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Hi guys! It was such a joy to be at the 2021 Girl Defined conference in San Antonio, TX. During the conference, many asked for my teaching notes and questions as reference points. I've included them below.
MAIN STAGE SESSION FOUR
BECOMING A GIRL WHO REALLY KNOWS THE WORD
KEY PASSAGE: PSALM 119:9-16
God’s Word guides our way. (v.9)
Obedience in following God’s Word develops when we sincerely seek God. (v.10)
God’s Word exposes sin (particularly our own). (v.11)
Genuine God-centric praise flows from true knowledge of God (as revealed through His Word.) (v.12-13)
God’s Word brings joy that exceeds the joys of this world. (v.14)
We find true joy when we consistently meditate on God’s Word. (v. 15)
Remembering or recounting God’s Word bolsters our delight in Him. (v.16)
BREAKOUT SESSION
BIBLICAL WOMANHOOD 101: UNDERSTANDING GOD’S GOOD DESIGN
KEY PASSAGES: GENESIS 1:26-31, GENESIS 2:7-24, GENESIS 3:6-7
God created man and woman to glorify Him by living on mission together.
Although sin corrupts our ability to live on mission for God (in the way that we were originally created to live), this does not change God’s original intent. We are STILL purposed to glorify Him.
Jesus and other New Testament writers affirm God’s original design for men and women. And central to helping us live out God’s mission (in the originally intended manner) is Christ’s atoning work on the cross.
If we truly seek to embrace God’s good design for womanhood, then it is important to know the following:
Our call, as women, to glorify God and to live on mission for Him cannot be separated from men and the leading role that God has given them.
Ultimately, the complementary relationship between men and women is a building block in the development of the family of God (i.e. the “big C” Church). The natural family is merely an archetype for the family of God.
By design, our calling as women positions us to glorify God in unique and distinct ways that are just as valuable as the ways men glorify God, but also are very different and purposeful in the eyes of God.
The practical implications and applications of God’s good design for women are endless, but at the core is a mind that acknowledges and accepts God deliberate design as well as a heart that is fully surrendered to living out that design in the most God glorifying ways.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
1. Take a moment to consider your own life situation. How are you partnering with Christian men to live on mission for God? In what ways may God be calling you to complement the leading role of men in your life?
2. In what ways has your view of womanhood been limited or cheapened by cultural norms or stereotypes?
3. Below is a sample list of biblical roles and activities for women. Take a moment to circle the role(s) most applicable to you. For the roles NOT applicable to you, write out one way that you can offer support to another woman who may be operating in that role.
i. Worshiper
ii. Disciple
iii. Witness
iv. Wife (companion, helper, partner, advisor)
v. Mother
vi. Worker (good works in general, work in the home) Hospitality
vii. Mentoring and training women
viii. Participating in public worship (including praying and prophesying)
ix. Exercising spiritual gifts within biblical parameters (including administration)
x. Teaching and other ministry to children
xi. Advisor to church leadership (qualified mature women)
xii. Deaconess (servant role for qualified mature women) [1]
Note: Q&A will be conducted if time permits.
BREAKOUT SESSION
HOW THE GOSPEL SHAPES OUR CONVERSATIONS ABOUT RACE AND IDENTITY
KEY PASSAGE: EPHESIANS 4:1-16
The gospel should cause us to lead a life “worthy of our calling.”
This means that even when we discuss tough topics like race and identity, there is still a standard for how we should conduct ourselves.
The gospel brings oneness between all believers by uniting us as a single family of God. The gospel also brings distinction to the people of God in that we are different and separate from the rest of the world.
Believers should set the standard for having gracious conversations surrounding race and identity.
Overall, the gospel helps to shape our conversations on race and identity by calling believers to:
Exemplify Christian charity (in character and conduct) toward one another.
Display authentic unity that is only made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Embrace diversity and know that it (i.e., diversity) is always used purposefully by God.
Anticipate opportunities for maturity and growth.
Note: Session will end with a Q & A session. Attendees are encouraged to prepare questions in advance.
[1] Köstenberger, Andreas J.,Köstenberger, Margaret Elizabeth. God's Design for Man and Woman (pp. 282-283). Crossway. Kindle Edition.
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