Empowering Women: A Biblical Perspective on Ministry

Devotional

Day 1: Understanding Context in Scripture Interpretation

Understanding the cultural and historical context of biblical passages is crucial for accurate interpretation. Many scriptures, such as Paul's instructions for women to remain silent, were addressing specific issues in their time and are not necessarily universal commands. By studying the broader biblical narrative, we can see how God includes and empowers women in His work. This approach helps us avoid misinterpretations that can lead to unnecessary restrictions and divisions within the church. For example, Paul's instructions in 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 were addressing specific disruptions in the Greco-Roman world, not laying down timeless commands. [19:50]

1 Timothy 2:11-12 (ESV): "Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet."

Reflection: Think of a biblical passage you have struggled to understand. How might considering its cultural and historical context change your interpretation and application of that passage today?

Day 2: Jesus' Inclusive Ministry

Jesus' interactions with women were revolutionary for His time. He broke cultural norms by engaging with women in meaningful ways, such as His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well and His commissioning of Mary Magdalene to proclaim His resurrection. These actions demonstrate that Jesus valued and empowered women in His ministry. By following Jesus' example, we can challenge cultural norms that limit women's roles in the church and recognize the significant contributions women can make. [28:59]

John 4:27-29 (ESV): "Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, 'What do you seek?' or, 'Why are you talking with her?' So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 'Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?'"

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced someone breaking cultural norms to show love and inclusion. How can you follow Jesus' example in your interactions with others today?

Day 3: The Great Commission is for All Believers

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 calls all believers, both men and women, to make disciples, baptize, and teach. This universal call underscores the equal value and responsibility of women in fulfilling God's mission. By recognizing that the Great Commission applies to everyone, we can encourage and support women in their ministry roles, ensuring that they have the opportunities to use their gifts fully for God's glory. [26:03]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"

Reflection: Consider how you can support and encourage the women in your church to fulfill the Great Commission. What specific actions can you take to help them use their gifts and talents in ministry?

Day 4: Women in Early Church Leadership

Women like Phoebe, Prisca, and others played significant leadership roles in the early church. These examples show that women were active in teaching, prophesying, and leading, demonstrating that God calls and equips both men and women for His work. By studying the roles of women in the early church, we can gain a better understanding of how God intends for women to serve in ministry today. [31:42]

Romans 16:1-2 (ESV): "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well."

Reflection: Reflect on the women in your church who are serving in leadership roles. How can you support and encourage them in their ministry? What can you learn from their example?

Day 5: Celebrating Women in Ministry Today

In our church, we honor and celebrate the contributions of women in ministry. Women like Megan, Haley, Becca, Jess, and Julie have been instrumental in leading, teaching, and shepherding our congregation. We believe that God calls and equips both men and women for His work, and we are committed to providing opportunities for women to use their gifts fully. By celebrating and supporting women in ministry, we can create a more inclusive and effective church community. [38:01]

Acts 2:17-18 (ESV): "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.'"

Reflection: Think of a woman in your church who has made a significant impact on your spiritual journey. How can you express your appreciation and support for her ministry today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into a topic that has sparked much debate and division within the church: the role of women in ministry. Reflecting on my own journey, I shared how my perspective shifted from a traditional view that women should remain silent in church to recognizing the powerful ways God uses women in ministry. This transformation began when I witnessed Beth Moore, a woman filled with the Holy Spirit, preach a life-changing message. This experience led me to question the teachings I had passively accepted and to study the totality of Scripture.

We examined various biblical passages often cited to restrict women's roles, such as 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. By understanding the cultural and historical context of these scriptures, we see that they were addressing specific issues in specific times, not laying down universal, timeless commands. For instance, Paul's instruction for women to remain silent was addressing disruptions in the Greco-Roman world, not a blanket prohibition for all time.

Moreover, we explored how Jesus and the early church treated women. Jesus' interactions with women, such as the Samaritan woman at the well and Mary Magdalene, who was the first to witness and proclaim His resurrection, demonstrate His inclusive approach. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, which calls all believers to make disciples, baptize, and teach, was given to both men and women.

We also looked at the early church, where women like Phoebe, Prisca, and others played significant leadership roles. These examples show that women were active in teaching, prophesying, and leading. The Holy Spirit was poured out on both men and women, empowering them to preach and prophesy.

In our church, we honor and celebrate the contributions of women in ministry. Women like Megan, Haley, Becca, Jess, and Julie have been instrumental in leading, teaching, and shepherding our congregation. We believe that God calls and equips both men and women for His work, and we are committed to providing opportunities for women to use their gifts fully.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Roman world, not laying down universal, timeless commands. This approach helps us see the broader biblical narrative that includes and empowers women. [19:50]
2. Jesus' Inclusive Ministry: Jesus' interactions with women, such as the Samaritan woman at the well and Mary Magdalene, who was the first to witness and proclaim His resurrection, demonstrate His inclusive approach. These examples show that Jesus valued and empowered women in His ministry, challenging cultural norms.

3. The Great Commission is for All Believers: The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 calls all believers, both men and women, to make disciples, baptize, and teach. This universal call underscores the equal value and responsibility of women in fulfilling God's mission.

4. Women in Early Church Leadership: Women like Phoebe, Prisca, and others played significant leadership roles in the early church. These examples show that women were active in teaching, prophesying, and leading, demonstrating that God calls and equips both men and women for His work.

5. Celebrating Women in Ministry Today: In our church, we honor and celebrate the contributions of women in ministry. Women like Megan, Haley, Becca, Jess, and Julie have been instrumental in leading, teaching, and shepherding our congregation. We believe that God calls and equips both men and women for His work, and we are committed to providing opportunities for women to use their gifts fully.

### [19:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:09] - Vision Sunday Announcement
[02:28] - Introduction to Today's Topic
[03:39] - Personal Journey and Beth Moore Experience
[05:58] - Women in Early Church Leadership
[07:32] - Early Days of Our Church
[09:27] - Divisive Nature of the Topic
[10:32] - God's View of Women
[12:31] - Context Matters in Scripture Interpretation
[15:14] - Examples of Contextual Misinterpretation
[19:05] - Examining 1 Timothy 2:11-12
[22:09] - Examining 1 Corinthians 14:34-35
[23:44] - Women Prophesying in Church
[24:42] - The Great Commission
[27:19] - Acts 2 and the Holy Spirit
[28:59] - Jesus' Intentional Choices
[30:10] - Mary Magdalene's Commission
[31:42] - Romans 16 and Women Leaders
[34:00] - Women in Scripture
[35:29] - Future Plans for Teaching
[38:01] - Celebrating Women in Our Church
[43:14] - Conclusion and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What specific cultural context was Paul addressing in 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35? [19:50]
How did Jesus' interactions with women, such as the Samaritan woman at the well and Mary Magdalene, demonstrate His inclusive approach? [28:59]
According to Matthew 28:18-20, who is called to make disciples, baptize, and teach? [26:03]
Can you identify any women mentioned in the early church who played significant leadership roles? [31:42]

Interpretation Questions

How does understanding the cultural and historical context of 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 change our interpretation of these passages? [19:50]
What does Jesus' commissioning of Mary Magdalene to announce His resurrection to the disciples suggest about His view of women's roles in ministry? [30:10]
How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 challenge traditional views on the roles of women in the church? [26:03]
What can we learn from the examples of women like Phoebe and Prisca in the early church about God's intention for women in ministry? [31:42]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own views about women in ministry. How have they been shaped by your upbringing or church tradition? How do they align with the examples given in the sermon? [03:39]
How can you actively support and encourage women in your church who feel called to ministry? What specific actions can you take this week? [38:01]
In what ways can understanding the cultural context of biblical passages help you approach other controversial topics in the Bible? [12:31]
How can you apply the inclusive approach of Jesus in your daily interactions, especially with those who may feel marginalized or overlooked? [28:59]
Think about the women in your life who have played significant roles in your spiritual journey. How can you honor and celebrate their contributions? [38:01]
How can you ensure that your church provides equal opportunities for both men and women to use their gifts fully? What changes might need to be made? [39:52]
Identify one woman in your church or community who is using her gifts for ministry. How can you support her and help her flourish in her calling? [38:01]

Sermon Clips

1. "We did not serve in the name of Rescue House or Matt Hudson or any other name other than the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. And so we just want to be light in the darkness, salt of the earth, and you guys did that, and I want to say thank you for that." [01:09] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You get a chance to work out your own salvation. You get a chance to work out what you believe with God's word. But I'm going to put some things on the table that I know many of you may have not seen or looked at before. And I think it's going to be helpful for you." [02:28] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "What is your view of women? What is your view of women? I mean, do you view them as just kind of a... a helpmate to the man, or, you know, second class, or the weaker vessel? I mean, that's how it was kind of taught to me, but then I wanna ask you this question. What is God's view of women? How does God view women?" [10:32] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you want to see women... the way that God sees them, we must examine how Christ treated women. In other words, to gain God's view of women, we must calibrate our hearts to Christ, calibrate our minds to Christ, our eyes to Christ, so that we're seeing women the way that Christ saw them." [10:32] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So God's saying, hey, we're not, we're not, it's not right, it's not my will for one human to be above another human. That is not what God had in mind when he created us all equally in his image. In the beginning, God made them one flesh. In other words, he made them equals." [11:45] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "You have to understand, when you're reading the Bible, you're reading another person's piece of mail that they've sent to a church or to a people in a specific time. And so, you have to understand that context matters. When interpreting scripture, it's important to understand that there are a few scriptures when you learn to read the Bible and interpret the Bible." [14:21] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "So listen, there were some really good-hearted Christians in the 1800s who would use this verse to affirm that it was okay for them to own another human being. But when you look at the context of this scripture and you dig into it, you have to understand that almost all slaves during that period were voluntary slaves, which meant they were more like employees." [17:43] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "I don't believe Paul is saying for all of time that women can't speak or say anything in the church. That as soon as you walk into the building that women, you got to go silent. That's not what Paul is talking. And we know this because in 1 Corinthians 11. So just three chapters before. Here's what Paul, the same guy. He says this." [23:44] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "If you believe that women can't baptize other people, then you believe that this great commission, that Jesus was only talking to men. And I just believe, and we believe here at rescue house that this great commission, come on, somebody is for all people, men and women, old and young, those who place their faith in Jesus. There is a calling. You are commissioned." [26:03] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "And so she was the first person to ever preach Jesus Christ crucified and risen. And God did that. And God ordained that and appointed that. Could he have not chosen? He could have not chosen anybody else. But he chose a woman." [30:10] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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