Calvary Road Baptist Church

“THE MINISTRY OF THE MATURE WOMAN”

Titus 2.3-5 

In so many ways, we are the slaves of our own culture and upbringing. And the result of being reared in a culture that is, in many ways, blind with an arrogance that refuses to see reality is that we are sometimes stunned when our eyes are finally opened to see for the first time.

One of my earliest recollections of an example of this kind of cultural blindness was told to me by a man named Rex Bray. Rex was our next-door neighbor during my teen years, living on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in central Oregon. This unique man proved to be special for any number of reasons, not the least of which was the discovery, in 1965, that he and my favorite uncle had spent three years in the same Japanese prison camp during World War 2. It was Rex Bray’s experience leading up to his capture and imprisonment on the Philippine island of Luzon that I want to relate to you.

Tension had run high before the attack on Pearl Harbor that marked the beginning of our country’s involvement in the Second World War. During the years that preceded that Sunday morning attack, a tremendous amount of propaganda had been broadcast to the American people about their potential enemies, the Japanese. Whether it was over the radio, in the newspapers, in weekly or monthly news magazines, or in the newsreels that preceded the movies at the local movie theater, the Japanese soldier was universally depicted as a bucktoothed, extremely short, highly emotional, fanatic, with very bad eyesight that required extremely thick glasses.

The accumulated effect on the typical American soldier was for him to imagine that no Japanese soldier would have any hope in a fight against the racially superior, much more intelligent, and much larger American G. I. who had better eyesight. You should have listened to my neighbor, Rex, when he told me about the first Japanese soldiers he ever saw. It was a unit of the Japanese Imperial Guards that attacked Clark Air Field, where he was stationed in the Philippines. Crack troops. Every one of them stood six feet tall or more and weighed in at 180 pounds or better, by his estimate. He mentioned nothing about them wearing thick glasses. He did mention that he was totally outclassed in hand to hand combat and was severely wounded and captured.

As I look back on the propaganda that Rex Bray and every American soldier was exposed to, I wonder what good the lies they were told about the fighting skill of the Japanese soldiers did them. Near as I can tell, when Rex and the others (including my uncle, who was captured at Corregidor) found out how tough their opponents really were, it profoundly discouraged them. Their culture, American culture before the outbreak of the war, served only to blind folks to the reality, to the danger.

The same type of blindness is still found in our country. But instead of being a misinformed arrogance that ill-prepares us to deal with an aggressive foreign military power, it’s misinformation of a different kind. It’s disinformation really, intentional propaganda that is foisted upon women of every age, from every conceivable source of information. Broadcast on the radio and television, printed in books, magazines, newspapers, everywhere online, and even public school textbooks, it’s radical feminist brainwashing that intentionally misinforms girls, single women, married women, mothers, and aged women, and seeks to divert them from the lifestyle and the ministry opportunities that God has especially, lovingly, and carefully, prepared for them.

Ladies, girls, grandmothers? There is a concerted campaign being waged against you. It’s a spiritual struggle to dominate your thought life that began in the Garden of Eden. And the enemy, if my observations are correct, appears to be winning. He’s persuading more women to think like he wants them to believe than God is. How is the enemy whipping us so soundly in the struggle to understand womanhood, to understand motherhood? Two ways: First, I am failing in my job as a pastor to effectively preach God’s truth. Or pastors are. And, second, I’m not succeeding in persuading women to corroborate and support and be personal extensions of my ministry.

I want to take a step to correct this second problem by preaching to you this morning on “The Ministry Of A Mature Woman.” Imagine the reaction at hearing a man like me stand before you and claim that it’s in your best interests to be in subjection to your own husband. Imagine the reaction of a woman at hearing a man like me stand before her and proclaiming that God’s Word teaches that the husband is the head of his wife. But then again, you don’t have to imagine what happens when a woman hears a man like me say things like that. Just look around for a few moments, and you’ll see that what happens is nothing. Why should a woman listen to me? Why should she listen to any man? After all, haven’t the energetic emasculators told women for generations that such men as me seek only to oppress women and enslave them so they will not rise up and show they are equal to men?

Hey, ladies, if I were a woman, I would not automatically listen to what a man like me preaches and teaches. I’d want corroborating testimony from a woman, from an older woman, from a respected woman, from a sharp and savvy woman, before I rushed to do what any preacher wanted me to do. See the problem, ladies? Where is the bright, the savvy, the mature, the wise, the spiritual, the knowledgeable woman, to verify the truthfulness and the blessedness of what I preach? Where is the practitioner of many years who can attest to the workability, the truthfulness, the correctness, of what I say is God’s plan for women, wives, and mothers?

Where is such a woman? Before we go on a hunt to find such women as these, we must know what to look for. And in Titus 2.3-5, the Apostle Paul provides for us both the description and the duty of the kind of woman who has been missing from Biblical Christianity, generally, but Who I pray God will raise up in our Church to help me minister to the spiritual needs of women. Let’s stand and read those three verses together: 

3  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

4  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 

AS TO HER DESCRIPTION (2.3) 

“The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.” 

Please excuse my attention to specific word definitions as I point out four important behavior characteristics which qualify the aged women for their critical ministry in the discipling of younger women:

Characteristic number one: 

“as becometh holiness.” 

The word “becometh” translates the Greek word for “demeanor” or “deportment.”[1] Paul is referring to a woman’s overall conduct. And the rest of the words in verse 3 probably describe the kind of conduct Paul expects an influential woman to exhibit if she’s to be regarded as qualified to minister and provide spiritual leadership to other women. What type of behavior should aged women show? “Holiness.” This word is found only here in the New Testament and is not the common Greek word for “holy,” as in Holy Spirit. This word, hieroprepá½µs, is derived from the Greek word for “temple” and could be translated “temple-like.”[2] That is, aged women are supposed to conduct themselves as though they are serving in a temple. They are not to be flippant or casual about the things of God.

Characteristic number two: 

“not false accusers.” 

This word “false accusers” is the word diá½±bolos, that is translated “devil” when the context in which it is used indicates Satan is being referred to. The word refers to a “slanderer.”[3] It’s the telling of something about one person to yet another person. Often, we think of only overtly wicked people doing this, but slander is a sin even the most innocent of spiritual babes can commit. Example: After Church, you walk up to your child’s Sunday School teacher and ask, “How did little Georgie do?” A spiritually immature woman would say something like, “He’s just so terrible every Sunday. What do you feed that child for breakfast on Sunday morning? Doughnuts and chocolate milk to pump him full of sugar so he’ll be hyper?” A spiritually mature aged woman, on the other hand, will recognize that after Church is not the time to address junior’s self-control issues. Instead, she will say something like, “That boy of yours has a lot of energy. It sure is going to be exciting to see how the Lord will use all that potential to serve Him.” It takes wisdom to respond like this. Amen?

Characteristic number three: 

“not given to much wine.” 

The word “given” translates a word that means “enslaved.”[4] Since the Bible soundly condemns drunkenness, there would be no particular sense in Paul disqualifying a woman for drunkenness in this instance, since no one would ever consider a drunkard to be qualified for spiritual leadership such as this. No. Something else is in mind, according to common sense and context. Remember, we’re dealing with aged women. And since even alcoholic wine is sanctioned in God’s Word for legitimate medicinal purposes, Paul must have in mind here women whose physical health is good enough that they use alcoholic wine for medicinal purposes only sparingly. So, an application to modern times would be an older woman whose physical problems have been severe for a long enough period that she is in danger of addiction to prescription drugs, let’s say. Such dependence upon medication that can cloud the thinking and interfere with ministry is a disqualification.

Finally, 

“teachers of good things.” 

If “holiness” is related to her personality as she approaches her Christian life and ministry, and “not false accusers” describes the control of her tongue as her speech is seasoned with grace, and “not given to much wine” speaks of her physical self-control at a time in life when some women will do anything to ease aches and pains, even if it diminishes their mental capacities, then this last qualification refers to what she does in the lives of younger women. This phrase translates a single Greek word that is found only here in the New Testament, kalodidá½±skalos. Our aged women are “good-things-teachers,” women who provide advice and encouragement that they can give privately, by word and example.[5] This is not an accurate description of most women in our society who seek to influence our girls and young ladies. But then again, the women Paul is referring to here are definitely not most women. These are special women. These are spiritually experienced women. These are women who are greatly responsible for a pastor’s successful ministry. Other people may not recognize their contributions. Pastors may neglect to show their appreciation. But you can be sure that the Lord Jesus Christ misses nothing that these dear women do for Him. 

THAT’S THEIR DESCRIPTION. NOW, LET’S LOOK AT THEIR DUTY (2.4-5) 

4  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 

Understanding that, whether formally recognized or not, the aged women’s duty is ministry, let’s take note of three aspects of that ministry:

First, the method of her ministry. I mentioned this Wednesday night, but it bears repeating. So many of our older Christian women think that because they don’t have expertise as Bible teachers, they cannot exercise the kind of ministry spoken of here. But if you will circle the words “teach ... to be sober” in verse 4, you’ll see differently. This is not the ordinary word for “teach” that is so common in the Greek New Testament. Rather than referring to the imparting of facts, information and doctrine, as a school teacher would do, this word has in mind the idea of training, much as a coach would do when he trains an athlete to exhibit self-control.[6]

Remember me observing that a successful coach does not need to be an orator? She rarely functions by standing up in front of a large number of people. I used the illustration of a women’s track coach who performs her function by watching her athlete work out. Then she approaches her athlete and comments on her form and technique, makes a suggestion here and there, and frequently demonstrates the proper technique that should be used instead. That is how an aged woman deals with a young wife or a young mother. “Don’t be too concerned if they get scratched up. I remember that my sons used to eat mud pies, and look how big and strong they turned out.”

In another situation, an aged woman might say, “You didn’t have any sisters growing up, did you? My mom was one of six girls, and I had two of my own. One of these days, you and I need to have coffee so I can tell you some stories about raising strong-willed girls.” See? No oratory. No public speaking required. Just one on one attention from one who knows, to one who doesn’t ... even if she thinks she does. And the result is that the young mom or the young wife is trained to be sober, is given discipline. This method is the Biblical method.

Second, the means of her ministry. These are the specific areas the aged woman concentrates on in training the younger women, making mention again of what I said Wednesday night:

First, “to love their husbands.” Think about it, ladies. If younger women need to be taught this, the implication is that they don’t figure this one out for themselves, at least not soon enough to do their marriage any good. Even the best of men may not want you to learn on them without some tutoring. Older women who have successfully loved their husbands can tell you things about men you’d never guess on your own, especially after being raised in an environment charged with feminism.

Second, “to love their children.” Women, one of our problems in American Christendom, has to do with mothers imitating their mothers when it comes to mothering. That’s fine if your mom is a well-schooled and spiritually mature Christian woman who raised you in an intact family unit. But it’s catastrophic if your mom was a single mom and succeeded mainly in raising her kids to be drunks and fornicators. You imitate that kind of mom, and you are in big trouble. In such a case, don’t be too proud to let women, who raised their kids as a Christian woman and whose kids are serving God as adults, help you.

Third, “to be discreet.” This is the word that refers to being “self-controlled.” This is the noun form of the verb that is translated “teach ... to be sober” in verse 4.[7] Emotional self-control might be in mind here since in some cultures, it’s considered to be particularly feminine to be emotionally out of control in some situations. Yes, some cultures seem to insist that women be particularly emotional and distraught. God, however, does not ever want His children to surrender control of their emotions or state of mind.

Fourth, “chaste.” This word would describe the self-restraint in thought, word, and deed, that would give no ground for evil reports. This is not only thinking, speaking, and doing right but appearing to think, speak, and do right.

Fifth, “keepers at home.” This translates a single Greek word. It could be translated “house keeper,” but would not necessarily refer to someone who cleans the house.[8] After all, Galatians 4.1 would suggest that house cleaning is something that children are to do, not mothers. This word refers to the woman who takes care of her home. It can’t be the husband, since he’s to provide for his house, with failure to provide for one’s own house being a denial of the faith, being worse than an infidel, according to First Timothy 5.8.

Sixth, “good.” This translates the Greek word that is oftentimes translated “kind.” It refers to having a sweet disposition. Not a shrew. Not crabby. My goodness, if aged women can convince young wives and mothers to lighten up and quit being sharp with their kids or their husbands, there’ll be no end to the praise they’ll receive from happy husbands.

And lastly, “obedient to their own husbands.” Two things you’ll want to remind young women of here, you mature women: First, the word “obedient” is constructed to communicate the idea that this is voluntary obedience. Nothing ruins a relationship for a husband more quickly than his wife doing what she does “because she has to,” instead of voluntarily, with a sweet spirit, as unto the Lord. Or how about the woman who pleads incompetence in areas that wives and mothers ought to be expert in? Husbands grow weary of wives who can’t cook and won’t learn, can’t sew buttons and won’t learn, can’t sort clothes for the wash, and won’t learn, and can’t drive a car and won’t learn. Second, notice the word “own.” Ladies, let these young girls know that if they demonstrate an eagerness to obey or submit to another man more quickly than their own husbands, they are behaving unwisely. Husbands notice things like that and get understandably temperamental about it. “Hey. How come you did that for him, and you wouldn’t do it for me?”

Seven specific areas of a young wife’s or a young mother’s life and ministry are the subject of your ministry, my dear older Christian woman who is qualified. God has charged you to minister to these younger women in this way. And through this type of hands-on and personal ministry, you will have a dramatic impact on the cause of Christ, because Christian families are one of our most powerful witnessing tools.

Finally, the motive behind her ministry. You might hesitate and be quite reticent about speaking up and approaching a young woman, a teen-aged girl, a young mother, the mother of teens, or a wife. Perhaps you are fearful of a nasty response by someone who thinks you are butting into her life. Granted, ministering to people who need help is a great deal more complicated than ministering to people who don’t need any help. But how many of us don’t need some help? So you can expect some difficulty as you learn how to approach those who are not used to an aged woman ministering to them. But your motivation to serve God in this way whether you face opposition or not, whether you feel inadequate or not, comes from the last phrase of verse 5: 

“That the word of God be not blasphemed.” 

Take note of that, mature Christian woman. That’s the Bible that’s referred to there. That’s the Scriptures that God used to save your sinful soul and mine. That’s the truth that God uses to save the souls of others. And your ministry in the life of a young woman will affect whether those around her, as they survey and evaluate her life, come to respect the Word of God or revile it. If you want God’s Word highly esteemed, then you will roll up your sleeves and get to work on these younger women, helping them to become a credit to the cause of Christ. 

I don’t like to waste my time when I preach. I want God to bless my ministry and use His Word in the lives of the hearers. But understand, on certain subjects, I realize that I am preaching against the combined efforts of the entire print, broadcast, and social media giants of the United States of America.

So it’s understandable that some women will be reluctant to take my word that the Bible says such and so, in sharp contradiction to what our entire society says is right for today’s feminist ideal. But society is wrong. The broadcast and social media are wrong. The antifamily crowd is wrong. The feminists are wrong. The sluggard husbands who don’t want to support their own families by praying harder, working harder, and improving their job skills, are wrong.

And you know what? I’m right. But only so long as what I say reflects the truth of God’s Word am I right. Regardless, as a woman, will you listen to one preacher? Will you listen to a man? Not likely.

Here is more evidence that God is really smart. The Lord knows that not only would it cause all kinds of complications in his own life for a pastor to spend too much time counseling and dealing with young women, but He also knows that women are going to be reluctant to listen to any man’s view of the Bible that affects her without the verification and attestation of a knowledgeable and spiritually experienced older woman to back him up.

So, you see, I need you, ladies. I need your age. I need your half of the sexual divide. I need your experience as a godly wife and successful mother over the years to make practical application of Bible truths to young women’s lives, to give pointers, to provide one on one training.

I do counsel women for conversion. But I do not counsel without proper surveillance. Beyond that, it falls to aged women to bear the young woman’s burden and minister to her in this fashioned ordained by God.

But too few aged women have made themselves available to me for preparation to become involved in our Church’s counseling and discipling ministry. And still fewer aged women are conducting this Biblical ministry in an informal way in their dealings with young wives and young mothers.

What about it, ladies? Will you help me minister to these younger women? Will you commit yourself to preparing yourself and then permitting yourself to be used by God?

If you are willing, there are four steps that need to be taken: First, be sure that you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This applies to everyone. And not only you need to be convinced you are converted. I need to be convinced you are converted. Second, follow the Lord in believer baptism. This applies to everyone. This is baptism that is biblical in every respect following your conversion. Third, join and become an active part of this Church. This applies to everyone. All Christian ministry is easily shown to sprout from congregational ministry by Church members. I will be glad to show you sometime.

If all these things are true of you and you are an older woman who would be willing to serve God in this way, let me know about it. You mature women, help me take back for God the younger women who have been blinded by the lies of feminism. Let’s convince them that God’s best for them is just the best there is. Amen? That is the fourth and final step before actually doing it.

Are you interested in helping me fulfill my ministry by you fulfilling your ministry to young women, wives, and moms? If so, reach out to me by e-mail at Pastor@CalvaryRoadBaptist.Church with “Mature Woman” written in the subject line. I will send you an e-mail describing what you need to do to influence young women for Christ.

__________

[1] Fritz Rienecker & Cleon Rogers, Linguistic Key To The Greek New Testament, (Grand Rapids, MI: Regency Reference Library, 1980), page 653.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid., pages 653-654.

[6] Ibid., page 654.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid.

Would you like to contact Dr. Waldrip about this sermon? Please contact him by clicking on the link below. Please do not change the subject within your email message. Thank you.

Pastor@CalvaryRoadBaptist.Church