Women

Women

Introduction
God’s word presents a lofty view of women from creation onward. In Genesis 2:18–23 and Genesis 3:20 we learn woman’s origin, purpose, and honor before God—truths that shaped Israel’s law and still shape Christ’s people today.

Created From Man—Created For Honor (Genesis 2:23)
When Adam beheld the woman, he confessed, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.” The Spirit shows a shared essence and profound unity. Woman is not a stranger to man’s nature; she is of his very substance. From the beginning, God established dignity, oneness, and mutual belonging. This single verse refutes the low view of women common in surrounding nations. God declared woman worthy of the closest bond a human can know—marriage—and worthy of the deepest respect that such unity demands.

Protected and Valued in the Law (Exodus 21:28–32; Numbers 27; Numbers 36; Numbers 6:1–2; Exodus 38:8)
Under Moses, the Lord wrote safeguards for women that far exceeded the customs of the ancient world. Civil justice treated the deaths of a “man or woman” alike (Exodus 21:28–32). Daughters received inheritance when circumstances warranted, as seen with Zelophehad’s daughters (Numbers 27:1–11; 36:1–12). Women could take the Nazirite vow of devoted service (Numbers 6:1–2). Women are mentioned among those who ministered at the entrance of the tent of meeting (Exodus 38:8). In Israel’s worship meals, the whole household rejoiced—sons and daughters, male and female servants—before the Lord (Deuteronomy 12:18; 16:14). These statutes reveal the Lord’s care and the high place He gives women in His covenant people.

Eve—The Life-Giver (Genesis 3:20)
Adam named his wife “Eve,” “because she was the mother of all living.” Scripture honors woman as the bearer of life. Through her, generations arise; through her care, life is nourished. This title is not a mere biological note—it is a declaration of glory. God entrusts to women a gift that touches every home, congregation, and nation.

A Helper Comparable to Him (Genesis 2:18)
God said, “I will make him a helper comparable to him.” The word “helper” in Scripture often describes divine aid. God fashioned woman as a corresponding partner—fit, suitable, and matching. The two complete each other; they supply what each lacks and advance God’s purposes together. Marriage is therefore a covenant of mutual service and sanctifying companionship. The man thrives with his wife beside him; the wife flourishes with her husband caring for her.

The Excellent Woman (Proverbs 31:10–31; 12:4; 19:14)
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10). Scripture portrays her moral strength, industry, wisdom, generosity, and fear of the Lord. She blesses her household, strengthens her husband, serves the needy, orders her affairs with diligence, and teaches kindness. “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband” (Proverbs 12:4), and “a prudent wife is from the Lord” (Proverbs 19:14). God sets before His people this noble pattern to admire and imitate.

One in Christ—Equal Heirs of Grace (Galatians 3:26–28; 1 Peter 3:7)
In Christ Jesus, all who are baptized into Him are God’s children. Ethnic distinctions, social status, and sex do not decide access to grace. Women and men stand side by side as heirs together of the grace of life (1 Peter 3:7). This unity does not erase God-given roles; it exalts the shared salvation, shared Spirit, shared hope, and shared mission of the church.

Honoring Women in the Home and the Church
Because God honors women, His people do the same. Husbands cherish their wives as their own bodies (Ephesians 5:25–29). Children rise up and call their mothers blessed (Proverbs 31:28). Congregations receive and support faithful women who labor for the gospel (Romans 16:1–6). Speech, plans, and policies among Christians uphold purity, justice, and kindness toward women at every turn.

Women Sermon Outline:

primary text: Genesis 2:18–23; 3:20; Proverbs 31:10–31; Galatians 3:26–28)
God reveals a noble vision of womanhood: created for unity with man, honored in His law, praised for excellence, and welcomed as an equal heir in Christ. This lesson traces that vision from Eden to the church and applies it to our homes and congregation.

I. God’s Created Design and Dignity

• Shared nature and unity — “Bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23).

  • Implications for marriage: covenant companionship, mutual belonging, shared life and purpose (Genesis 2:24).

• “Helper comparable to him” — Corresponding partner who complements and completes (Genesis 2:18).

  • The term “helper” often describes God’s aid, indicating strength and honor in the role (cf. Psalm 33:20).

  • Marriage as coordinated partnership: spiritual, emotional, and practical cooperation.

• Eve—life-giver — “Mother of all living” (Genesis 3:20).

  • Stewardship of life in the home; formation of faith across generations (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14–15).

II. Honored and Protected under the Law

• Equal civil protection — Justice applied to “man or woman” alike (Exodus 21:28–32).

• Inheritance provisions — Zelophehad’s daughters; daughters included by statute (Numbers 27:1–11; 36:1–12).

• Covenant worship participation — Household rejoicing before the Lord, including daughters and servants (Deuteronomy 12:18; 16:14).

• Consecrated service — Nazarite vow open to women (Numbers 6:1–2).

• Ministering women — Those who served at the entrance of the tent of meeting (Exodus 38:8).

• Wisdom literature’s esteem — “Excellent wife is the crown of her husband” and “from the Lord” (Proverbs 12:4; 19:14).

III. Portrait of the Excellent Woman (Proverbs 31:10–31)

• Worth beyond rubies — Trustworthy, steady, and fruitful (vv. 10–12).

• Industrious stewardship — Strategic work, commerce, foresight (vv. 13–19, 24).

• Mercy and generosity — Open hand to the poor and needy (v. 20).

• Strength and dignity — Prepared for the future, clothed with strength (vv. 25–26).

• Wise speech — Instruction with kindness; builds rather than tears down (v. 26).

• Household blessing — Husband and children rise and bless her (vv. 27–31).

• Root of excellence — “A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” (v. 30).

IV. Women in God’s Redemptive Story

• Old Testament examples

  • Deborah (Judges 4–5): courageous leadership and counsel.

  • Ruth (Ruth 1–4): loyal love and faith that bless future generations.

  • Hannah (1 Samuel 1–2): prayer, dedication, and praise.

  • Abigail (1 Samuel 25): peacemaking wisdom.

  • Esther (Esther 4–8): providential courage.

  • Huldah (2 Kings 22:14–20): faithful testimony to God’s word.

• New Testament examples

  • Mary and Elizabeth (Luke 1): humble faith and Spirit-led praise.

  • Anna (Luke 2:36–38): persevering devotion.

  • Women who supported Jesus (Luke 8:1–3).

  • Samaritan woman (John 4:28–30): witness to her town.

  • Mary Magdalene (John 20:16–18): first witness of the risen Lord.

  • Priscilla with Aquila (Acts 18:24–26): doctrinal care for Apollos.

  • Lydia (Acts 16:14–15): hospitality and gospel advance.

  • Phoebe and many co-workers (Romans 16:1–6): devoted service.

V. The Gospel’s Declaration about Women

• Equal heirs in Christ — Children of God through faith; one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26–28).

• Honor within marriage — Husbands love as Christ loved; show understanding and honor; wives cultivate inner beauty and a gentle, steadfast spirit (Ephesians 5:25–29; 1 Peter 3:1–7).

• Holy adornment — Good works and reverence mark faithful women (1 Timothy 2:9–10; Titus 2:3–5).

• Order for edification — Congregational gatherings shaped by peace and decency for the building up of all (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40).

VI. Ministry Pathways for Women Today

• Teaching and mentoring — Older women train younger women; mothers and grandmothers sow Scripture into children (Titus 2:3–5; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14–15).

• Benevolence and hospitality — Dorcas’s pattern; homes opened for the gospel; practical service (Acts 9:36–39; Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9).

• Prayer and praise — United prayer; singing that teaches and encourages (Acts 1:14; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

• Evangelism — Personal testimony and networks; welcoming seekers; supporting mission works (John 4:28–30; Luke 8:1–3; Romans 16:1–6).

VII. Pastoral Applications for the Home and Congregation

• For husbands — Practice Christlike love, attentive knowledge, protective honor, gentle words, shared burdens (Ephesians 5:25–29; 1 Peter 3:7).

• For wives — Cultivate reverence, wisdom, diligence, compassion, and steadfast hope (Proverbs 31:25–26; 1 Peter 3:1–4).

• For parents — Shape a home culture where daughters flourish in faith and sons learn to honor women.

• For leaders — Promote safety, fairness, and opportunity for service; recognize and encourage women’s gifts within biblical teaching; guard against abuse through clear policies and swift care.

• For all — Use speech that blesses, pray for the women of the church by name, celebrate milestones of service.

VIII. Hope and Reward

• Blessed work remembered — “Their works follow them” (Revelation 14:13).

• Crown of life — Faithful endurance receives glorious reward (James 1:12).

• Congregational renewal — When women flourish in God’s design, families strengthen, ministries multiply, and the light of the gospel shines brighter.

Call to Action
Receive God’s view of women with gratitude and obedience. Purify your speech, elevate your conduct, and strengthen your home to reflect Scripture’s honor. Husbands, love and lead with Christlike care. Wives, continue steadfast in noble service and faith. Young and old, walk together as one in Christ, serving side by side for His glory.

Key Takeaways

• God created woman in unity with man; honor that oneness (Genesis 2:23).

• God’s law protected and dignified women among His people (Exodus 21:28–32; Numbers 27; Numbers 36).

• Woman is the life-giver, a title of glory (Genesis 3:20).

• “Helper comparable” means a corresponding partner who completes (Genesis 2:18).

• The excellent woman is priceless and God-given (Proverbs 31:10; 19:14).

• In Christ, women and men are equal heirs of grace (Galatians 3:26–28; 1 Peter 3:7).

Scripture Reference List

• Genesis 2:18–23 — Woman created as a helper comparable to man; unity of nature.

• Genesis 3:20 — Eve named as “mother of all living.”

• Exodus 21:28–32 — Equal civil protection in cases of injury and death.

• Numbers 27:1–11; 36:1–12 — Inheritance provisions including daughters.

• Numbers 6:1–2 — Nazirite vow open to men and women.

• Exodus 38:8 — Ministering women at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

• Deuteronomy 12:18; 16:14 — Household participation in covenant rejoicing.

• Proverbs 31:10–31; 12:4; 19:14 — The excellent woman; her value, labor, and source.

• Galatians 3:26–28 — Unity in Christ for all who are baptized into Him.

• 1 Peter 3:7 — Husbands and wives as heirs together of the grace of life.

• Ephesians 5:25–29 — Christlike love and care within marriage.

• Romans 16:1–6 — Commendations of faithful women serving the church.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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