INTRODUCTION:

A. We are commanded to be happy.
 1. Philippians 4:4; I Thessalonians 5:16; I Peter 1:8.
 2. This is not the constant mirth Solomon described in Ecclesiastes 2:1,2. 
 3. It is an underlying joy we have as virtuous women (I Peter 1:8b,9).
 4. It is not our only emotion (Romans 12:15).
 5. As  Christians,  we  know  all  things  work  together  for  good (Romans 8:28), 
  so we can rejoice even amid the most distressing circumstances.
B. Virtuous women are commandment-keepers.
 1. Psalm 119:143 - His commandments are my delight.
 2. In  all  areas  of  life  it  is  helpful  to  have  rules and  know boundaries.
 3. John 14:15 - Commandment keeping is a proof of our love.
 4. Matthew 5:1-12 - Commandment keeping results in happiness.
C. His commandments are not grievous (I John 5:3).
D. The virtuous woman is happy because...

DISCUSSION:

I. THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS HOLY.

 A. The word “holy” means to  be set apart or sanctified (I Peter 1:15,16).
 B. Holy in thought.
  1. Proverbs 30:32.
  2. Philippians 4:8.
 C.  Holy in speech.
  1. Ephesians 4:25-32.
  2. I Timothy 5:13. 
 D. Holy in life.
  1. I Peter 2:5-9.
  2. Romans 12:1,2.
 

II. THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS ABLE.

 A. Able to reason (Isaiah 1:18).
 B. Able to study (II Timothy 2:15).
 C. Able to know we know (I John 2:3-6).
 D. Able to teach others (Priscilla; Acts 18:24-26).
 E. Able to influence (Lydia; Acts 16:14,15).
 F. Able to be hospitable (Peter’s mother-in-law; Matthew 8:14,15).
 G. Able to give (Dorcas; Acts 9:3642). 
 H. Able to be assured of His promise (II Timothy 1:12,13).

III. THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS PROTECTED.

 A. Protection is a basic need.  
 B.   We have locks and alarm systems on our houses and cars.  We wear protective gear
  when we play sports.  As mothers, we want to protect our children from everything--
  from every hurt, illness, evil, heartbreak...  
   C. We feel afraid when we are unprotected.
 D. Spiritual fearfulness is condemned by God.
1. Revelation 21:8.
  2.  II Timothy 1:7.
 E. Our Heavenly Father has provided protection for us.
  1. Romans 8:35-39 - In this list there is nothing (except  ourselves) from which
   God has not shielded us through Christ.   
  2. I Corinthians 10:13 - We are safeguarded from ourselves here; no temptation 
   is suffered which is more than we are able to handle, and a way of escape is 
   always available.  
 F. The virtuous woman takes advantage of the protection God offers (Ruth 2:12). 

IV. THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS PRODUCTIVE.

 A. Galatians 5:22,23 lists fruits of the spirit we must produce in our lives. 
  1. Love - Most basic spiritual quality--a self-giving 
   (I Corinthians 13; Ephesians 5:2; Colossians 3:14).  
  2. Joy - Gladness not of this world but a foretaste of the 
   hope still in store for Christ’s followers (I Peter 1:8,9).
  3. Peace - Serenity of heart of those who have been
   justified by faith (Romans 5:1).  We want others to have 
   this tranquility, so the peace-possessor becomes a
   peace-maker (Matthew 5:9).   We will make every effort
    to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”
   (Ephesians 4:3).
  4. Longsuffering - In relationships with those who annoy, 
   oppose, or molest, we exercise patience, refusing to yield
    to outbursts of anger (II Corinthians 6:6; Ephesians 4:1;
    Colossians 3:12,13; II Timothy 4:2).  This is a divine 
   attribute not only of God (Romans 2:4), but also of Christ
    (I Timothy 1:16).
  5. Gentleness - Kindness, mildness.  Christians commend 
   themselves to others (II Corinthians 6:6).  This 
   endowment, exercised by believers, is a faint reflection 
   of the kindness  manifested by God (Romans 2:4).  We are
    admonished to become more like him in this respect 
   (Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-38).  
  6. Goodness - Moral and spiritual excellence, a generosity of 
   heart and action developed by following the examples of
    Christ.
  7. Faith - Loyalty, fidelity.  We must be loyal to God and His
    Word.
  8. Meekness - Gentleness toward one another and toward 
   all men (I Corinthians  4:21).  Meekness is the very
   opposite of vehemence, violence, and outbursts of anger. 
  9. Temperance (self-control) - The power to keep oneself in
    check.  Every thought to be surrendered in obedience to
    Christ (II Corinthians 10:5). 
 B. By being productive in these ways, the virtuous woman brings glory to God (Matthew 5:16).

V. THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS YIELDED.
 
 A. To yield is to surrender or submit.
 B. How does God expect to see this trait in the virtuous woman?
  1. We have yielded to God (Romans 6:13).
  2. We have yielded to our husbands (Ephesians 5:22-24).
  3. We have yielded to our elders (Hebrews 13:17).
  4. We have yielded to civil authorities (Romans 13:1-14; I
    Peter 2:13-16).
  5. We have yielded to our employers (I Peter 2:18).
 C. Have you yielded yourself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1,2;
   the word “present” is the Greek for yield in Romans 6:13)?

CONCLUSION

 The virtuous woman is happy because she has been blessed by God for following the pattern 
 we have just studied.  
B. Proverbs 31:10-31.

   
         Helen Andrews