A womans contribution to the local Church September

A woman’s contribution to the local Church September 4, 2011

Work of the Church • Benevolence: Acts 4: 34, 35; 6: 17; I Tim. 5: 16 • Edifying itself: Eph. 4: 11 -16 • Evangelism: I Thes. 1: 8; II Cor. 11: 8; Phil. 4: 1418

A WOMAN'S CONTRIBUTION IN BENEVOLENCE I. What is benevolence Greek word: “eunoia” pronounced yoo noy ah, kindness or good will A. It’s an important work 1. It is a mark of pure & undefiled religion – Js. 1: 27 2. Ministering to brethren who are sick, poor, imprisoned, etc. is a service rendered to the Lord Himself Mt 25: 34 -40; • All Christians are to be involved in this work Js 2: 14 -16; 1 Jn 3: 17

• B. WOMEN ARE WELL-SUITED FOR BENEVOLENCE. . . • They bring a level of grace and a beauty of which men are normally not capable - Ro 12: 6 -8 • They often possess skills through which benevolence can be rendered Ac 9: 36 -39; 1 Ti 5: 9 -10

A WOMAN'S CONTRIBUTION IN EDIFICATION A. EDIFICATION IS AN ESSENTIAL WORK. . . 1. It involves building up the body of Christ, through the work of every member - Ep 4: 15 -16 2. It involves following such instructions like: a. "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" - Gal 6: 2 b. "Comfort each other and edify one another" - 1 Thes 5: 11 c. "Comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak" - 1 Thes 5: 14 -- Some men were known for their work in this area; e. g. , Barnabas - Acts 4: 36

A WOMAN'S CONTRIBUTION IN EDIFICATION B. WOMEN CAN ALSO DO MUCH TO EDIFY THE CHURCH. . . 1. Through formal teaching of others: a. Grandmothers and mothers can teach children 2 Ti 1: 5; 3: 14 -15; Deut. 6: 7 b. Older women can and should teach younger women - Tit 2: 3 -5 c. Christian women can teach those without godly women for examples 2. Through informal words of encouragement: a. The gift of encouragement and nurturing is essential b. Godly women encouraging teachers and preachers in their work

A WOMAN'S CONTRIBUTION IN EVANGELISM A. EVANGELISM IS AN IMPERATIVE WORK. . . 1. 2. It is the "Great Commission" given by the Lord- Mt 28: 19 -20 The gospel is God's power to save, so it must be shared with everyone - Ro 1: 16; Mk 16: 15 -16 -- by everyone - cf. Ac 8: 1, 4 B. WOMEN CAN DO MUCH IN THE AREA OF EVANGELISM. . . 1. They can help support those who preach the gospel a) b) 2. As did Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna unto Jesus- Lk 8: 1 -3 Providing much needed hospitality, as did Lydia - Ac 16: 15 They can tell others about Christ a) b) c) The Samaritan woman converted many people to Christ - Jn 4: 28 -31, 39 -42 Then there was Priscilla, who with her husband. . . Ac 18: 1 -4; Ac 18: 24 -26; 1 Co 16: 19; Ro 16: 3 -5 Even without a word, godly women can lead others to Christ, including unbelieving husbands - cf. 1 Pe 3: 1 -2

CONCLUSION A. Much that a woman contribute in the local church: benevolence, edification & evangelism B. The true measure of a local church is not defined only by what occurs in the assembly. . . 1. 2. It includes what the members do day by day, in the home, at work, in the world It involves what benevolence, edification, and evangelism takes place on a daily personal basis C. When godly women are active in the service of the Lord 1. 2. Souls are saved, the Lord's church is made stronger, and the Kingdom of God is expanded in the world Let us continue to pray, grow and abound in grace & love!!