Fear of God impelled two women to defy a Pharaoh. Faith moved a prostitute to risk her life in order to protect two Israelite spies. Sensibleness and humility in a crisis helped a woman to save many lives and to prevent the anointed of Jehovah from incurring bloodguilt. These are just some of the many Scriptural examples of women who made Jehovah’s heart rejoice.—Rom. 16:12; w03 11/1 pp. 8-13.

Jehovah’s attitude toward such women and the blessings he bestowed upon them demonstrate that what pleases him above all else is spirituality, which transcends gender. In today’s world, obsessed as it is with the physical, giving priority to one’s spirituality is a challenge. But that challenge can be met. This is being demonstrated by millions of God-fearing women among God’s people today.

In many lands, there are more women than men proclaiming the Kingdom message, and multitudes more are responding to the good news. (Ps. 68:11) These Christian women imitate the faith, discretion, hospitality, and other fine qualities demonstrated by God-fearing women mentioned in the Bible. (Luke 1:46-49; Acts 16:14, 15; Rom. 15:4) It is important for all of us to understand and to appreciate fully the role of women in the Christian congregation.

A Favored Position of Dignity and Respect

Though created as a helper to man, why are women not inferior creatures? (Gen. 2:18, 23; w95 7/15 pp. 10-11 pars. 4-6)

How do statements at Galatians 3:26-28; 4:26, and Revelation 12:1; 19:7, indicate that Jehovah dignifies the position of women in his arrangement? (it-2 p. 1196 par. 6)

How did Jesus show respect for the dignity of women? (w12 9/1 pp. 8-11)

How is the prophecy at Psalm 68:11 being fulfilled today?

Regarding the honorable relationship between man and woman as established in the beginning, what do you learn from Genesis 2:20-24?

How does Ephesians 5:28-31 show that God’s view of the husband-and-wife relationship has not changed?

What does it mean to “assign them honor as to a weaker vessel,” and how does this direction at 1 Peter 3:7 benefit and protect women? (g94 10/8 pp. 19-21)

What can a wife do to make herself “a crown to her husband”? (Prov. 12:4)

An Orderly Arrangement

Explain how the headship arrangement originated and for what reason? (1 Cor. 11:3; 14:40)

How did Jesus feel about submitting to Jehovah’s headship? (John 5:30; 8:38, 39; Phil. 2:5-8)

How does Galatians 3:26-28 show that the headship arrangement does not stem from some bias on the part of God? Why is the assigning of headship to men not demeaning to women?

Why does wifely subjection not bring hardship on a woman in the Christian household? (Rom. 12:10)

What is the meaning of Paul’s words found at 1 Corinthians 14:33-35? (1 Tim. 2:12; w12 9/1 p. 9 box; g 7/10 p. 29 pars. 2-4)

EXPERIENCE: A husband who formerly treated his Christian wife badly said: “She was very respectful of me. She never once put me down. She didn’t try to force her beliefs on me. She cared for me in a loving way. When she went to an assembly, she worked hard to prepare my meals ahead of time and to get the housework done. Her attitude started to arouse my interest in the Bible. And, well, here I am!” Yes, he had, in effect, been “won without a word” by his wife’s conduct.

What good may result when the Christian woman is in subjection to an unbelieving husband? (1 Pet. 3:1, 2)

Even when there is no favorable outcome, why can a wife find satisfaction in showing respect for headship? (Col. 3:18, 23)

What headship is the Christian woman to recognize besides the headship of her husband? (1 Cor. 14:35; 1 Tim. 2:11-14)

How would a woman show that she recognizes the headship principle when caring for matters pertaining to worship that would ordinarily be handled by her husband or by a baptized brother? (1 Cor. 11:4, 5)

Read 1 Corinthians 11:2-16.

Explain why a Christian woman would or would not need to wear a head covering in the following situations.

Needed because the husband is present. (w02 7/15 p. 26 par. 2; lv p. 209 par. 3)

Needed because the son is baptized and should be taught by baptized males. (w02 7/15 p. 27 par. 1; lv p. 209 par. 3)

Needed because the meeting is a congregation arrangement. (w02 7/15 p. 27 par. 2; lv p. 210 par. 1)

Not needed since she is not presiding. (w02 7/15 p. 27 par. 3)

It would be appropriate in view of the interpreter’s magnified role. (w09 11/15 pp. 12-13)

“It may be more practical to wear a head covering during the entire meeting.” (w09 11/15 p. 13)

Not needed, since both men and women have the responsibility to preach and teach outsiders. (w02 7/15 p. 27 par. 4; lv p. 210 par. 2)

Needed because the baptized brother is present. The baptized brother should offer the prayer. (w02 7/15 p. 27 par. 5; lv p. 210 par. 1)

Why may a sister prefer to wear a head covering under certain circumstances that do not really require her to do so? (1 Tim. 1:5)

How would you harmonize the principle of subjection to one’s husband with the principle found at Acts 5:29? (ia p. 80 par. 16)

Privileges and Responsibilities of Christian Women

Based on Proverbs 31:1, what important responsibility is given to Christian women?

What constructive work can the discerning woman do according to Titus 2:3-5?

With regard to dress and grooming, what balance does the Christian woman need to show? (1 Tim. 2:9, 10; 1 Pet. 3:3, 4) Why is this important?

What lesson can Christian women learn from Luke 10:42?

In what vast field of service have women shared effectively? (Acts 2:17, 18; 18:26; g 7/10 pp. 28-29)

Why is this a vital service for them to perform? (Rom. 10:13, 14; 1 Cor. 9:16)

What arrangements can be made when there are no qualified brothers available to conduct midweek meetings for field service? What specific instructions might be provided? (1 Cor. 14:40; km 9/01 p. 3)

What rewards do Christian women receive for their faithfully walking with God?