Overview:
It is doubtful that there is a tougher role to fill today than that of the Christian woman who desires to walk with God. The tightrope is most precarious, stretched high above numerous perils, with dangerous gusts of wind from the world pushing her off balance. Advice comes from every source, some of it strong and convincing. And then there are those undeniable feelings within that shout (and occasionally scream) for attention and satisfaction . . . not all of them wrong or bad, but many of them unfulfilled. What’s a woman to do? Become a balanced woman of God.
Message Summary:
- A Balanced Woman Sees Scripture as Vital: Using the example of Eunice (Timothy’s mother), Swindoll argues that a balanced woman must possess a "filter system" rooted in God's Word to navigate the confusing signals of culture [23–24].
- A Balanced Woman Sees Herself as Valuable and Gifted: Through the stories of Lydia and Priscilla, the sermon illustrates that godly women are assertive, capable, and responsible for their own spiritual growth. Swindoll highlights that Priscilla, alongside her husband, instructed the eloquent Apollos, proving she was not a silent shadow but a gifted theologian.
- A Balanced Woman Sees the Lord as Her Refuge: Drawing from the narrative in Acts 21, Swindoll describes a woman who does not manipulate outcomes when life gets difficult, but rests in the conviction, "The will of the Lord be done".
Message Key Facts:
- The "Tightrope" Analogy: Swindoll describes the modern woman’s life as walking a high wire, buffeted by "dangerous gusts of wind" from the world system while trying to maintain spiritual balance.
- Two Dangerous Extremes:
- The Militant Extreme: Characterized by anger and defensiveness. Swindoll quotes Germaine Greer’s The Female Eunuch, which suggests women must become "outcasts, eccentrics, and perverts" to find liberation and claims that the plight of mothers is desperate [11–12].
- The Passive Extreme: Characterized by a "sheltered mentality" and low self-esteem. This woman is a "living doormat" who is terrified of making decisions and is often disoriented when her children leave or her husband dies [13–15].
- The "Bunker" Husband: Swindoll attributes some of the extremism to men who fail to think clearly or lead fairly, comparing them to Nabal (Abigail's husband) in the Old Testament or the Pharisees who judged the woman caught in adultery.
- Priscilla’s Leadership: Swindoll highlights Acts 18:26, noting that Priscilla and Aquila "took Apollos aside" to correct his theology. He emphasizes that Priscilla did not stand back and hide; she was a capable, valuable partner in ministry who helped lead a powerful evangelist to the truth.
- Lydia’s Assertiveness: The sermon points to Lydia (Acts 16) as a businesswoman who was not only a worshiper of God but also persuasive and assertive, urging Paul and his companions to stay in her home [25–26].
- Proverbs 31 Recommendation: Swindoll urges women to make a personal study of Proverbs 31, noting it is the most detailed portrait of a woman in Scripture and depicts someone who fits neither the militant nor the passive extreme.
Message References:
- Acts 16:11–15: The account of Lydia, a seller of purple fabrics who worshiped God, accepted the Gospel, and showed hospitality to Paul.
- 2 Timothy 1:5 & 3:15: Paul’s reference to Timothy’s "sincere faith" which first dwelt in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, and how Timothy knew the "sacred writings" from childhood.
- Acts 18:24–26: The account of Priscilla and Aquila correcting the theology of Apollos.
- Acts 21:8–14: The narrative involving Philip’s four prophesying daughters and the church’s submission to God’s will regarding Paul’s imprisonment.
- Proverbs 31: Recommended as the ultimate scriptural portrait of a balanced woman.
- 1 Timothy 2:11–12: Referenced as a verse that often causes rancor for the "militant" extreme ("Let a woman quietly receive instruction...").
