very value that is considered when men are instructed how to live with their wives.
Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.1 Peter 3:7.
A noble woman’s value is compared with jewels. An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. Proverbs 31:10.
The woman was not created to serve the man, but to serve WITH the man. Without the woman, the man was only half the story. God stated that it was not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). Adam by himself was incomplete. This is why God created Eve as a “help meet”: to complete Adam, to provide society for him, and to enable him to have a family. A godly wife spends less time in front of the mirror than in sharing her goods with the poor and needy because she is selfless and benevolent (proverbs 31:20,30).
Gods laws applies for both men and women (Galatians 3:28)
The Law was given to both men and women – Deut. 1:1.
· The Law protected both men and women – Ex. 21:28-32.
· Women had the right to inherit property – Num. 36:-12.
· Men and women were to participate in the religious feasts – Ex. 12:3; Deut. 16:9-15.
· The Nazarite vow was open to both men and women – Num. 6:2.
· Women were involved in spiritual service – Ex. 38:18; Neh. 7:67.
· God often dealt directly with women – Eve, Gen. 3:13; Hagar, Gen. 16:7-13; Samson’s mothers, Jud. 13:3.
Women are equal with men and both are as important in God’s kingdom:
We are all one in Christ Jesus in regarding to salvation
We are all members of one body with each member being equally essential(1 corin 12)
Parable of the talents – We all receive the same reward(Matt.25)
Genesis 1:27-28 – God created both male and female in his image, he blessed them, and told “them” to subdue the earth and rule over every living thing. He gave equal authority and responsibility to both male and female.
Jesus demonstrated only the highest regard for women, in both his life and teaching. Jesus valued their fellowship, prayers, service, financial support, testimony and witness. He honored women, taught women, and ministered to women in thoughtful ways.
Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna were three of Jesus’s female disciples according to Luke 8:1-3:
“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
We’re also told that there were 3 women who were the first eyewitnesses to the Resurrection of Christ in Mark 16:1-3:
“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him.”
Later, it is the same Mary Magdalene who is commissioned by Jesus as the “Apostle to the Apostles” [because “Apostle” means “sent one” and she was sent by Jesus to testify to his resurrection].
• John 4:1-42 – The account of the woman at the well. The 12 disciples with Jesus were surprised (shocked) to find him talking with a woman. But Jesus gave her his time and respect, and his encounter with her changed her life. She was instrumental in saving her whole town.
• Luke 7:36-50 – Jesus was anointed by a sinful woman (Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, John 11:2). The Pharisee (male religious leader) hosting the meal failed to provide the customary kiss, foot washing and anointing with oil for a visiting dignitary. Mary understood the significance of Jesus life and ministry and he honored her in front of the men who treated her with disdain.