Skyscraper Ministries/Lectures/Annual Baptisms/The Other Seventy Training Academy
by
Bro.
Ammar Saheli & Sis. Tonya Saheli
The Strength of a Woman
Proverbs 31:10, 25
Lesson #1
Introduction
Usually when we
think of a strong woman, we tend to attach societies definitions to her. Even
the Christian woman may look at celebrities and politicians, such as Tina
Turner, Hilary Clinton, Lauren Hill, Jackie-O, and Condaleesa Rice as strong
women. Black women growing up in the seventies may have familiarized themselves
with term “Strong Black Woman” using Angela Davis as a figurehead.
However, in using the life of the virtuous woman as a case-study
(Proverbs 31:10-28), we find many of the powerful qualities cemented in
God's strong woman. The love, work ethic, quality and care for others, behavior,
motherhood, and wifehood of the God-fearing virtuous woman will be explored
and discussed during this workshop.
She is Futuristic & Works While Others are Sleep
In looking at verses 13-16 and 24, of Proverbs 31, the strength
of the virtuous woman is witnessed on four fronts.
- She had a
solid work ethic.
- She operated
in and out of her home for the welfare of her family.
- She worked
while others slumbered.
- She was a
businesswoman who planned for the future.
The strength of a woman is evidenced in her ability to carry out God's
commands for her life. She works hard and is not confined to the walls of her
home. She keeps her home, still benefiting, capturing, and using physical
resources outside her humble abode.
She is not idle, for she knows the destruction and regression it can
cause (Proverbs 19:15). She is not saddened or threatened by the career
of her husband or the prosperity of other mothers and women in general. She
knows she must satisfy God, her husband and children, or prepare herself for a
husband.
The strong woman has an understanding of business, finances, and the
importance of preparing and planning for the future. While others are sleep she
is keeping her home and prayerfully plotting her next move. The virtuous woman
considered (thought about deeply Proverbs 4:26) a piece of property and
then purchased it. Notice her role and the apparent confidence her husband had
in her (Proverbs 31:11). During this time of male orchestrated
oppression of the woman, God still expressed the powerful abilities and talents
of the strong woman.
Her Strength is Exemplified in Her Quality
Verses 17-22 and 27 clearly reveals a powerful and polished trait of
every strong Christian woman. The virtuous woman houses within her heart,
self-love and confidence. She believed in the best, therefore she provided the
best for herself, husband, children, and poor.
The strong woman expects the best, which causes her to live a life of
high standards. She practices what she preaches (Proverbs 18:24; Matthew
7:12; Luke 6:31).
Her Strength is Known Through Her Speech
The need to speak evil, gossip, incite rumors, or speak negatively is a
sign of the contentious woman. In general, some humans feel better when they
can cut someone down. In doing so many feel elevated. However, in Proverbs
31:26 the behavior of the virtuous woman addressed the contrary. As
biblically commanded, she spoke with wisdom, maintaining words of kindness. The
strength contained within the woman allows her to speak in love (Jackson,
2003).
The strength contained within the strong woman prevents her from biting
and devouring individuals and groups with her lips (Galatians 5:15). The
strength of the strong woman allows her to master her tongue, which in turn
allows her to bridle her body (1 Corinthians 6:12; James 3:2).
Her Strength Inspires Respect
The speech, disposition, and behavior of the virtuous woman caused her
husband, children, and those in her presence to speak highly of her. In
essence, the strength of a woman is manifested through her grave disposition.
Note the Greek definition of grave. For a man to qualify for the formal
church office of a deacon, he and his wife must be grave (1 Timothy 3:8,
11). The Greek term for grave is Semnos and it denotes a
person who is venerable and inspires reverence, simultaneously displaying a
quality that invites and attracts (Vine, Unger & White, 1985; Vine, 1981) .
Verse 28 displays the results of the type of grave attitude all
Christian women should possess. The children of the virtuous woman referred to
her as blessed and her husband praised her. One scholar said in regards to her
children, “…They pray for her, and bless God that they had such a good mother”
(Henry, 1991).
Conclusion
In this brief case-study approach to the life of the virtuous woman,
several applications are made in relationship to the strength of today’s
Christian woman. The following is a list of evidences of the strong Christian
woman:
- She
understands that her first priority is to please God.
- She operates
in and out of her home for the welfare of her family.
- She refuses
to be idle and confined to her home.
- She is
qualified in maintaining the business and financial matters of her home.
- She plans
for the future of her family and is not lazy.
- She
maintains a high level of confidence, faith in God, and her husband.
- She desires
quality and provides the same to her family and the poor.
- She speaks
with wisdom and kindness.
- She inspires
respect from others.
- She is
deeply appreciated, loved, and adored by her husband and/or children.
Food for the Soul’s of Women
The Faith of a Woman
Esther 2:15 & 4:15-17
Lesson #2
Introduction
The story of Esther is one of awesome power and faith. The positions
that she held and maintained as a Jewish woman for the welfare of her people,
were utterly amazing. Initially, using her life as a brief case-study, we will
examine her faith, then explore the faith of other Christian women. Because of
the power contained in our theme text, the two passages are provided with the
theme phrases underlined.
Ø Esther 2:15
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of
Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she
required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the
women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that
looked upon her. 16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his
house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year
of his reign. 17 And the king loved
Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more
than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made
her queen instead of Vashti.
Ø Esther 4:16
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye
for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my
maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not
according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
The Story: Faith Evidenced by Restraint, Influence, & Sacrifice
King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) of the Persian Empire, ruled from his throne
and palace in Shushan, the regions from India to Ethiopia (Esther1:1). During
his reign (486-465 B.C.) the Jews were in exile and the king called for his
queen Vashti, but she refused his command (Esther 1:10-12; 2:6, Nelson,
1986). This displeased the king and he followed the suggestions of his
officers and began preparing for a new queen. Many virgin women were brought to
the king for his selection and through Gods providence Esther was among the
number (Esther 2:2-8).
Every potential queen had to present herself before the king in her
most beautiful kingdom selected attire. Esther could have selected whatever she
wanted but instead she requested that the chamberlain, Hegai, select for her
because she knew that he knew exactly what appealed to the king. The restraint
of Esther to indulge herself in a personal royal make-over, resulted in her
selection as queen (Esther 2:17).
At the time of becoming queen, Esther had no idea of the plan God was
orchestrating. She simply knew that by becoming queen she would be in a
position of power and could begin to empower a power-stripped Israel. During
her time as queen, Haman (a man above all the other princes, Esther 3:1-2)
developed a plot to destroy the Jews (Esther 3:8-9). Word about the
trouble produced by Haman made it back to Esther from her adopted father
Mordecai (Esther 4:7-9). Mordecai and Esther exchanged dialogue about
the condition of the Jews and her strong influence and faith was clear.
Ø Esther 4:16
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye
for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my
maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not
according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
The second marvelous faithful trait of Esther was her influence on her
non-Jewish maidens. She had enough influence to cause them to fast for her
cause. Thirdly, she was willing to risk her life. She said, “If I die I
die.” The attractive and dynamic faith of Esther was breathtakingly
courageous (Fields, 2001). Because of her faith, Haman was killed on the same
gallows he prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10), she remained queen,
and her adopted father became second in command to the king (Esther 10:
1-3).
Like the virtuous woman, Esther had confidence and knew that for
increase to occur she had to decrease (Proverbs 31:30; John 3:30).
Examples of other Faithful Women
Sarah: Of course Sarah had issues with her faith at times, but imagine her
faith at the time God commanded her husband Abraham to murder their son Isaac (Genesis
22:1-2, 10-12). Her lack of faith could have disrupted major blessings (Genesis
22:18). Her faith included sacrifice.
The Faithful Harlot: In I Kings 3:16-28 the faithful harlot and mother
of a baby boy had enough faith in Solomon and his judicial system for her son
to be saved from a brutal death of being cut in half. Her faith included
sacrifice (Fields, 1996).
Jochebed: In Exodus 2 and Hebrews 11:23 the faith of the mother of Moses is
witnessed as she refused to allow her infant child to be drowned, as was the
Pharaohic command (Exodus 1:22).
Conclusion
Faith, confidence, and belief in God are all traits of a strong Christian
woman. Beautiful Esther exemplified faith as did a plethora of other biblical
women. For the Christian woman to live of faith, the following scriptures must
be understood and practiced:
Ø Romans 10:17
Ø Hebrews 11:1
Ø James 1:5-7; 2:18; 2:26
Food for the Soul’s of Women
The Content Woman
Luke 10:38-42
Lesson #3
Introduction
In looking at the lives of two religious sisters, Mary and Martha, the
disposition of contentment is found in one of them. Through comparing and
contrasting their mentalities the characteristics of a content women will be
explored. The Bible says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1
Timothy 6:6; See Hebrews 13:5).
Mary & Martha
The Bible describes Mary and Martha as both being strong women.
However, Martha was perplexed about tending to all of her houseguests. Her
motives were good, noble, and rooted in service. Yet and still she was
concerned about her sister Mary leaving the feet of Jesus to help her serve.
Martha was anxious, stressed, and worried about her personal service because
she had many people to serve, including Christ. She asked Jesus to instruct
Mary to help her (Luke 10:40).
Martha “became so weighted and burdened down, so tired and fatigued, so
pressured and tense that she lost her priority [and] became aggravated and
critical of those who were not helping” (The Preachers Outline & Sermon
Bible, 1998, p. 1302).
Despite the chaos and service needed, Mary remained totally content at
the feet of Jesus. She was probably just as dedicated to service as Martha was,
but once she saw Jesus she selected the good part (Luke 10:42).
The Quick Application
Mary did not just sit at the feet of Jesus, she focused upon His Words,
the everlasting water and bread of life (Matthew 4:4; John 4:14). In the
midst of tribulation, trial, and trepidation, the content Christian woman knows
how to navigate her way to the feet of Jesus, finding rest, consolation, and
contentment in His Words. Mary was in the same chaotic house as her sister, but
she remained content. A psychiatrist once said in regards to her delusional and
psychotic patients, “Your crisis is not my crisis.” Author Betty Burton Choate
(1999) said, “No church can become strong unless it has strong spiritual women,
so women need to devote to a study of the scriptures” (p. 121).
The Discussion
The virtuous woman, Esther, and Mary were all content because they knew
in whom their strength rested, having faith, confidence, and trust in the LORD.
God cannot use the double-minded woman (James 1:8; 4:8) because she is
never content, failing to know what she wants until she sees it in or on
someone else. This was the case with the laborers (Matthew 20:1-16) and
Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). The laborers were pleased with their
salary until they saw others receive the same pay for less work. Ananias and
Sapphira were content giving their money toward God’s Kingdom until Satan
convinced them to keep a portion for themselves (1 Timothy 6:10).
How Does She Become Content?
Like every content woman must, the apostle Paul figured out how to
navigate to the feet of Jesus in all conditions and seasons of life (Philippians
4:11, 13). He understood that he could do it all through Christ. Faith in
Christ brings a life of contentment. The content woman is excused from jealousy,
envy, coveting, and strife because she is satisfied with the Godly provided
essentials of life (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
What Does She Look Like
In 1 Timothy 5:10 the works of a content seasoned Christian
woman are categorized and they will be contrasted with the contentious woman (1
Timothy 5:11-13) in the next section. Along with the characteristics of the
virtuous woman, Esther, and Mary, the content woman:
Ø
Is dedicated to the Word of God
Ø
Has good works
Ø
Successfully raises children
Ø
Takes care of the neglected
Ø
Washes the feet of the saints
Ø
Relieves the afflicted
Conclusion
The content woman understands Matthew 6:33 and believes she can do all
things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13). In short, the content
woman is only concerned about the things of others in how she may serve them.
She is not concerned about acquiring the things of others because she is
content and confident in what God has provided her.
Food for the Soul’s of Women
The Contentious Woman
1 Kings 21:23-26
Lesson #4
Introduction
The church, society, and families are plagued by contentious women. The contentious woman is basically the woman that nobody wants to be around, and the mother whose daughter prays to never be like her. Beginning with a look at the characteristics of a biblical contentious woman named Jezebel, we will begin our investigation of the fatal danger posed by contentious women.
Terminology Defined
The Hebrew word for contentious is Madown and the Greek word is Philoneikos. Based on the Hebrew and Greek definitions the contentious woman is defined as the woman who loves to brawl, creating strife and discord (Strong, 1881). In the Greek philo is defined as dear, and neikos is defined as strife. The contentious woman is a lover of conflict and strife.
Scriptural Passages Designed for the
Contentious Woman
·
Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a
corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
·
Proverbs 21:19 It is better to dwell in the
wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Ø Proverbs 27:15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
Contentious
Jezebel
Ø 1
Kings 21:23 And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall
eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. 24 Him that dieth of Ahab in the city
the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air
eat. 25 But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work
wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
Ø Kings 9:33 And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot. 34 And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter. 35 And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.
Contentious Jezebel had no respect for prophet Elijah (1 Kings 19:2-3), ordered the deaths of prophets (1 Kings 18:4), orchestrated a scandal of pride (1 Kings 21:4-6, 8), and had Naboth executed for his land (1 Kings 21:12-13). Ahab had no business uniting with Jezebel in marriage and she simply exacerbated the sin problem of Israel. Only the evil and sinful probably liked Jezebel. Nobody wants to be around a contentious woman. The contentious nature of Jezebel led to her death. Even the dogs refused to eat the parts of her body she used to concoct her evil schemes: Head (containing brain & speech organs) hands, and feet.
Ø 2 Kings 9:30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.
Make the connection and keep in mind, before Jezebel faced her death she was in hiding. How often it is that when the plots, rumors, gossips, slanders, and games of the contentious woman are exposed, she attempts to hide. She, like Jezebel, will throw rocks and attempt to hide her hands.
Other Contentious
Women in the Bible
Sarah: At a certain stage in the life of Sarah, she presented with contentious behaviors. Look at the table below:
|
Text |
Contentious
Behavior |
Impact on
others |
|
Genesis 16:1-2 |
Discontent with barrenness |
Abraham slept with handmaid/Hagar. |
|
Genesis 16:4 |
Jealous of Hagar’s pregnancy |
Hagar mistreated. |
|
Genesis 16:4-5 |
Fabricated story about Hagar’s disposition |
Abraham crossed, Hagar slandered & forced to leave. Eventually they returned. |
|
Genesis 21:9-11 |
Family strife & dislike of Ishmael |
Abraham grieved by Sarah’s attitude. |
|
Genesis 21:10, 14 |
Sarah wants them dismissed again |
Hagar & Ishmael sent away for good. |
Job’s Wife: The wife of Job was consumed by
contention. At Jobs weakest point she urged him to curse God and die (Job
2:9).
Potiphar’s Wife: Potiphar was a powerful man in Egypt and had to have been an awesome provider for his wife. Surely he had no problem with resources, yet his wife was not content because there was a new man on the block who was handsome, mighty in faith, and self-integrity. She was not content with her husband because of her own lusts, and on several occasions attempted to seduce Joseph (Genesis 39:7, 10-12). After Joseph refused, she became remained so contentious she attempted to ruin his name by falsifying a rape charge (Genesis 39:13-14).
Based upon the aforementioned ladies of the Bible, including the conduct of Rebekah toward her favored son Jacob (Genesis 27:6-13), notice that their contentious behavior negatively impacted the lives of mostly innocent prey and subjects. The recipients of human darts of contention are simply the victims of misguided psychological projections of others.
Mother of all Mothers: Eve was informed of God not to eat or touch the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:3). However, Eve grew discontent with the command and ate of the tree, also giving to her husband. The sin of Adam and Eve introduced sin to the world. Again, notice the impact of the discontent behavior on others.
The Bible describes the lifestyles and characteristics of
many contentious women. Delilah refused to leave Samson alone until he relented
and relinquished his secret (Judges 16:6, 10, 13, 16-17). She stirred
Samson until he was sick inside. Zeresh, the wife of Haman, provided him with
the idea of building the gallows for the sinful attempted execution of Mordecai
(Esther 5:14). The
grandmother of King Asa had to be removed from her office of queen because she
set up an idol for worship (2 Chronicles 15:16).
Quick Observation
Notice some key characteristics of contentious women: Often times they are unsatisfied, discontent, and unhappy with their life, past, present, or a combination. These dispositions have an ill effect on the church, family, and society.
The Panacea for
the Contentious Woman
As was discussed in our characteristic investigation of the content woman (1 Timothy 5:9-10), we now look at some things that lead a woman into a contentious disposition, followed by Gods remedy.
Based upon (1 Timothy 5:9-10), widows sixty years of
age and above and married once are to be enlisted in a special ministry of
women. In early New Testament times, these were women who dedicated themselves
to ministry and consented to remaining single and celibate. To illustrate the
point we look at the pertinent scriptures from the Hebraic-Roots Version New
Testament and The New Jerusalem Bible.
Ø 1
Timothy 5:9-14“Therefore, you should choose a widow who is not less
than sixty years [old], who was [married] to one man, 10 and has a testimony of good deeds, whether
she brought up children, or received strangers, or washed the feet of
set-apart-ones, or relieved the afflicted, or walked in every good deed.11 But from those widows who are young excuse
yourself, for they will become torn concerning the Messiah, and will desire to
be married. 12 And their judgment is set because they have denied their former
faith. 13 And they also learn laziness while circulation among the houses, and
not only laziness, but also to talk too much and to distract themselves with
vain things, and to speak that which is not proper. 14 Therefore I desire that
those who are young marry and bear children and direct their homes and not give
to Ba’al Zebub even one cause for reproach” (Trimm, 2001, p. 496).
Ø 1
Timothy 5:9-14 “Enrollment as a widow is permissible only for a woman
at least sixty years old who has had only one husband. 10 She must be a woman known for her good
works—whether she has brought up her children, been hospitable to strangers and
washed the feet of God’s holy people, helped people in hardship or been active
in all kinds of good work. 11 Do not accept young widows because if their
natural desires distract them from Christ, they want to marry again, 12 and then people condemn them for being
unfaithful to their original promise.13
Besides, they learn how to be idle and go round from house to house; and
then, not merely idle, they learn to be gossips and meddlers in other people’s
affairs and to say what should remain unsaid. 14 I think it is best for young
widows to marry again and have children and a household to look after, and not
give the enemy any chance to raise scandal about them” (Wansbrough, 1985, p.
1962).
In looking at the provided versions above, deeper insight is gained into the characteristics of the New Testament Christian contentious woman and how she arrives at contention. The apostle Paul preached that it is better for a woman under sixty to be married and for faithful widow, sixty and above, to dedicate her life to ministry. This special dedication to ministry consisted of house visitations and the tending to the needs of other women. This was and is truly a ministry for the seasoned, mature, and experienced in Christ. In Paul’s Holy Spirit given theology, he described the possible characteristics of single/widowed younger Christian woman. Paul desired young Christian women to be married to prevent from becoming:
All
Christians must strive to live a life that qualifies them to be a spiritual
help to others.