Say to wisdom, “you are my sister” and make understanding your closest friend. For they will keep you from the immoral woman... Proverbs 7:4-5a
Women’s Discipleship Group – 2006
HELPMATES, HANDMAIDENS & HARLOTS ON-LINE BIBLE STUDY
SPIRITUAL LIFE SERIES
LESSON #3 Spiritual Discernment vs. Spiritual Deception
Website: www.terrimcfaddin.org
Presented by: Terri McFaddin Solomon
Definitions: Helpmate – Handmaiden – Harlot
Helpmate: A married woman who is committed to the well being of her husband.
Handmaiden: An unmarried or married woman who is committed to serving the Lord.
Harlot: An unmarried or married woman who sells her soul or body for personal gain.
Scripture Focus:
Helpmate: 2 Kings 4:9-10 And she said to her husband, “Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly. Please, let us make a small upper room on the wall; and let us put a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lamp stand so it will be, whenever he comes to us, he can turn in there.”
Handmaiden: John 4:19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.”
Harlot: 2 Timothy 3:6-7 For of this sort are those who creep into houses and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Discernment – the ability to determine the true nature of a person or circumstance.
Deception – the state of believing and accepting false information about a person or circumstance.
OPENING STATEMENT:
The Helpmate’s Story: This unnamed woman in 2nd Kings not only had the gift of hospitality, she had the gift of discernment – in other words, she could determine what was real and what was fake. Her plan was to add a room to her house to accommodate the prophet Elisha. 2 Kings 4:9 states, “I know that this is a holy man of God.” Clearly, this woman discerned that Elisha was not a false prophet. Perhaps she met a lot of preachers who knew how to talk the talk, but their walk was another matter. When she was led to invite Elisha into her home, her husband confirmed her good judgment by standing in agreement with her desire to build a room onto the house. If you’re a married lady, or plan to get married, it is a blessing to have a husband who can confirm what the Spirit reveals to you. I want to encourage you to always pray with your husband and search the scriptures before making important decisions. Make sure you and your husband are in agreement in all of your undertakings. Some of you might ask: “But what if my husband isn’t saved? What if we just don’t agree on something?” Answer: 1. Submit to your husband’s authority and ask the Lord to deal with him and if its God's will, change his mind. 2. I know this might be a long shot, but just because your husband is not saved, does not mean that he can’t make the right decisions. Pray and ask the Lord to show you the truth about the matter you are pursuing. Perhaps your vision is right, but your timing is wrong. Pray and ask the Lord to give you a discerning spirit.
The Handmaiden’s Story: John 4:6 opens with Jesus sitting by a well talking to a woman. He knew from the beginning that the “woman at the well” was a real drama queen. She had been married to five different men and was currently living with a man who wasn’t her legal husband. Even with all the confusion in her life, after talking with Jesus she discerned that she was face to face with her Redeemer. Even at our lowest point, we can still recognize when God is talking to us. I am sure you can look back and think about the times when the Lord spoke to you in a still voice: “Run. Leave now. Don’t do that!” Of course when you didn’t listen, you lived to regret it. The woman at the well had a godly handmaiden dwelling inside of her who was waiting to spread the gospel. But sin was holding her hostage. Thank God she recognized that it was Jesus, the Savior who was talking to her and His words set her free. Once the woman at the well was delivered from living a life of deception, she instantly came alive to her true purpose and calling. John 4:28 – The woman left her water pot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “Come see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”
The Harlot’s story: A harlot is a woman who is consumed with the desires of her flesh. Her desires may include an appetite for sex, money, wild parties and other vices. She may even seek to become knowledgeable in occult practices, goddess worship or New Age religions. She may even call herself a Christian and attend church on a regular basis. Her soul is an open door that allows anything or anybody to enter. She is always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:7) Many of us have tried strange religions, lifestyles and even stranger men only to discover that ungodly practices can leave us feeling empty, frustrated and depressed. 2 Timothy 3:6-7 says that silly, gullible, believe-anything-women, are loaded down with sins and led away by their lust. How many of you can look back over your life and admit that you were once a silly woman? You let people misuse you. You got pregnant by someone who betrayed you. Or, you had a boyfriend who was gay and everybody knew it but you. I confess that I’ve made some very silly and serious mistakes that I’ve lived to regret. For the woman who has been down that road, I want you to know that Jesus has a special place in His heart for you. Some of the greatest women in the Bible were once silly and lived the life of a harlot. Whatever your condition, you can become a godly and wise woman by starting with a simple prayer: “Lord Jesus, come into my heart and save me from my silly ways.” He will hear your cry, forgive you and start you on a new path. As you continue to study and obey God’s Word a marvelous transformation will take place in your life.
YOUR STORY:
Have you ever made a silly decision because you were a victim of deception? Tell me your story.
The conversation that Jesus had with the woman at the well changed her life, how did Jesus change your life? Tell me your story.
OBSERVATIONS/PERSONALIZATION:
Helpmates: 2 Kings 4:9-10 And she said to her husband, “Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly.
Search the scriptures and find 2 scriptures that will help you discern that a person is truly of God. Also find 2 scripture that help you identify a false prophet. How will this keep you from being deceived?
Handmaidens: John 4:19 – The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.” Read John 4:7-30. Write down at least 3 things that you “perceive” about the woman at the well?
Harlots: 2 Timothy 3:6 For of this sort are those who creep into houses and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts.
Search the scriptures and identify 2 types of sins and 2 types of lusts that can lead women astray and make them captives. Can you identify your own weaknesses?
CLICK HERE TO WRITE YOUR STORY-COMMENTS-QUESTIONS
Or go to: wdgbiblestudy@aol.com
Note: Stories and comments may be presented in an edited version.
STORIES – COMMENTS - QUESTIONS
Anonymous - Georgia
I am getting married. Already I am having troubles in our relationship. 1. We have a long-distance engagement, temporarily. 2. He has a withdrawn and mysterious demeanor that I sometimes interpret as secretive or deceptive. 3. I have a preoccupation with trying to 'figure him out' and it leaves me suspicious, anxious and unable to truly give God my thoughts. I need prayer to have my mind settled and heart clear on this decision. The wedding is soon approaching. How will I handle this marriage if I am already uncertain and afraid at times?
Answer:
Girlfriend I see trouble ahead. The first red flag is the fact that you are saying, "I AM getting married." Does this mean that no-matter-what, you’re going to do this… even if your fiancé` is withdrawn, mysterious, secretive or deceptive? Perhaps you should not be making wedding plans if you are feeling suspicious, anxious and unable to give God your thoughts. Also check into your own level of insecurities. In the meantime, maybe you should consider the following: 1.Postpone the wedding. 2. Pray for discernment. 3. Seek counseling. It's a lot easier to postpone a wedding than to go through a painful divorce. I pray that the Lord will protect you from your emotions. I know you love this man and it's hard to think straight when you're in love and planning your wedding. Lord, I pray that you will help my sister see what is hidden from her sight. Protect her from making a decision that she may live to regret. In Jesus name I pray.
Anonymous
Question:
What advice/counsel do you have for a Born Again Christian woman who has been married for almost 20 years who has found out from their Born Again Christian spouse that he was unfaithful for a period of 10 years – having a series of one night stands?
Answer:
To be perfectly honest, the first thing I would tell this woman is to get tested for HIV/AIDS. Sexual encounters that involve on night stands are like playing Russian Roulette, only the gun is pointed at more than one person. A man or woman who has a series of random sexual encounters for 10 years (that you know of) is not just someone who likes to mess around. This person has deep emotional issues and is clearly spiritually oppressed. I can only imagine the emotional pain this sister must be going through, but if the marriage is still in-tact, I strongly recommend prayer and fasting for strength – and a godly Christian therapist who can hopefully help this couple move toward healing, deliverance and restoration.
LESSON #2 The Challenge of Making Jesus First
CheVonceil Hunter - Weymouth, MA
Question #1: If I were speaking to a woman who felt that she was unworthy because of her past sins I would say ..."And such was a woman like me." I would share that I was a drug addict 32 years ago. I tried to commit suicide because I felt that I was so small and everyone around me was a giant! I didn't believe that I was good enough. I still feel sometimes that I am not good enough! I did much dirt and felt for a long time that I would always just be a reject. I must confess that I found much rejection inside the church as well. Isn't odd that the place of healing is filled with the pulse of pain?
I had an experience two years ago when I was sharing my testimony at a women's conference where women were coming to me thanking me. One sister was on the verge of taking her life until she heard my testimony. Another sister had a daughter who was not yet off of drugs and heading to jail. We think that our testimonies are old and stale until a moment in time shows you that your testimony is just as powerful as the Children of Israel crossing the Red Sea on dry land. I am a teacher and I often have opportunities to help my students get straight. We as women must believe that we are like David and we must use our stones to destroy the giant of low self esteem. It is true...we were fearfully and wonderfully made! Psalms 139:14.
Question #2: What would you do if you were married to a man who was not like Chuza and refused to allow you to follow Jesus?
My dear friend is married to a man who is not saved. From the beginning it has been a battle of the wills. It is very painful to see them live in a lopsided house. Everything is always an issue she says. Tithing is an issue; going to certain services is an issue; not going with him certain places is an issue; how they raise the children is an issue. She feels alone, saved but lost at church and the issue of having seeming to have issues, is also an ISSUE!!! LORD!
DeBorah – Los Angeles
Question: Have you witnessed a man in your life or in leadership being seduced and tricked by a woman?
I believe that women seducing men in church, especially the man of God, is the lowest form of womanhood. I say this because they are hearing the Word and they should know better. I was a former pastor’s office manager and I became quite knowledgeable about women and what they would do to seduce a man. We had one woman who didn’t wear panties to church. She would sit on the front row in order to seduce the pastor. He eventually gave in the temptation and had to eventually seek counseling and healing.
Anonymous
Question: Have you once lived an ungodly lifestyle but now you serve Him with all your heart?
I strayed from the Lord because of seduction. After nearly 12 years of being divorced, I wanted to get married again. After surviving cancer I no longer wanted to be alone. I thought I met someone at church who accepted everything about me, the good and the bad. I normally like younger men but this man was older than I – late 50’s. He was caring and understanding. I loved watching him praise God. I loved the sound of his voice when he sang in the men’s choir. He kissed me one time but I didn’t give in. But after many months, I finally did. Not because it was a request, but because I didn’t want to loose a good thing. And so I strayed. It was not a satisfying experience. He even said he was following me to hell. What and awakening! That’s when I realized how far I had strayed. I was so committed to my belief of God bringing a man of integrity into my life and I feel like I sabotaged my blessing. Here it is 3 years later and I’m still asking for forgiveness. Now I wonder how far along I would have been in my walk if I had not given in to this man 3 years ago? I still want to be married but I’m not looking. I’ve been there and I don’t want to return to that place ever again.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, DON’T FORGET TO SEND IN YOUR STORIES
I REALLY NEED YOUR FEEDBACK!!!
Women's Discipleship Group
Bible Study Meetings:
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Hollywood, CA: Pasadena, CA: |
Cerritos, CA: Miami, FL (English) Miami, FL (Spanish)
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How Women's Discipleship Group Got Started
The Women's Discipleship Group was organized in 1999 by Terri McFaddin and Janet Bailey. The purpose of the discipleship group was to assist women in becoming rooted and grounded in their Christian faith. It was designed to also help women reach the level of spiritual maturity that would enable them to use their gifts and talents in various arenas of service and ministry.
We move toward these goals by implementing the following principles:
1. Building spiritual strength by a systematic study of the Word of God, including prayer; memorizing scriptures and weekly meetings.
2. Building strong relationships within the discipleship groups. This includes encouraging one another and being sensitive and supportive of one another's needs.
3. Training women to become servants and ministry leaders in their churches, mission fields, communities, schools, businesses or wherever God has called them to serve.
What We Believe
The women of WDG are a mixture of many different Christian denominations. But we all believe that we have eternal life through our personal confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that the entire Word of God is true and we govern our actions by the counsel of the Holy Bible. We believe that we are called by God to be examples of godliness by loving one another and ministering to those who are in need of our help.
About Terri McFaddin Solomon
Terri is an ordained minister, author, speaker and songwriter with two Grammy Awards to her credit. Terri co-wrote two theme songs for the movies: Big and Men In Black . She authored three books: God Made Me Beauty-full ; Only A Woman and Sapphires And Other Precious Jewels.
Terri was born and raised in Philadelphia, where she attended Temple University. She holds a Masters Degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary.
In 1999 she and close friend Janet Bailey, founded WDG, which prepares women for service in various areas of ministry. There are currently five WDG bible studies taking place in various locations.
In October, 2005, Terri married Charles Solomon and resides in Los Angeles. She is a member of Faithful Central Bible Church and the mother of two adult daughters, Roslyn and Theresa who are also in the ministry.
