Women

Question 1: I recently attended a "Ladies Day" unlike any Ladies Bible Study I have ever seen! They were handing out prizes such as cookbooks! When did "Ladies Days" begin? Are they right?

ANSWER: "Ladies Days" have been going on for many years. In some instances, they are simply days set aside for the ladies of a congregation to study the Bible; to hear scriptural presentations; and to fellowship. This, in and of itself, is not sinful.

For ladies of the church to meet in the church building for socials, baby and wedding showers, etc., during which door prizes are awarded, likewise, would not be sinful, provided that the prizes are not the result of gambling; nor purchased out of the church treasury.

These events over the years, have in some places, gotten out of hand. Periods of study and worship have been intermingled with dramatic and musical presentations followed by shouting and applause, clearly in violation of God's Word. As well, many times, "Ladies Days" have developed into a power base designed to usurp authority in violation of I Timothy 2:11-12. Not infrequently do we see men sometimes attending these events in which one or more of the ladies have assumed a congregational leadership role. This too is wrong!

Nonetheless, "Ladies Days" are not inherently sinful! However, these events like many others may easily drift into areas that are in violation of God's will. Certainly, every caution needs to be taken that such drifting does not occur and that 'whatever is done in word or deed, is always done by His authority' (Colossians 3:17).

Question 2: Does God prohibit men wearing women's garments and women wearing men's garments? Is it a sin for a woman to wear jeans?

ANSWER: In the beginning "God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them" (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 19:4). Clearly, God demands, as an eternal principle, that a definite distinction be made between man and woman. Thus in Deuteronomy 22:5, He commands the children of Israel to honor this distinction: "The women shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord." To wear clothes of the opposite sex would be to erase the distinction between man and woman that God has demanded from the beginning. It is therefore sinful to do so!

This does not mean, however, that a woman cannot wear modest slacks or jeans that are designed appropriately for women. Certainly, there are circumstances during which these would be more modest than a skirt or dress. In fact, often skirts and dresses are worn by some that are more revealing and immodest than an appropriately designed and worn pair of jeans. The key in women's clothing (as with men), is that they dress modestly as those professing godliness (I Timothy 2:9-10). If there were any doubt whatsoever as to the "modesty" of wearing certain "jeans" (or even other garments), regardless of the circumstances, an outer garment to assure modesty would be both wise and scriptural.  

Question 3: What is women’s place in the world according to the Bible?

ANSWER: First let’s talk about her role in the church. Her role in the church is absolutely vital to the success of the church! In Titus 2:3-5, we learn "that they are to be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to drunkenness, teachers of good things that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, to be keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." She is to be hospitable as was Lydia (Acts 16:15). She is to be charitable as was Dorcas (Acts 9:36). She is to relieve the afflicted (I Timothy 5:10). Certainly, the woman has much to do and should never be found idle in her God-given responsibilities!

As to position within the church: I Timothy 2:11-12 forbids the woman to usurp authority that God has given to the man: "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjec­tion. But I suf­fer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence." The reason given in verses 13-14 is: "For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression."

This does not mean, however, that the woman is inferior to the man. God has as­signed different roles to each, and each must function within his or her assigned roles to be pleasing to God. The significant roles assigned to women are expressed in I Timothy 5 and Titus 2. Christian women will have no desire to violate or go beyond the bounds of what God has prescribed for them!

As far as the woman in the world is concerned, there appears to be no difference than that of the man. Can she be involved in business? Since Lydia, a faithful Christian, was involved in business there seems little doubt that the same would be proper today (Acts 16:13-15). As a Christian, however, none (man or woman) can be so involved with the world that it compromises either truth or responsibility of commitment to God (II Corinthians 6:14-18; James 4:4). For example: The Bible teaches that women are to be “keepers at home” (Titus 2:5). If responsibilities in the world prohibit one from fulfilling this home responsibility, then truth and right action has been compromised in sin and must be corrected. One may gain significant responsibilities, respect, and authority in worldly activities or positions. However, the faithful Christian, man or woman, will not allow such to detrimentally affect his or her attitude or principles, either on the job, or toward others in the home or the church.

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