Historical Posts
Woman’s Role in the Church
The apostle Paul wrote: “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church” (1 Corinthians 14:34,35). To Timothy he wrote: “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (1 Timothy 2:11,12).
From the advent of Christianity it was the practice for men to lead in the assembly. Women’s roles were limited in the public assembly. They were prohibited from preaching, teaching and assuming other leadership roles when men were present. In recent years this practice has been called into question, and people have gone to great lengths to discredit the apostle and what the Scriptures say regarding this issue.
Some argue that Paul was a woman hater. They conclude that his remarks merely express his personal prejudice, and are not binding on the church. Such an attitude undermines the authority of the entire Bible. Using this approach, anything one finds personally objectionable can be ignored. This is how many people approach the word of God.
Others argue that the limitations placed on the woman’s role were cultural. They claim that although these limitations were enforced in Paul’s day, they are no longer binding on the church. There is nothing in the Bible which suggests that this is the case.
Paul also wrote: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). This passage is sometimes used to justify the practice of women preachers. The apostle does not set aside previous legislation in this text. He simply underscores the equality which exists in the church regardless of ethnic, social, or gender differences. God loves us equally. This does not, however, negate the fact that he has established different roles for us!
Radical feminists and liberal theologians would like to discard the Biblical prohibitions regarding a woman’s role in public worship. In many churches they have been successful. But, we are committed to respecting what the Bible teaches whether it is socially acceptable or not.
Women are not inferior to men, and men are not superior to women. But, God has ordained different roles for us, and we must respect them if we respect Him.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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1 Samuel 01:01 – 02:10 Hannah, a Woman of Faith
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Text: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:10
Introduction
1. The Old Testament contains many role models for us today
a. Great men like Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Daniel
b. Great women like Sarah, Ruth, and Esther
2. A wonderful role model for women of faith today is that of Hannah
a. The mother of Samuel, one of the greatest prophets of Israel
b. Whose story is told in the first two chapters of 1 Samuel
3. From just a simple reading of the material in these two chapters we can glean several lessons from “Hannah – A Woman Of Faith”. For example, as we read 1 Samuel 1:1-8, we learn that…
Body
I. PEOPLE OF FAITH ENDURE REAL PROBLEMS
A. HANNAH’S PROBLEMS
1. Womb closed by the Lord – 1 Samuel 1:1-5
2. Provoking by her rival – 1 Samuel 1:6-8
B. WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM HANNAH
1. Women of faith are not without problems in this life
a. The righteous often suffer (remember Job)
b. Sarah likewise suffered ridicule from her handmaiden Hagar – Genesis 16:3-5
2. We should not let others deter our trust in the Lord
a. Hannah could have used her misfortune and mistreatment as an excuse
b. Yet year after year Hannah continued to worship the Lord – 1 Samuel 1:7
C. Women of faith have problems just like other women. What distinguishes them as women of faith is what they do when faced with their problems, as we glean from reading 1 Samuel 1:9-18
II. WOMEN OF FAITH EXTEND VIBRANT PRAYERS
A. HANNAH’S PRAYER
1. With the bitterness of soul – 1 Samuel 1:10
2. With weeping in anguish – 1 Samuel 1:10
3. With offers of a solemn vow – 1 Samuel 1:11
4. With persistence – 1 Samuel 1:12
5. With her heart – 1 Samuel 1:13
6. With all her soul – 1 Samuel 1:15-16
7. With faith in God’s promise – 1 Samuel 1:18
B. WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM HANNAH
1. Pray fervently – she put her soul in her prayers – Colossians 4:2
2. Pray persistently – she continued steadfastly in prayers
3. Pray faithfully – she believed that God would answer her prayers – 1 John 5:14-15
C. Women of faith believe in the efficacy of prayer. God takes notice of such faith, so we should not be surprise to see that as we continue reading (1 Samuel 1:19-20)
III. WOMEN OF FAITH EXPERIENCE GOD’S PROVISIONS
A. HANNAH’S PROVISIONS
1. When the Lord remembered her – 1 Samuel 1:19
2. When the Lord gave her a son, whom she named Samuel (“heard of God”) – 1 Samuel 1:20
B. WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM HANNAH
1. God may sometimes give us what we want
a. It must be according to His will – 1 John 5:14
b. We must abide in His words – John 15:7
c. Selfish prayers will not be answered as we wish – James 4:3
2. God will always provide what we need
a. It may not be what we want or expect
b. But it will meet our needs, and be for our good – Matthew 6:33; Romans 8:28
c. In Hannah’s case, she received that for which she asked. But she had made a vow, and as we read on we see that (1 Samuel 1:21-28).
V. WOMEN OF FAITH EXCEL AT KEEPING PROMISES
A. HANNAH’S PROMISE
1. She planned to keep her promise – 1 Samuel 1:22
2. She carried out what she promised – 1 Samuel 1:24-28
3. She worshipped the Lord – 1 Samuel 1:28
B. WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM HANNAH
1. We should keep our vows
a. God has no pleasure in fools who do not keep their vows – Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
b. As Christians, even our ‘yes’ and ‘no’ are as solemn vows – Matthew 5:33-37
2. We should worship the Lord
a. Fulfillment of vows or promises should not be done begrudgingly We should with gratitude of heart do the will of the Lord – Colossians 3:17
b. Finally, we note Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving – 1 Samuel 2:1-10
V. WOMEN OF FAITH EXPRESS THEIR PRAISE
A. HANNAH’S PRAISE
1. With great joy in her heart – 1 Samuel 2:1
2. With praise for the Lord for His help – 1 Samuel 2:2-10
B. WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM HANNAH
1. We should rejoice in blessings received
a. For we are to rejoice always – 1 Thessalonians 5:16
b. How much more so when we have received blessings from the Lord!
2. We should offer praise for blessings received
a. As David offered thanks, and promised to praise God – Psalms 18:49
b. Praising God is how Christians offer spiritual sacrifices to God – Hebrews 13:15
Conclusion
1. “Hannah – A Woman Of Faith” serves to remind us that all women of faith
a. Endure real problems
b. Extend vibrant prayers
c. Experience God’s provisions
d. Excel at keeping promises
e. Express their praise
2. Today, anyone can become a person of faith
a. Even though you face many problems
b. If you are willing to come to God in prayerful obedience to the gospel of Christ
c. Receive the gift of salvation provided through God’s Son
d. Remain true to your commitment to His authority as Lord of your life
e. Offer your life and the fruit of your lips in praise to Him
3. May everyone, whether male or female, be able to say together with Hannah: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord.” – 1 Samuel 2:1
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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