Tag: Bible studies for women

Biblical Womanhood Bible Study

Imperishable Beauty: Lesson 4- Beautiful Beginnings

Michelle Lesley

Previous Lessons: 1, 2, 3

Read These Selected Scriptures

In lessons 2-3, we looked at the “icon” of biblical womanhood, the Proverbs 31 woman. But even if she is the ideal to attain to, how do we get there from here? Let’s start at the very beginning…a very good place to start!

Questions to Consider

1. What is the overall theme of this selection of Scriptures?

2. Who created women? (Genesis 1:26, Psalm 139:13) What does it mean for a woman to be made in the imago dei or “image of God”? What are some of the attributes and characteristics of God that we reflect? What are some attitudes of our hearts and things we do that do not reflect the image of God well?

3. What is the significance of the words “us” and “our” in Genesis 1:26 with relationship to a) God’s nature and b) to the creation of mankind? Consider the nature and attributes of each member of the Trinity. How would people be different if we were created only in God the Father’s image? Only in the Son’s or Spirit’s image?

4. How does God characterize His creation of humans? (Genesis 1:31) How did the Holy Spirit inspire David to characterize the creation of humans? (Psalm 139:14-15) How do the Genesis 1 and Psalm 139 passages describe God’s intentionality and precision in creating people? Has God ever made a mistake in the way He created a person? How would you counsel a friend struggling with a congenital disability, anorexia or body dysmorphia, homosexuality (“I was born this way.”) or transgenderism (“I was born with the wrong genitalia.”) with the Genesis 1 and Psalm 139 passages?

5. Examine Psalm 100:3 and Romans 9:20-21, and explain God’s sovereign right to ownership of and rule over His Creation (people). How is our sin a rebellion against God’s right to rule over us?

6. Put Psalm 103:14 and 78:39 into your own words. What is the main idea of these verses? Does God’s understanding of, and compassion for, our human frailty excuse our sin? Why or why not? Explain how God’s awareness of our feebleness is woven into both the law and the gospel. (ex: Did God create laws that were too lofty or difficult for frail humans to obey? Can people save themselves by their own strength?)

7. Compare and contrast the “new creation” of being born again in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:24, 2:10) to the bodily creation of humans (Genesis 1:26-31, Psalm 139:13-16). How does the bodily creation point ahead to the spiritual creation? What purpose does God give us in each creation? What are some similarities and differences between the two creations?

8. Why is it an important component of the spiritual life of Christian women to understand that:

• God made us.

• Because God made us, He has a right to own and rule us.

• God made us with intentionality and for specific purposes.

• God made us to reflect His image.

• Our imperfections and issues with the way we were created are not God’s fault, but the result of sin.

How do these concepts help us understand that we were created at God’s good pleasure for His glory?

We were made by God, for God’s glory and His purposes. Therefore, He has the right to rule over us. Because God created us, He understands our weaknesses, but He still purposes that we should put off the flesh, flee temptation, and pursue holiness. In lesson 5, we’ll take a look at our identity in Christ.

Homework

God is a Trinity: one God in three persons – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Since God is triune, and we are made in His image, does that mean we are also trichotomous beings (body, soul, and spirit)? Or are we dichotomous beings (body and soul/spirit)? Which Scriptures support your position? Is this a question we can definitively and unequivocally know the answer to while we’re on earth? Does it matter? If not, why would Christians study this question?

Suggested Memory Verse

Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Psalm 100:3

Biblical Womanhood Bible Study

Imperishable Beauty: Lesson 3- The Most Beautiful Girl in the World…er…Bible (Part 2)

Michelle Lesley

Previous Lessons: 1, 2

Read Proverbs 31:1-31

Questions to Consider

1. Briefly review lesson 2 (link above) to refresh your memory on the context and background of this passage.

2. Considering the context of chapter 31, the person who spoke these words, and the person to whom they were spoken, were verses 10-31 originally meant as instructions to godly women? If not, how would you characterize the purpose and intent of this section?

3. Verse 10 introduces the passage as being a description of what kind of woman (her station in life)? Look carefully at the attributes of the ideal wife described in 10-31. Are these attributes that only characterize married women? Why or why not? What is the foundation of being an “excellent wife”? How does this foundation apply to all Christian women?

4. List the actions which typify a godly wife/woman (13-22, 24,26). In what ways are you performing similar actions in your own life?

5. Describe the attitudes and attributes displayed by a godly wife/woman (12-18, 20-21, 25-27). In what ways has God grown you in these attitudes and attributes? Which of these attitudes and attributes do you feel God needs to grow you in the most? Why?

6. How do a godly wife’s/woman’s actions, attitudes, and attributes affect others? Those dearest to her (11-12, 21,23,26-29)? Those she is responsible for (15,21,26-27)? Her community (2,23)? How does affecting others correlate with the concept (from lesson 2) of stewarding our influence over others in a godly way?

7. What is God’s assessment of a godly wife/woman? (10,29-31). (Notice where these verses giving God’s assessment are situated in this passage. How does this strategic placement of these verses help emphasize the godly value of the woman’s actions, attitudes/attributes, and affecting others contained in the verses in between?) Step back and take a “flyover” view of God’s Kingdom: why does God consider a woman’s godly actions, attitudes/attributes, and affecting others to be so vital, precious and praiseworthy? Some think God (and the Bible) treat women as “second class citizens” or less valuable than men. What does this passage have to say about that?

8. How does this passage – these actions, attitudes/attributes, affecting others, and God’s assessment – point us to Christ?

9. In lesson 2, we learned that many scholars believe Lemuel was actually Solomon himself. Compare 1 Kings 11:1-10 with Proverbs 31:10-31. What were the actions and attitudes/attributes of Solomon’s wives, and how did they affect him? What was God’s assessment of Solomon for letting them affect him this way? How does the 1 Kings passage support and prove the Proverbs passage?

The “Proverbs 31 Woman” is often considered the icon of biblical womanhood, and in many ways she is. But how do we get there from here? Next week, we’ll start at the very beginning…a very good place to start!

Homework

Most of the attributes in 10-31 are not exclusive to married women. Imagine you’re teaching this passage to a women’s Bible study class in which all of the women are single, divorced, or widowed. How would you apply each of these verses to their lives? For example, in verse 28, the women in your class may not have children or a husband to “call her blessed”/”praise” her, but who would?

Suggested Memory Verse

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30

Biblical Womanhood Bible Study

Imperishable Beauty: Lesson 2- The Most Beautiful Girl in the World…er…Bible (Part 1)

Michelle Lesley

Previous Lessons: 1

Read Proverbs 31:1-31

Questions to Consider

1. Choose one of the resources from my article Bible Book Backgrounds and familiarize yourself briefly with the book of Proverbs. What type of biblical literature is this book? Who is the author? At what time in history was this book written? What is the theme or purpose of this book? How does this book point us to Christ?

2. Carefully examine verses 1-2. Who is King Lemuel? Must we know his identity in order for the content of chapter 31 to make sense? Who originally gave the instructions and counsel in chapter 31? To whom did she give them? What area of Lemuel’s life did his mother advise him about in verses 1-9? In verses 10-31?

3. Notice that this is a woman admonishing a man. A man who was also the ______ as well as her ______. And this was at a time in history when women were not always highly regarded. Think about what that means in terms of having an official position of authority versus the power of influence. Do you have to occupy a high position in a job, your church, or your family in order to influence people?

4. What can you surmise about the character of Lemuel’s mother from reading Proverbs 31? How did her character impact her son/the king, and how did she steward her influence over him? If Lemuel heeded all of her advice in Proverbs 31, who else was she influencing through him? What might the results of heeding her advice have looked like if Lemuel’s mother had been a woman of ungodly character?

5. Think about your own character and those you influence. What are some specific ways your godly character has influenced others in the last month? Can you think of any specific times during the last month when you’ve exhibited ungodly character? How might that have influenced others? Take some time to thank God for any growth in Christlike character you’ve seen in your life. Repent of any sin that comes to mind – both to God and to anyone you’ve influenced in an ungodly way.

6. Look carefully at each of Lemuel’s mother’s admonitions in verses 3-9. What is the broad, generally applicable to all people, biblical principle behind each of her instructions?

3-

4-5-

6-7-

8-9-

What are some ways you can carry out these biblical principles in your family, church, job, or community?

The “Proverbs 31 Woman” is often considered the icon of biblical womanhood, and in many ways she is. Next week, we’ll look at part 2 of Proverbs 31.

Homework

Although Lemuel’s mother didn’t hold an official position of authority, she still had a powerful influence on the king (and her son, even if he hadn’t been king). Make a list of the five people you have the potential to influence the most. In what ways can your words and behavior influence them for the gospel and toward godliness? For the next week, commit to pray for these five people each day, asking God to help you to be a godly influence on them.

Suggested Memory Verse

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30

Biblical Womanhood Bible Study

Imperishable Beauty: Lesson 1- Introduction

Michelle Lesley

Welcome to our new study, Imperishable Beauty: A Study of Biblical Womanhood! The title of our study is taken from 1 Peter 3:4 (one of the passages we’ll be studying):

but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

What does it look like to live “a godly life in Christ Jesus” as a woman in the 21st century? Over the next several weeks we’ll take a look at the topic of biblical womanhood, examining the Scriptures that teach us how to live as godly women. Young or old, married or single, if you’d like to grow in Christlikeness in your God-given role as a woman, this study is for you.

Many thanks to those who worked so hard on their entries for our title pic contest. You ladies really made it hard on me to choose just one design! I’ve selected the lovely image above, by Kasandra Shanholtz – who took this beautiful photo herself – as the official title picture for this study.

Thanks also go to these “honorable mention” entries. They are so creative and colorful!

You may wish to review my philosophy of Bible study at the “Bible studies” tab at the top of this page. My studies are designed to teach you how to study the Bible for yourself, which is why I don’t provide answers to the questions in the lessons.

My studies are also designed to be very flexible. You may answer all, any, or none of the questions in each lesson. All of my studies are self paced, so take as long or as short of a time in the passage and with the questions as you like. If, as you’re studying the text, the Holy Spirit leads you to focus on an aspect of the passage I haven’t addressed in the questions, awesome! Park yourself there and learn what He wants you to learn. These lessons are meant to be a tool for you to use as you see fit during your personal study time, not a school project where points are taken off if you don’t complete it the way the teacher wants.

As with all of my studies and articles, I use hyperlinks liberally. The Scriptures for each lesson will be linked either at the beginning of the lesson or in the lesson questions. Whenever you see a word in red, click on it, and it will take you to a Scripture, article, or other resource that will help as you study.

Introduction to Imperishable Beauty

My philosophy of Bible study is that our main “diet” should be systematic, expositional study of the text. In other words: pick a book of the Bible, start at the beginning, and study it through to the end. Then, pick another book and start again. This method of studying helps us understand passages in their context and correctly apply them to our lives, and helps us avoid eisegesis, taking passages out of context, and incorrectly applying them.

However, there is a place for the study of a biblical topic such as peace, sin, the family, God’s wrath, or biblical womanhood. For example: if you’re struggling to trust God because of a sudden circumstance in your life, you don’t have time to study through every book of the Bible to learn what the Bible says about trusting God. You may need to spend some time in focused study on passages from various books that deal specifically with the topic of trusting God, and that’s OK. My goal with this study is not only that you learn what the Bible has to say about the topic of biblical womanhood, but also to demonstrate how to do a topical study properly so you can do topical studies on your own when the need arises.

Normally, in the introductory lesson to my studies, we take a look at the author of the book of the Bible we’re studying, the audience he wrote it to, the historical setting of the book, and other “backstory” issues. But because this is a topical study, and we’ll be examining passages from various books of the Bible, we’ll have to briefly address those issues as needed in each lesson.

So in the introduction to this study, I’d like to address two items in your “backstory.”

Salvation

If you’re not saved, this study isn’t going to be very helpful to you. You’ll probably find it confusing, frustrating, even angering. First Corinthians 2:14 says:

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Only saved people are able to accept, embrace, and carry out biblical living because they have become new creatures in Christ and have the indwelling Holy Spirit to enable them to understand and obey Scripture.

This week, before we tackle biblical womanhood, I’d like everyone – even if you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’re saved – to work through the Scriptures in my article Basic Training: The Gospel. Do you understand the biblical gospel? Have you truly repented of your sin and trusted Christ as Savior? Spend some time alone with God examining your heart and life against these Scriptures. If you’re unsure whether or not you’re genuinely saved, I would encourage you to put this study aside and work through my study Am I Really Saved?: A First John Check Up first. You can’t be a godly woman if you don’t belong to God.

Expectations and Presuppositions

What do you expect out of this study? What kinds of ideas or preconceived notions are you carrying into this study? Take some time to answer the following questions.

1. When you hear the phrase “biblical womanhood”, what do you think of?

2. Without looking in your Bible, write a brief character sketch of the ideal “biblical woman.” What are some of her character traits, habits, things she focuses on, etc.?

3. What does your church teach about biblical womanhood- how a godly woman acts, talks, lives her life, etc.?

4. What Scriptures come to mind when you think about biblical womanhood?

5. Look up some of the Scriptures you listed in #4 and compare them to your character sketch from #2 and your answer to #3. How do they compare?

6. Why are you interested in a study of biblical womanhood, and what do you hope to get out of this study?

7. Why do you want to be a godly, biblical woman?

8. Some studies of “biblical” womanhood are the type that tell you how awesome you are, that “you’re enough” (whatever that means), that you can take charge of your life, girlfriend, and make all your dreams come true, and that you deserve to have the world at your feet.

This isn’t that kind of study.

Certainly, God is gracious, merciful, kind, comforting, and forgiving, and those wonderful attributes will be addressed as they come up in the texts we study. But becoming a godly woman also involves repenting from sin, obedience to Christ and His Word (even when we don’t feel like it), dying to self, and sometimes even suffering.

Are you prepared to have the Bible step on your toes? Are you committed to obeying Scripture out of love for Christ? Do you have the mindset that the Bible is your authority, not your own opinions, experiences, and feelings?

Take some time in prayer this week to begin preparing your heart for this study. If there’s a specific issue you struggle with regarding being a godly woman, ask God to open your eyes to the truth of His Word and strengthen you to obey Him in that area.  I’m excited to have you join me in this journey of discovering what God’s Word has to say about living life as a godly, biblical woman!

Bible Study, Mailbag

The Mailbag: Can you recommend a good Bible study for women/teens/kids?

Michelle Lesley

Can you recommend a good women’s Bible study? 

Can you recommend a Bible study we can do with our teens/children?

Next to being asked whether or not a particular teacher is doctrinally sound, this question, or some variation of it, is the one I’m most often asked. And, to be honest, it’s a question I have a love-hate relationship with.

I love (LOVELOVELOVELOVE) that women ask me this question because it means two things: they want to study, or teach their children, the Bible and they want to be sure what they’re learning or teaching is doctrinally sound and in line with Scripture. That’s the central reason my ministry even exists- I want Christian women to be grounded in the Bible and sound doctrine, and it brings me unbelievable joy and encouragement when I see women seek that out.

The hate part has nothing to do with the people asking the question, but with the prevailing line of thought in evangelicalism that has led them to ask the question. Namely, that the people in the pew aren’t capable of studying and understanding the Bible for themselves- they need some Christian celebrity to tell them what it means.

This is scarily reminiscent of the pre-Protestant Reformation ideology that ruled Roman Catholic “Christianity.” The pope and the priests, not the Scriptures themselves, told Christians what to believe. Catholic rulers prohibited the people from having copies of the Bible in their own language and martyred many Bible translators and Reformers. Only the elite, those in leadership, were supposedly able to comprehend the Scriptures and dispense doctrine to the common Christian.

Twentieth and twenty-first century evangelicalism hasn’t taken that direct and violent route, but rather, has gradually brainwashed – whether intentionally or unintentionally – Christians into thinking that if they’re going to study or teach the Bible, they have to have a curriculum, book, or DVD study in order to do so. Teach straight from the Bible with no leader’s guide or student books? It’s practically unheard of in the average church, and hardly anyone is equipped to do so. Why? Because for the past several decades, that’s how Bible study has been presented to church members. You walk into Sunday School and you’re handed a quarterly. Somebody wants to teach a women’s Bible study? She’s sent to peruse the shelves of LifeWay for a popular author, not to her prayer closet and her Bible. Using teaching materials written by somebody else is just assumed.

Well in my opinion, it’s time for another reformation. A Bible study reformation. And, so, with hammer in hand, I have one resolution I want to nail to the door of Church As Usual:

I will no longer help perpetuate the stranglehold the pre-packaged Bible study industry has on Christians. If you are a 21st century believer with access to a Bible in your native language and doctrinally sound preaching and teaching I will not recommend a Bible study book or program to you. You need to pick up the actual Bible and begin studying the God-breathed text for yourself, and teach it to your children. 

“…my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen.”1

Ladies, I know you may feel inadequate, but don’t give in to those feelings. Try. Pick a book of the Bible, start at the beginning, and read it through to the end, taking as much time as you need. You might just be pleasantly surprised at how well you grasp it. That’s because, if you’re a believer, the Holy Spirit resides within you and will help you to understand the Word He authored.

Read directly from the Bible to your children. Ask them simple questions about the passage: How was this Bible character obedient or disobedient to God? What can we learn about what God is like from this chapter? What does this passage teach us about prayer, forgiveness, loving each other, kindness, etc.? Explain any big words they might not understand, or look them up together.

Afraid you might get something wrong? Confused by a particular verse? That may happen from time to time, and that’s OK. Bible study is a skill just like everything else. Nobody ever tried a new task and was perfect at it the very first time. But God has not only given you the Holy Spirit who will never lead you into doctrinal error, He has given you a pastor, elders, teachers, and brothers and sisters in the Lord to help disciple you. Ask questions, trust God to illumine your understanding, and keep right on practicing.

There are also a myriad of reference materials that can hone your skills and help as you study your Bible (see the “Additional Resources” section below). And there are some fantastic, easy to read books on theology by trustworthy authors that can give you greater clarity on various points of doctrine. By all means, read as many as you can get your hands on.

But when it’s time for Bible study, study your Bible. When it’s time to teach your children, teach them the Bible. You can do this, ladies. Women with less education and fewer resources than you have access to have done it for centuries and have flourished in their walk with the Lord.

Trust God. Study hard. You can do this.

Additional Resources:

The Mailbag: We Want Bible Study Answers

Bible Study resource articles

Bible Studies by Michelle Lesley

10 Simple Steps to Plain Vanilla Bible Study

You’re Not as Dumb as You Think You Are: Five Reasons to Put Down that Devotional and Pick Up the Actual Bible

10 Bookmarkable Biblical Resources for Christian Women

Rightly Dividing: 12 Do’s and Don’ts for Effective Bible Study

¹Just a little tribute to Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms

If you have a question about: a Bible passage, an aspect of theology, a current issue in Christianity, or how to biblically handle a family, life, or church situation, comment below (I’ll hold all questions in queue {unpublished} for a future edition of The Mailbag) or send me an e-mail. If your question is chosen for publication, your anonymity will be protected.