LESSON 1

Being a Woman of Excellence: Lesson 1

What is excellence?

  • the quality of excelling; possessing good qualities in high degree
  • an outstanding feature; something in which something or someone excels;
  • Achieving a high level of performance; exemplary performance; exceeding normal expectations of performance or meeting the highest expectations of what can be achieved; performing well in excess of the norm; outperforming most.

Biblical view of Excellence:

The Greek word translated “excellent” in the NT comes from the word diaphero, which means “transport” or “differ.” In addition to “excellent,” Scripture translations also use the words “best,” “vital,” “the better things,” or “the highest and best” when talking about excellence. The Hebrew word translated “excel” in Proverbs 31:29 is ‘alah, which means “to ascend.”

Things that define excellence:

World view God’s view
  • Beauty
  • Fear of the Lord – Philippians. 2:12
  • Fame
  • Gentleness – 1 Peter 3:3-5
  • Fitness
  • Holiness – 1 Peter 1:14-16
  • Job Position
  • Humility – 1 Peter 5:6
  • Material Possessions
  • Integrity – Job 2:3
  • Pride
  • Kindness – Proverbs 3:3-4
  • Promiscuity
  • Love – Philippians 1:9-11
  • Status
  • Loyalty – Ruth 1:16,17
  • Strength
  • Obedience – Philippians 2:12-15
  • Wealth
  • Submission 1 Peter 3:1-2
  • Wit
  • Trustworthy – Proverbs 31:10-11
  • Youth
  • Wisdom – Ruth 3:11

Your personal definition of excellence: write it down

Revisit your answer to this question after going through this entire study to see how God has changed you!

 Why desire to be excellent?  Galatians 6:7-9

Group discussion
Scripture reading  Ruth 3:11; Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 31:10

Group discussion

Life Application –  Areas of excellence: (Group discussion)

  • Appearance
  • Discipleship
  • Diet/Health
  • Exercise
  • Free Time
  • Parenting
  • Marriage
  • Relationship with God
  • Relationships with People
  • Speech
  • Student
  • Work

Memory Verses (choose 1)

Proverbs 12:4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.

Proverbs 31:10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.

Note to single women:  Remember that as disciples* of Messiah/Christ we are married to Yeshua/Jesus.  God is our husband! Is. 54:5

*    THE WORD “DISCIPLE” literally means A LEARNER      THE GOAL IN BEING A DISCIPLE…Stated by Jesus himself:  to be like the teacher – Luke 6:40      A DISCIPLE IS “ONE WHO ABIDES IN JESUS’ WORDS” – John 8:31 To be a disciple of Jesus Christ/ Yeshua HaMashiach (in Hebrew) means more than just being a congregation/church member.  It requires commitment. Commitment to the studying and applying the teachings of Christ; Loving the true family of God, and bearing fruit for God’s glory.

Homework: 

Read the book of Ruth and write down what you think makes Ruth a woman of excellence.

 

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