The Cross and Christian Womanhood

Thanks pastor David!

Proverbs 31:10-31
10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Amidst a confused culture (and church)….

Women: Be and become Christ-like women.

The mercy of God covers your past.
The presence of God empowers your present.
The hope of God guarantees your future.

Married men: Love and nurture a Christ-like wife.

Single men: Pray for and seek out a Christ-like wife.

Church: Praise Christ-like women as we promote Christ-likeness in women.

Characteristics of the Christ-like Woman….

She is wise.
Because she fears God, her value cannot be fathomed.
Because she fears God, she boldly faces the future.
Because she fears God, her beauty will never fade.

She is overseer of her home.
As a wife she is helper to her husband.
He trusts her….
With his heart.
With his household.
With his good.
She is devoted to his success.
She delights in his satisfaction
With his reputation.
He honors her.

As a mother, she prioritizes care for her children.
She loves them.
She lays down her life for them.
She lives to make them her legacy.

She is mighty in her work.
She has willing and skillful hands.
She has an innovative and industrious spirit.
She has an intelligent mind.
She has a strong body.

She is attractive in all her ways.
Her words are kind.
Her words are admirable.
Her dress is tasteful.
Her demeanor is delightful.
Her husband is both pleased and proud.

She is a neighbor to the needy.
She gives generously.
She doesn't ignore the poor; she initiates compassion.
She serves sacrificially.
In losing her life, she finds it.