Embracing the Tenacity of the Kingdom Woman
Summary
### Summary
Greetings, District Church! Today, we continue our series on "The Kingdom Woman," focusing on Proverbs 31:25-26. These verses describe a woman clothed with strength and dignity, who laughs without fear of the future, and speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction. Building on the insights from Pastor Amy and Dr. Ken De Nute, today we explore the tenacity of the Kingdom Woman. Tenacity, as I see it, is the sum of strength, dignity, and fearlessness.
The Kingdom Woman is priceless, not perfect. She is practical and productive, prudent and protective, poised for prosperity, and persistent in prayer. These traits are not exclusive to women; they apply to men as well. We all need to recognize and support the growth of Kingdom Women around us. The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is compared to a rare and precious ruby, symbolizing courage, power, and everlasting love. Like rubies, Kingdom Women are formed under pressure and are incredibly resilient.
The Kingdom Woman is practical and productive, embodying various roles over time, not all at once. She relies on the strength from Christ to fulfill God's will, not her own desires. She is prudent and protective, using her words to build up rather than tear down. Her wisdom and discretion make her trustworthy in all relationships. She is poised for prosperity, not just in material wealth but in honor and favor from God. Her hard work and compassion bring rich rewards.
Finally, the Kingdom Woman is persistent in prayer. We see this in the story of the Syrophoenician woman who, despite numerous obstacles, persisted in her plea to Jesus for her daughter's healing. Her tenacity and faith were rewarded, teaching us the importance of persevering in faith and prayer. Even Jesus needed rest and time alone with God, reminding us that self-care is essential for Kingdom Women and Men alike.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Kingdom Woman is Priceless, Not Perfect: Like a ruby, she is rare and formed under pressure, symbolizing courage and resilience. Her value is not in perfection but in her unique qualities and strength. Even precious stones have flaws, reminding us that our worth is not diminished by our imperfections. [06:20]
2. Practical and Productive: The Kingdom Woman embodies various roles over time, relying on Christ's strength to fulfill God's will. She is not expected to do everything at once but is empowered to accomplish what God has set before her. This strength is for God's purposes, not our own desires. [09:16]
3. Prudent and Protective: She uses her words wisely to build up her family and community. Her wisdom, discernment, and discretion make her trustworthy in all relationships. She knows when to speak and when to remain silent, sharing hard truths with kindness. [12:19]
4. Poised for Prosperity: Her hard work and compassion bring her rich rewards, not just in material wealth but in honor and favor from God. She is dressed for success and ensures those around her are also well-prepared. Prosperity is more than a bank account; it includes the favor and blessings of God. [13:34]
5. Persistent in Prayer: The story of the Syrophoenician woman teaches us the power of tenacity in faith and prayer. Despite numerous obstacles, she persisted in her plea to Jesus and was rewarded. This persistence is a model for us to follow, reminding us that even in silence, God is near and listening. [24:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:37] - Introduction to the Kingdom Woman
[04:44] - Traits of the Kingdom Woman
[06:20] - The Kingdom Woman is Priceless, Not Perfect
[07:56] - The Formation of a Kingdom Woman
[09:16] - Practical and Productive
[10:41] - The Strength from Christ
[12:19] - Prudent and Protective
[13:34] - Poised for Prosperity
[15:43] - The Reality of Life's Challenges
[16:32] - The Syrophoenician Woman
[18:14] - The Importance of Rest
[19:40] - The Tenacity of the Canaanite Woman
[24:37] - Persistent in Prayer
[33:50] - The Power of Faith and Prayer
[35:36] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Proverbs 31:25-26 (NIV): "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."
- Hebrews 11:6 (NIV): "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
- Matthew 15:21-28 (NIV): The story of the Syrophoenician woman who persisted in her plea to Jesus for her daughter's healing.
### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 31:25-26, what are the characteristics of the Kingdom Woman? How do these traits reflect her inner strength and dignity?
2. In the sermon, how is the Kingdom Woman compared to a ruby? What qualities do they share? [06:20]
3. What roles and responsibilities are attributed to the Kingdom Woman in Proverbs 31, and how does she manage them over time? [09:16]
4. How did the Syrophoenician woman demonstrate tenacity in her interaction with Jesus? What obstacles did she overcome? [16:32]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for the Kingdom Woman to be "priceless, not perfect"? How does this perspective change the way we view our own imperfections? [07:56]
2. How does the strength from Christ enable the Kingdom Woman to fulfill God's will rather than her own desires? What does this look like in practical terms? [09:16]
3. In what ways does the Kingdom Woman use her words to build up her family and community? How can we apply this principle in our own relationships? [12:19]
4. How does the story of the Syrophoenician woman illustrate the importance of persistence in prayer? What can we learn from her example about approaching God with our needs? [24:37]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt pressured to be perfect. How can you embrace the idea that you are "priceless, not perfect" and find strength in your unique qualities? [07:56]
2. Identify an area in your life where you need to rely more on Christ's strength to fulfill God's will. What steps can you take to align your desires with God's purposes? [09:16]
3. Think of a recent conversation where you had the opportunity to build someone up with your words. How did you handle it, and what could you do differently next time to ensure your words are wise and kind? [12:19]
4. Consider the various roles you play in your life (e.g., parent, employee, friend). How can you be more practical and productive in these roles without feeling overwhelmed? [09:16]
5. Reflect on a situation where you had to persevere in prayer. What obstacles did you face, and how did you overcome them? How can the story of the Syrophoenician woman inspire you to keep pressing in prayer? [24:37]
6. How do you practice self-care in your daily life? What changes can you make to ensure you are taking time to rest and recharge, as Jesus did? [18:14]
7. Think of someone in your life who embodies the traits of a Kingdom Woman. How can you support and encourage their growth in these areas? [04:44]
Devotional
Day 1: The Kingdom Woman is Priceless, Not Perfect
The Kingdom Woman is likened to a rare and precious ruby, symbolizing her immense value and resilience. Her worth is not derived from perfection but from her unique qualities and strength. Just as rubies are formed under intense pressure, the Kingdom Woman's character is shaped by life's challenges, making her courageous and resilient. This comparison reminds us that even precious stones have flaws, yet their value remains undiminished. Similarly, our imperfections do not diminish our worth in God's eyes. Embracing our flaws and recognizing our intrinsic value can help us live more authentically and confidently.
Proverbs 31:25-26 describes a woman clothed with strength and dignity, who laughs without fear of the future, and speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction. These qualities are not about achieving perfection but about embodying strength, dignity, and wisdom in our daily lives. By focusing on these attributes, we can better appreciate our worth and the worth of those around us. [06:20]
Proverbs 31:25-26 (ESV): "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt pressured to be perfect. How can you shift your focus from perfection to embracing your unique qualities and strengths today?
Day 2: Practical and Productive
The Kingdom Woman embodies various roles over time, relying on Christ's strength to fulfill God's will. She is not expected to do everything at once but is empowered to accomplish what God has set before her. This strength is for God's purposes, not our own desires. By being practical and productive, she balances her responsibilities and uses her time wisely. Her productivity is not about busyness but about being effective and purposeful in her actions. This approach allows her to make meaningful contributions to her family, community, and God's kingdom.
The Kingdom Woman's practicality and productivity are evident in her ability to manage her household, work diligently, and care for others. She understands that her strength comes from Christ, enabling her to fulfill her God-given roles with grace and efficiency. By focusing on what truly matters and seeking God's guidance, she can navigate her responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. This mindset encourages us to prioritize our tasks and rely on God's strength to accomplish them. [09:16]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel overwhelmed by responsibilities. How can you seek God's strength and guidance to prioritize and manage this area more effectively?
Day 3: Prudent and Protective
The Kingdom Woman uses her words wisely to build up her family and community. Her wisdom, discernment, and discretion make her trustworthy in all relationships. She knows when to speak and when to remain silent, sharing hard truths with kindness. This prudence and protectiveness ensure that her words and actions contribute positively to those around her. By being mindful of her speech, she fosters an environment of trust and respect, strengthening her relationships and community.
Her prudence is not just about being cautious but about being intentional with her words and actions. She understands the power of words and uses them to encourage, uplift, and guide others. This approach helps her build strong, healthy relationships based on trust and mutual respect. By being protective, she also ensures the well-being of her loved ones, providing support and guidance when needed. This balance of wisdom and care is essential for nurturing a loving and supportive community. [12:19]
Proverbs 16:24 (ESV): "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent conversation where your words had a significant impact. How can you be more intentional with your speech to build up and encourage those around you?
Day 4: Poised for Prosperity
The Kingdom Woman's hard work and compassion bring her rich rewards, not just in material wealth but in honor and favor from God. She is dressed for success and ensures those around her are also well-prepared. Prosperity is more than a bank account; it includes the favor and blessings of God. By being diligent and compassionate, she creates an environment where everyone can thrive. Her prosperity is a reflection of her dedication to God's will and her commitment to serving others.
Her poise for prosperity is evident in her ability to balance her responsibilities and care for others. She understands that true prosperity comes from living a life aligned with God's purposes and being a blessing to those around her. This mindset encourages us to seek God's favor and blessings through our actions and attitudes. By focusing on hard work, compassion, and faithfulness, we can experience the richness of God's blessings in various aspects of our lives. [13:34]
Proverbs 22:4 (ESV): "The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life."
Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you seek prosperity. How can you align your actions and attitudes with God's will to experience His favor and blessings in this area?
Day 5: Persistent in Prayer
The story of the Syrophoenician woman teaches us the power of tenacity in faith and prayer. Despite numerous obstacles, she persisted in her plea to Jesus and was rewarded. This persistence is a model for us to follow, reminding us that even in silence, God is near and listening. By being persistent in prayer, we demonstrate our faith and trust in God's timing and provision. This tenacity in prayer can lead to breakthroughs and blessings that we might not have experienced otherwise.
Persistent prayer is not about repeating the same requests but about maintaining a steadfast faith and trust in God's promises. It involves seeking God's presence, guidance, and intervention in our lives, even when we face challenges or delays. The Syrophoenician woman's story encourages us to remain hopeful and persistent, knowing that God hears our prayers and will respond in His perfect timing. This approach helps us develop a deeper relationship with God and strengthens our faith. [24:37]
Luke 18:1-8 (ESV): "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, 'In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, "Give me justice against my adversary." For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, "Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming."' And the Lord said, 'Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?'"
Reflection: Think of a prayer request you have been bringing to God for a long time. How can you renew your commitment to persist in prayer and trust in God's timing and provision?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Tenacious people choose to react positively to the negative stuff and move forward towards their goals. So what I learned and what we know is that becoming a kingdom woman takes time and persistence. She's tough, she's precious, she's rare, but she can stand the pressure. And the kingdom woman must go through some stuff to get where God wants her to be." [07:56] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We, like Paul, often say, I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. But we get it twisted because we think we can do all things. We think we can do all things because of the strength that we get from Christ. Are we really expected to do all things? And that strength is not for all the things we think we ought to or want to do. It is the strength to carry out the will of God for our lives." [09:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Self-care is not selfish. It's a survival skill. And it's a reminder to take care of ourselves, because if we, as kingdom women, are taking care of everyone else, like Pastor Amy talked about, that backpack we carry on our back. Kingdom men, kingdom women, need rest." [18:58] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is available for everyone. And Mark wanted us to know that this is another indication that Jesus came to save all mankind, not just Jews, Gentiles too. Everyone has access to Jesus. And Jesus left the comforts of heaven and took on flesh and came down to see about me and you. Jesus said, I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly." [27:20] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The kingdom woman knows that all she can do is through what Christ does as he strengthens her. The kingdom woman knows that she's the head and not the tail. The kingdom woman knows that she's fearfully and wonderfully made. The kingdom woman knows that is she is a masterpiece, created for good works. The kingdom woman knows that in these things she's more than a conqueror." [33:50] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "The kingdom woman is trustworthy in all her relationships. She is honest and direct yet kind. She demonstrates wisdom, discernment, and discretion. She knows what to say, when and if to say it, and how to say it. The kingdom woman learns when to speak and when to refrain from speaking. She knows how to share wisdom and maybe hard truths with kindness." [12:19] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The kingdom woman, not only is she dressed for success, but also she dresses the people around her for success. Because when I read that, it said that her husband is known in the gate. Now, girls, we got to be responsible for making our men look good. Right? So this kingdom woman was rich. She was rich in honor because her husband was recognized in the gate." [14:38] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You can be a kingdom woman, though. And do everything right. And yet sometimes things go terribly wrong. You can be priceless and not perfect. You can be practical and productive. You can be prudent and protective. And you can be poised for prosperity. But you can also find yourself in a situation where there is nothing that you can do. No skill, no scheme, no standing strong is going to get you through." [15:43] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The kingdom woman is persistent in her pursuit of Christ. She pressed in even further. Somehow she knew. She called him Lord. Then she made it specific. She said, Have mercy on me. O Son of David. This Canaanite woman knew his name. She knew who he was and what he could do. She knew that he was the Savior. But would he be her Savior? Sometimes we ask that question too. I know, God, you can. But will you?" [25:10] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The kingdom woman knows that all her help comes from the Lord. The The kingdom woman knows that she has an open invitation to the throne room of God because the Hebrew writer said it best. Therefore, let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we might obtain grace and mercy in the time of need. She came to the Lord knowing that he was near. She cried out to the Lord and called on his name. She contended in faith on her knees and she recounted his promises." [33:50] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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