Is the modern day church “behind the times in its attitude toward women?”  A growing number answer, “Yes.”  They say that women are restricted.  What should the Bible- believing Christian’s response be regarding equal rights for women?  How should church leaders respond, and what should be the attitude of Christian women?

I.  The World and Women’s Rights - A controversial  issue

The battle and victory for women’s rights has influenced every aspect of our national life, including our churches.  This brings up a difficult question - are women treated fairly in the New Testament Church?

The role of women in the church has caused conflicts in some denominations and churches.  Barriers have been removed to once-forbidden secular occupations in the ministry.   Some liberal leaders are upset because they believe the church is lagging far behind on these issues.

Critics argue that conservative churches are steeped in prejudice and need to be enlightened.  On the surface, their arguments may sound convincing.   Arguments are made that many women outstrip men in spiritual gifts and abilities.  By not allowing women to use these talents, the church is missing out.

Some theologians argue that the requirements for pastors outlined in I Timothy 3:1-7 have been grossly misinterpreted - that they merely reflect cultural prejudices of Paul’s day.  How should the present day Church respond to such pressure?  What should the church say to sincere dedicated women who truly want to serve the Lord?

II.  God’s Word and Women’s Rights  - Clear Answers from the Bible

The Bible answers several basic misunderstandings:

There is a basic error in understanding the scope and nature of the differences between the sexes.  The Bible does not teach that men are superior to women, but that they are different.  In creating woman, God did not make a carbon copy of what He had already made.  He fashioned a personality and spirit that would complement man and supply the qualities that man lacked.

The tendency today is to assume that except for physical differences, men and women are of the same mold.  Therefore, they are to be competitive.  That is not God’s intent.  God created male and female to work together, not to compete.

We commit a basic error when we try to sweep differences under the rug.  It may appear to be successful for a time, but in the end we violate something elemental to our inner structure.  Let’s evaluate the Word of God on the subject  - I Timothy 2:12.  The New Testament makes it clear that administration is a man’s calling.  Early church leaders were called elders and deacons.  Qualifications required these offices to be held by men.

I Timothy 2:13-15, Paul gives two reasons why the woman cannot scripturally usurp authority over the man.  First, woman was not created to be independent; second, the woman had been the first to give place to sin.

The man’s role at the church and home is not just a badge of honor; it is a mantle of responsibility.  Men make a mistake when they think that their headship makes them far superior to women.  God has set the guidelines for men and women.  God loves men and women equally.   Each are called to different tasks..

In a “His” magazine interview, Elizabeth Elliott made an interesting point.  “Positions of leadership in the church are not rewards of competence alone.  They are not earned or assigned purely on the basis of ability.  They are assigned sovereignly by God.  Those who take positions of authority in the church must be ordained of God.”  Do not be misled by secular arguments that the Scriptures are influenced by cultural bias—God’s Word is inspired and adaptable to all ages and both sexes. 

III.  Christian Women and Women’s Rights  - A consecrated Attitude

Satisfaction in God’s Work comes not from title or position but from faithfulness in service.  Since apostolic times, women have found fulfillment in the church.  Examples such as, “ Phebe” of Romans 16:1; Mary, Martha and the certain women of Luke 8.  These women found honor in faithfulness and effective service.  Paul mentions Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persia, Eudias, and Syntyche as “fellow workers in the Lord.” 

The gifts and insights of women can help and encourage the Christian men in leadership roles.  Women are powerful in witnessing and in prayer partnership.  They are excellent teachers.

The world has it ideas of who should lead the church.  Those who do not understand the Bible will wave banners of “new equality.”  They minimize and rationalize.  The true Christian understands that God’s teachings are correct and unbiased.    

In spite of all our relief and national and international relief programs, the poor are still among us.  The battle of poverty goes on and on.  Most of us, however, are among the prosperous.  What should Christians do regarding the poverty of so many others?

The latest Census Bureau data indicates that one in every ten Americans are considered poor.  Overseas, the conditions are even worse.  “The World Food Council tells us that a third of the children in the world die of malnutrition and disease before they have five birthdays.”   Time Magazine     The Chicago Tribune report states, “each year 100,000 children go blind because of lack of vitamin A in their diets.” 

I.  Why do we have the poor?

The Bible seems to say that God allows the poor among us to test our compassion for our fellow men.    Our response to the suffering and inhumanity of others reveals our true Christian spirit.

Some have wrongly assumed that to be poor is a sign of God’s disfavor.  This is not true for God loves the poor and hears their cries.  He sees and judges those who wrong them.  Psalms 14:6.

The Word teaches us that God will bless those who reach out to help the poor.  Psalms 41:1.  On the other hand, we invite God’s judgment if we ignore the needs of the poor.  Proverbs 21:13.  We, as Christians, have a duty and obligation to help those in poverty.

II.  How can we help the poor?  

There are many different views of helping the poor.  The Government contends that we should find a way to redistribute wealth and thus wipe out ALL poverty.  The Christian principle suggests that we share.   The Scripture does not indicate that we can or should change the world’s economic structure.  Jesus clearly taught that poverty exists in this present evil world....”ye have the poor with you always,” Mark 14.

Christ’s ministry to the poor was one of genuine compassion.  He would say (on the Sermon on the Mount), “when, not if.”  Christian compassion should be exemplified without glory or fanfare.  Sharing of self demands a realization of the needs to others. 

Anyone willing to work was assured of food to feed their family.  The Old Testament story of Ruth and Naomi portrays both women working in the fields to gather gleanings, which was deliberately left for them.  In the New Testament, the duty of giving alms was acknowledged and encouraged.  Jesus often spoke of giving to the poor.

Widows without family support were cared for by the church, as read in Acts 6:1 and I Timothy 5:9, 16.  Paul mentions the poor in Galatians 2:10...”that we should remember the poor.”  Christian congregations have always been God’s channel of mercy to the poor.

III.  Why should we help the poor?

First, the presence of the poor prompts us to exercise compassion.  We are truly selfish and self-centered when we think only of our needs.  I John 3:17

Second, the presence of the poor gives us opportunity to prove that Christ has touched our hearts and made it new.  Old sin nature prompts us to look the other way and ignore the pleads of others.  Compassion is an evidence of an inner work of grace.  James spoke of faith and works.  Our acts are proof of faith.

Third,   the poor give Christians an opportunity to lay up heavenly treasures...Proverbs 19:17 and James 2:15-16.

Fourth,   there is a practical side to helping the poor.  The church is to be a haven for those in its congregation who lack food and housing, who are suffering sickness, financial hardship, lack of clothing and medical care for their children. 

Expect a blessing when you help the poor.  Jesus said, “Freely ye have received, freely give.”  Our first obligation is to share the Bread of Life - salvation.  We cannot withhold the Bread of
Sustenance to those with genuine need. 

We are commanded to be Good Samaritans.