Women of the Bible

January 19, 2010

So I am wrapping up my study on the characteristics of the "aged women" mentioned in Titus 2:3-5, the characteristics of a "teacher". In doing so, I looked at 3 women in the Bible who had some of these characteristics. Women that I can look at today as a model of these characteristics.

Noah's Wife

• OBEDIENCE-In a time when faith in God was definitely outside the "mainstream", she trusted Him and Noah. Even in the face of public humiliation for her husband building the Ark, she trusted God and Noah and did not waver in her obedience to either.
• SUBMISSION-Again, she submitted to her husband, even when society told her he was crazy. She trusted him to be obedient to God and, in turn, she was submissive to Noah.
• PATIENCE & PERSEVERANCE-Not only did she submit to and obey Noah and God, she persevered in raising a godly family in a society that put little to value on faith in God. We consider society today to be far from God's will, but in Noah's time, society was so bad, that God saw nothing to redeem but Noah and his family. Yet even in those dark and terrible times, Noah's wife raised her sons to be men of God.

Esther

• FAITHFUL-Even in times of trial, when she did not understand God's purpose in a situation, she was faithful and obedient to His will.
• COURAGEOUS-A Jewess in the harem of the Persian king....that takes some serious courage. She maintained her faith, openly, in a time when it could mean persecution, even death.
• RESOLUTE-Esther resolved not to waver in her mission from God. She was determined to save her people by whatever means necessary and willing to risk her own life and well-being to do so.
• GRACEFUL-Even though she was both courageous and resolute, she was also graceful. Never overbearing or forceful. Calm and serene in the face of danger and persecution.

Ruth

• LOYAL-Ruth stayed with Naomi, travelled with her to a foreign land and started a new life.
• HUMBLE-She only took what wheat she needed for her and Naomi to survive. She did not become greedy when she easily could have taken more.
• BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS IN LOVE-Although Boaz is the "kinsman redeemer" and certainly in a better social situation than Ruth; she, too, took a chance when accepting his courtship of her. She did not have a good history when it came to love and relationships, and he was significantly older than she. But she looked past that and saw the true value of his generous spirit.
• TRUSTING AND HONEST-Ruth trusted Naomi to guide her through Boaz's courtship, she was in a foreign land with foreign customs. She also trusted Boaz to be sincere in his offer of marriage.

There are many women in the Bible that exude characteristics of a Titus 2 woman. I have barely scratched the surface of the guidance the women of the Bible have to offer us today. I hope you read this and use this as a starting point to look for your own role models among these amazing women.

Qualities of a Teacher

January 15, 2010

So in my last post I discussed qualities of learning-my own teach-ability and willingness to learn what God has to teach me in these verses.

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becomes holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things. That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:3-5

But what makes a good teacher, what qualities and characteristics does she have? I came up with:

• knowledge
• obedience
• patience
• eagerness
• respect

I am sure there are many more, but those are the qualities I feel a teacher needs to be effective.

Titus 2:3 refers to the "aged women"...John Gill's Exposition of the Bible defines "aged women" as "ancient widows, wives of elders, godly women in years." These are women who have a knowledge of God's word and have been obedient to His will for many years.

Reverence ("behavior as becomes holiness") is defined by the Dictionary of Words from the King James Bible as "to show respect or fear" and defined by another dictionary as "a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe". I love the idea of being "tinged with awe" when referring to my feelings for my Heavenly Father..because He is truly awesome!

These verses also indicate the aged women are not to be given to much wine...but there are other things that can impede our ability to teach and set a good example when we are "given too much". Some of the ones I have struggled with in the past (and some I still do) include:

• idleness (TV, Internet)
• excessive spending
• gossip

Not only do the "aged women" need to possess these qualities, but they should display them at all times. Those of us with children know that they learn by our example, not necessarily by what we tell them is right.

These qualities are not just for the "aged women". They are to be taught, by example, to the young women so that we (yes, I still consider myself in the "young women" category!) can start practicing these behaviors as well. And although I may consider myself a "young" woman, I know that I am an example to someone else who may be younger or less experienced that me. The process of becoming a "Titus 2 woman" is just that, a process. There is no magical age where you go from "young" to "aged" and suddenly start displaying the characteristics outlined by Paul in his letter to Titus. It is possible for young women to start these behaviors now, although I do believe that age, maturity, and experience play a vital role in the process and for those, there is no substitute.

So women, young and "aged", consider your daily walk. Consider your behavior in EVERY situation, not just when you think someone else may be watching. For we are always teachers to someone and we want to set a good example at all times.

Personal Application for Titus 2:3-5

January 8, 2010

After studying the instructions in Titus 2:3-5, I answered several questions regarding how these verses apply to my life. I struggled with whether or not to share my answers, then I prayed about it and felt led to share what I had discovered about myself.

1. How well do you receive teaching and instruction?

• I receive instruction better than I used to. I still struggle when the instruction is on a topic that I am familiar with and feel comfortable with. I sometimes have an attitude of "I know all there is to know about this, what else could I possibly learn." But, I am continuing to realize that there is always more to learn about everything!

2. In what are do you see your greatest need for instruction?

• In having a gentle and quiet spirit.
• In maintaining my home, improving my homemaking skills.
• In diligence and perseverance. I tend towards laziness and I give up easily on things I truly want that require effort.

3. Could you take care of these things today?

• I should be taking care of these things every day. Reading God's instruction and applying in my daily life.

4. How do you handle the negative reactions of others to changes, decisions, or convictions you make or maintain?

• I recently read a book that contained very wise counsel on this subject. As long as what I am doing is in line with God's will, I should not concern myself with the opinions of others.
• That said, often God uses friends, family, even strangers, to help us see when a decision or change we have made or a conviction we are upholding is not in His will. In light of that fact, when I feel that I am getting negative feedback, I go to Him in prayer.

5. Do you remain gracious in your thoughts and speech when confronted by negative reactions?

• I would like to say yes to this question, but in all honesty, I cannot. I have vastly improved in my ability to hold my tongue. I have practiced praying before I speak, especially when I am emotional about the subject. However, I cannot say my thoughts always remain gracious. I frequently find myself asking God's forgiveness for impulsive and ungracious thoughts towards those who I feel have wronged me in some way.

6. Do you bring undue criticism upon yourself?

• While I have been able to learn to control my tongue, I am still working on controlling my facial expressions and body language. So, although I may not verbalize my frustration or anger, most people can see it clearly written on my face. This can result in criticism related to having a bad attitude or quick temper.
• As I previously mentioned as well, I do tend towards laziness. I happen to have a very giving husband and I have been known to take advantage of that characteristic. This is definitely still a work in progress for me!

7. How do you handle praise?

• In a word, poorly. I tend to get embarrassed and try to shift the focus to another subject. I also am terribly afraid of being prideful, so I tend to reject any kind of praise or commendation.

8. Are there changes you perceive the Lord convicting you to make that you are anxious about?

• I do perceive that God has many changes in store for me. With my husband studying to be a pastor, I feel that God has His work cut out making me a suitable pastor's wife!
• This brings to mind the scripture Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Although initially I may have some anxiety about what God has called me to do, I know that He has a perfect plan for me and my family. I can find peace in prayer.

I hope these questions and answers will help you see how the words of Paul in Titus 2:3-5 can and should apply to you and your daily walk.

Titus 2:3-5

January 5, 2010

Tonight, I have studied, in depth, what each of these 3 verses means to me as a wife and mother and woman seeking God's heart. I studied several cross-referenced verses to get a better grasp of God's direction.

Titus 2:3 "the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teacher of good things"

• 1 Timothy 2:9-10...God instructs women to be modest in apparel and adornment, to let their good works be their ornamentation.
• 1 Timothy 3:11...characteristics for wives of deacons: reverent, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in all things.
• Genesis 1:26-27...God specifically states that He made us (man and woman) in his own image.
• 1 Peter 3:3-4...again, God admonishes women to dress modestly and have a gently and quiet spirit.

The summary of the message for Titus 2:3 is the characteristics of a godly woman include modest apparel, good works, reverence, not slanderous, temperate, faithful, a gentle & quiet spirit. Definitely traits I am striving for!

Titus 2:4 "that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children"

• 1 Timothy 5:14...God instructs young widows to remarry so that they might have homes and children.

God's purpose for women is to manage their families and homes. To love their husbands (this is purposefully listed first) and their children and to raise their children in fear and admonition of the Lord.

Titus 2:5 "to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed"

• Roman 2:24...blasphemy & hypocrisy are characterized by pride, vanity, and boasting whereas true faith in God is characterized by humility and thankfulness.
• 1 Corinthians 14:34 & 1 Timothy 2:11...women should not be loud and argumentative in church, but quietly seek knowledge of God's word from their husbands in their homes.
• Ephesians 5:22, Colossians 3:18 & 1 Peter 3:1 &5...wives should submit to their husbands. Even if their husband is not a Christian. By submitting, wives can bring their husbands to faith in Christ, just through their submissive behavior.
• 1 Timothy 6:1...admonishes servants and slaves to obey and honor their masters, even if they (the masters) are not Christians. Again, through their submission and obedience, they can lead the non-believing master to Christ.

This verse enforces the importance of obedience and submissiveness to God and our husbands. This behavior is paramount to the word of God NOT being blasphemed.

So God expects many things from women of faith: submission, obedience, temperance, modesty, faithfulness, and much more. These behaviors do not come naturally or easily and are often not encouraged by the secular world, but are vital to our Christian walk. I continue to pray daily that God changes my carnal nature and gives me the ability and desire to pursue these characteristics in my own life.

Numbering My Days

January 4, 2010

"So teach us to number our days, that we may gain heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

To number our days is to:

• set store by time
• mourn for the past that we have wasted in worldly pursuits
• use the present diligently
• understand that we cannot know the future and must, therefore, not delay our salvation and gracious works of prayer
• do not procrastinate
• make valuable use of each moment

To gain a heart of wisdom:

• give attention to eternal things
• be humble
• fear the Lord
• study His word
• pray
• fellowship with other Christians

This verse teaches me to be diligent daily. To spend my time in pursuit of the plan that God has for me. It encourages to not be wasteful of my time (which is a gift from God) by being lazy and idle. This goes along with God's instructions in Titus 2 regarding being a "keeper at home", always busy and diligent.

Becoming a Titus 2 Woman

January 2, 2010

So I am starting a new journey today. A journey to becoming a "Titus 2" woman. In Paul's letter to Titus, he gives him instruction related to his role in the organization and supervision of the churches in Crete. He gives specific characteristics of what is expected of the men and women of the church.

"the older women, likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of the good things-that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." Titus 2:3-6

Today, I discovered a Bible Study outline by Pamela Spurling (achristianhome.org) that will guide me through the scripture in pursuit of becoming a "Titus 2" woman.

Proverbs 14:1 says "A wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands."

To build up is defined by Baker's Evangelical Dictionary as "strengthening, establishing, causing to prosper". There are many ways we can can "strengthen or establish" our homes (reference- "John Gill's Exposition of the Bible"):

• good house-wifery, prudent economy-keeping a clean and tidy home, being budget conscious
• looking well to the ways of the household-knowing what the members of the household are doing, being involved in their lives
• guiding the affairs of the house with discretion-keeping family business at home, not airing "dirty laundry" to others
• keeping all things in a good decorum-preparing for company, keeping a neat and tidy living space
• bringing up our children in virtue, and in the fear & admonition of the Lord-I think this one is self-explanatory!

To "pull or pluck down", however, is defined as "to ruin or destroy". There are many ways we destroy our households and families, many of which are encouraged by today's worldly society:

• idleness & laziness
• lavish and profuse way of living
• negligence of economy/budget
• attention to other diversions (e.g. television, Internet, shopping, etc.)

So I have made 2 lists, one of ways that I am "building up" my home, and one of how I am "plucking down" my home. (No...I am not going to share my personal lists!).I also made lists of ways I can change my behaviors and things I can do to build up and stop tearing down. Call it a sort of "New Year's Resolution"....or better yet, the first step on my path of becoming a Titus 2 woman!

I am blessed that God has provided these instructions and look forward to sharing my journey through His word with you!