Empowering Women: Embracing God's Call in the Church
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the significant role of women in God's kingdom and the church's historical stance on this issue. We began by acknowledging the importance of coming together as a community to worship and support one another, emphasizing the power of prayer and the belief in a God who answers those prayers. We then transitioned into a discussion about the historical context of women's roles in the church, examining how cultural and traditional interpretations have often overshadowed the true spirit of Scripture.
Throughout history, the church has sometimes misinterpreted Scripture, leading to practices that were not aligned with God's original intent. We looked at examples such as slavery, segregation, and women's rights, highlighting how these issues were once justified using Scripture but were later recognized as misinterpretations. The church has often confused cultural norms with divine commands, and this has had real consequences, including the restriction of women's roles in ministry.
We asked ourselves which side of history we will stand on: will we resist or embrace what God is doing? The church has been wrong before, and it's crucial to recognize that God is calling women to lead and serve in His kingdom today. By holding back women, we risk weakening the church and missing out on the talents and anointing that God has given them. The next generation is watching, and our actions can either inspire or deter them from pursuing their God-given callings.
As we concluded, we were challenged to reflect on our own beliefs and actions. Are we resisting what God is doing because it feels uncomfortable or goes against tradition? Are we judging others based on gender rather than their anointing and calling? It's time to repent, change our mindset, and fully embrace God's plan for His church. We must stand on the side of history where God is moving, supporting and empowering all individuals to fulfill their purpose in His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- The Church's Historical Missteps: Throughout history, the church has sometimes misinterpreted Scripture, leading to practices like slavery and segregation that were not aligned with God's heart. Recognizing these past errors is crucial for moving forward in truth and justice. [01:13:24]
- The Role of Women in Ministry: God is calling women to lead and serve in His kingdom today. By restricting their roles, the church misses out on the talents and anointing that God has given them, weakening the body of Christ. [01:26:53]
- The Next Generation's Faith: The next generation is watching how we handle issues like women's roles in the church. Our actions can either inspire or deter them from pursuing their God-given callings. It's essential to model a church that embraces God's plan for all individuals. [01:29:49]
- Resisting or Embracing God's Work: We are faced with a choice: will we resist what God is doing, or will we embrace it? Every great move of God requires courage and a willingness to go against the flow of tradition. [01:31:54]
- Personal Reflection and Repentance: It's time to reflect on our own beliefs and actions. Are we judging others based on gender rather than their anointing and calling? We must repent, change our mindset, and fully embrace God's plan for His church. [01:34:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:01:28] - Invitation to Surrender
- [01:03:16] - Prayer of Salvation
- [01:04:39] - Resurrection Sunday Preparations
- [01:10:23] - Historical Misinterpretations
- [01:13:24] - Slavery and Segregation in the Church
- [01:18:07] - Misuse of Scripture
- [01:21:09] - Women's Rights and the Church
- [01:23:31] - Cultural Norms vs. Divine Commands
- [01:26:53] - Consequences of Restricting Women
- [01:29:49] - The Next Generation's Faith
- [01:31:54] - Embracing God's Work
- [01:34:43] - Personal Reflection and Repentance
- [01:37:37] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:27-28
2. Galatians 3:28
3. Acts 10:34-35
---
Observation Questions:
1. In Genesis 1:27-28, what does it mean that God created both male and female in His image, and what command did He give them? How does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on the original design for men and women? [01:04:39]
2. According to Galatians 3:28, what distinctions does Paul say are irrelevant in Christ? How does this verse support the sermon’s message about equality in the church? [01:23:31]
3. In Acts 10:34-35, what realization does Peter come to about God's impartiality? How does this relate to the sermon’s point about the church’s historical missteps? [01:18:07]
4. What examples from history were given in the sermon to illustrate how the church has misinterpreted Scripture in the past? [01:10:23]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the creation account in Genesis 1:27-28 challenge traditional views on gender roles within the church? What implications does this have for the roles of women in ministry today? [01:04:39]
2. Galatians 3:28 speaks of unity in Christ. How might this verse be used to address current debates about gender roles in the church? What does it mean for the church to live out this unity practically? [01:23:31]
3. Reflecting on Acts 10:34-35, how can the church ensure it is not showing partiality in its practices and teachings? What steps can be taken to align more closely with God's impartiality? [01:18:07]
4. The sermon mentioned that the next generation is watching how the church handles issues like women's roles. How might the church's stance on this issue impact its future growth and influence? [01:29:49]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own beliefs about gender roles in the church. Have you ever resisted what God might be doing because it felt uncomfortable or went against tradition? How can you open yourself to God's leading in this area? [01:34:43]
2. The sermon challenges us to embrace God's work and support all individuals in their callings. What practical steps can you take to support women in leadership roles within your church community? [01:31:54]
3. Consider the impact of your actions on the next generation. How can you model a church that embraces God's plan for all individuals, regardless of gender? [01:29:49]
4. The sermon calls for personal reflection and repentance. Are there areas in your life where you need to change your mindset about gender roles in the church? What steps will you take to address this? [01:34:43]
5. How can you actively participate in conversations about gender equality in the church, ensuring they are rooted in Scripture and reflect God's heart? [01:18:07]
6. Think of a woman in your church who has shown leadership potential. How can you encourage and support her in pursuing her God-given calling? [01:26:53]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of standing on the side of history where God is moving. What does this look like in your personal life and in your church community? How can you be a part of this movement? [01:31:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Historical Misinterpretations
Throughout history, the church has sometimes misinterpreted Scripture, leading to practices that were not aligned with God's heart. Issues like slavery and segregation were once justified using Scripture but were later recognized as misinterpretations. This realization is crucial for moving forward in truth and justice. By acknowledging these past errors, we can better align ourselves with God's true intentions and ensure that our actions reflect His love and justice. The church must be vigilant in discerning cultural norms from divine commands to avoid repeating past mistakes. [01:13:24]
"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity." (Proverbs 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a belief or practice you hold that might be more cultural than biblical. How can you seek God's wisdom to discern the difference today?
Day 2: Embracing Women's Roles in Ministry
God is calling women to lead and serve in His kingdom today. By restricting their roles, the church misses out on the talents and anointing that God has given them, weakening the body of Christ. It's essential to recognize that God equips both men and women for His work, and by embracing this truth, the church can become a more complete and effective representation of His kingdom. The call to ministry is not limited by gender, and acknowledging this can lead to a more vibrant and inclusive church community. [01:26:53]
"And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment." (Judges 4:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a woman in your life who has shown leadership or spiritual gifts. How can you encourage and support her in her calling today?
Day 3: Inspiring the Next Generation
The next generation is watching how we handle issues like women's roles in the church. Our actions can either inspire or deter them from pursuing their God-given callings. It's essential to model a church that embraces God's plan for all individuals, showing the next generation that their gifts and callings are valued and needed. By doing so, we can inspire them to step into their roles with confidence and faith, knowing that they are supported by their community. [01:29:49]
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a young person in your church or community. How can you be an example and encouragement to them in their spiritual journey today?
Day 4: Courage to Embrace God's Work
We are faced with a choice: will we resist what God is doing, or will we embrace it? Every great move of God requires courage and a willingness to go against the flow of tradition. Embracing God's work means being open to change and trusting that His plans are greater than our own. It requires faith and a commitment to follow where He leads, even when it feels uncomfortable or challenges our preconceived notions. [01:31:54]
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith. What steps can you take today to courageously embrace His work in your life?
Day 5: Personal Reflection and Repentance
It's time to reflect on our own beliefs and actions. Are we judging others based on gender rather than their anointing and calling? We must repent, change our mindset, and fully embrace God's plan for His church. This involves a willingness to examine our hearts and seek God's guidance in aligning our actions with His will. By doing so, we can become more effective instruments of His love and grace, supporting and empowering all individuals to fulfill their purpose in His kingdom. [01:34:43]
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your attitudes towards others in your church community. How can you seek God's help to align your heart with His love and acceptance today?
Quotes
"We are so thankful that, guys, we serve a God who is the king above every king and the Lord above every lords. And he is worthy of our first. He is worthy of our best. And I love that we're able to come together as the body of Christ and give him the first of our week. How many of you love the gathering together of the saints? I mean, we come together every week to worship him corporately." [00:49:03] (18 seconds)
"Throughout history, the church has sometimes misunderstood and misused Scripture, leading to harmful practices that were hopefully later realized were never God's intent. And so, going back to something I talked about just a minute ago, let's use the example, firstly, of slavery. There was a time not so long ago when many Christians believed that slavery was sanctioned by God." [01:13:11] (32 seconds)
"Preachers preached it, and theologians defended it, and, of course, slave owners justified it. And they all quoted, guess what? The Bible. They quoted the Bible to do so. How do they justify slavery? Well, they used verses. Now, remember, we've been talking about how to take a Scripture. We don't take it out of context. You read what's before it, you read what's after it. You take it in the context of the whole Word of God, of the biblical doctrine." [01:13:39] (30 seconds)
"Churches of the American South, obviously, defended slavery from the pulpit. Denominations were formed and denominations were split over this issue. And those who spoke out against slavery were often seen as dangerous radicals in society. What's the problem here? The problem is that these interpretations ignore the broader redemptive arc of Scripture. What we've been talking about is biblical doctrine, the very heart of God when we look at Scripture." [01:17:19] (27 seconds)
"So, in short, guys, slavery was never God's design. It was a misuse of Scripture to uphold cultural and economic power. Over time, the church began to realize that God's heart was always for justice and freedom. Another example. Now, we're staying in the same vein here, but another example. Because, obviously, everything wasn't all better when slavery was abolished. Then you had segregation." [01:18:05] (35 seconds)
"Many churches once taught that racial segregation was God's will. And they were misusing Scriptures that talk about being separate from a specific group. And they misused that. Pastors and theologians claimed that separating people by race, especially in worship, was biblical. How did they justify this? Well, Acts 17, 26 is one of the Scriptures where it says, He made from one man every nation, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation." [01:18:55] (28 seconds)
"Folks of color were denied baptism, membership in the church, ordination, all these different things. Churches were split when it came to integration and then whole denominations were built on theological error. And yet, it could have been argued and it was argued then that these were sincere believers. They're just quoting what the word of God said, what the Bible said. But can we agree that they were dead wrong? Dead wrong." [01:19:43] (30 seconds)
"The last thing I want to mention in this is we're talking about has the church ever been wrong that I was going to mention was obviously with the topic we're discussing in the series is women's rights. We know there was a time not long ago when Christian leaders argued that women should not vote and they should not work and they should not even have a voice in public." [01:20:48] (22 seconds)
"Many believed that a woman's God-ordained position was solely in the home. She was to be silent and submissive and invisible in public life. And once again, these ideas weren't just cultural, they were presented as biblical truth. What did they believe? They believed that a woman voting was rebellious because her husband should represent her household." [01:21:13] (30 seconds)
"Prominent preachers, seminary professors, and Christian writers claimed that giving women the right to vote would destroy the family. Guys, ladies voting didn't destroy the family. There's plenty of other things destroying the family. Women's right to vote is not one of them. They believed that allowing women to teach would undermine male leadership." [01:22:32] (25 seconds)
"How many powerful messages, how many powerful leaders, how many powerful movements have been stifled because of human restriction? What's at stake? Another thing I thought about in this was what about the faith of the next generation? Guys, you may not recognize this, but make no mistake, the next generation is watching us. And they're watching to see how we handle issues like this." [01:28:06] (33 seconds)
"Will we be known as a church that releases people into their calling? Or will we be known as one who holds them back? Guys, every great move of God has come with challenges and is taking great courage. That's why we remember people we just talked about like Martin Luther. Because of the courage it took to stand up and go against the flow." [01:31:10] (25 seconds)