Tell her story - teaching series
Overview
Below is an outline from Headington Baptist Church for a teaching/preaching series looking at the stories and lives of women found in scripture. We’ll be taking a wide view through the Old and New Testament.
The aims of this series are:
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To profile some of the female characters
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To explore how they were disciples, disciplers and walked in fellowship with one another.
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To challenge some misconceptions around these characters
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To challenge misconceptions around some key themes and scriptures that have been used to oppress or restrict women
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To reaffirm a commitment to women and men serving across the roles of the church.
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To challenge some of the current cultural attitudes towards women that have been present in the last few years.
The hope is that this will be a series that all, women and men, can find the way of Jesus as we encourage one another in our discipleship and leadership.
Additional Resources
Below created as notes before the series
1 In God's Image: Genesis 1-3
Less of a focus on Eve as a character and more focused on the issue of made in God's image. What does it mean for 'Woman to be made in God's' image? If she is made in God's image, is this unequal to he made in God's image? Focus on the word ‘helper’. Have we misread this word? Have we read Eve as lesser than Adam because she came second? Helper would imply coming alongside one who wasn’t able to do the task alone. Or is there a mutuality that both serve together, both in God’s image? Adam was made of the dirt in God's image, Eve was made from that same image out of man. So what does this mean for us? For how we treat one another? For how we treat women in society?
2 Deborah: Judges 4-5
Deborah was a radical - a radical for God. She was called to lead God's people and make some bold decisions. Why do women who stand up to lead often get knocked down, or told to mind their place? What can Deborah teach us about faithfulness and discipleship? What can she say to us about courage. Focus on Deborah as Judge Deliverer and compare with Jesus as the Judge Deliverer. What’s the play between Deborah and Barak? Deborah allows for Barak to ask her to go? She doesn’t impose herself, but waits to be asked.
3 Hannah: 1 Samuel 1-2:11
Who is Hannah? She lived a life of comparison with another, of being bullied. She was loved by her husband (1:5) and he provided for her. She was loved by God and he provided for her. How do we understand God’s love for us? How do we see God's provision in our lives? Infertility is such a sensitive topic, how do we approach this as Christians and as a society? Is there anything men need to understand or hear from this? The thought of giving up a child is a hard pill to swallow. How do we respond to this today? What does Hannah's sacrifice say to us in our discipleship? What are the comparisons between Samuel's presentation and Jesus? What are the similarities/differences between Hannah's song and Mary’s? What contemporary issues affecting women resonate with this story?
4 Ruth & Naomi: Ruth 1-4
The story of Ruth and Naomi is simple and yet complex. It has multiple layers that can be explored. Our focus is on the story and character of the women. Their relationships, with one another, with Boaz, with Orpah. Again what does Ruth's decision to leave her people and go with Naomi say to us in our discipleship, in our fellowship with one another? What does this story say to how we treat women today? How does Boaz treat Ruth? Does he objectify her? Or does he see her heart? There are some cultural things we might find hard today; if the story was set today, how would it look? Where can we find Jesus in this story?
5 Elizabeth & Mary: Luke 1:5-66
Elizabeth and Mary come together as a pair in many ways. Elizabeth is the trusted cousin of Mary, living long in her grief to be blessed in an unusual and miraculous way. Mary is at the opposite end of the age spectrum, but yet seeks the wisdom of the elder. What can this relationship teach us? What can the response of Mary to the news she will carry Jesus teach us? Are there any contemporary issues that can be addressed through these stories? How does Mary's song link back in scripture? To Hannah and David? We don’t focus on Mary much in our church tradition. Is there anything we have missed?
6 Phoebe & Junia: Romans 16:1-2, 7 & Gal 3:26-29
Who was Phoebe? Who was Junia? (Seen as male for long time, most probably female though). What does Paul's trust of them tell us about women in the early church? What does it show us about their leadership? What can we glean about them from what Paul writes in Galatians 3:26-29? We’re starting to set up the series for our final destination here - 1 Tim 2:11-15. Paul seems to be saying that all are in Christ, there is no one excluded. How are women excluded in society? In the church? Do we live out what Paul writes here well? Or do we get it wrong? All who follow Christ become part of God's covenant promise to Abraham, we are all in. How is this counter-cultural in our society? How should this be counter-cultural in our treatment, understanding of male and female in the church?
7 Woman of Noble Character: Proverbs 31
Explore the portrayal of the virtuous wife in Proverbs 31, reframe it as an example of godly wisdom rather than a prescriptive blueprint for women's roles. Address contemporary debates on gender roles and societal expectations, emphasise that all Christians are called to live wisely and virtuously within their given circumstances, regardless of gender. Bring a challenge for us all to use influence for good, even in difficult situations, following Christ's example of humility and servanthood.
8 Submission: Eph 5:21-24
Explore the concept of mutual submission in Christian relationships, particularly within marriage and the church community. Challenge traditional interpretations of Ephesians 5:21-22, emphasising that submission is not about power or authority, but about mutual respect, love, and service modelled after Christ's relationship with the church.
9 The Women at the cross: John 19:25-30
Explore the presence of the women at Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting their faith, love, and courage. Emphasise the importance of recognising women's roles in biblical narratives. Reflect on personal faith journeys and God's faithfulness during difficult times.
10 Tackling Timothy: 1 Tim 2:11-15
In this sermon explore the topic of gender roles and equality as seen in scripture, focusing on the passage in 1 Timothy 2:11-15. Explore interpretations of male headship and female submission, compared to a broader understanding based on the context of Scripture. Emphasise mutual submission, servant leadership, and the equality of all believers in Christ. Acknowledge the cultural context of biblical texts.
11 Tell Her Story
Concludes the series focusing on an encounter Jesus has with a woman in scripture, the Samaritan woman at the well. Emphasise God's inclusive love, Jesus' radical approach to cultural norms, and the transformative power of encountering Christ. Address issues regarding women's roles and challenge each of us to examine own relationship with Jesus and how we treat others.