Series Resources

sermon-based study guide

This guide is designed to guide a group discussion around the weekend sermon. You can also use this as an individual, but we highly recommend finding a friend and inviting them to discuss with you. Menlo Church has Life Groups meeting in-person and online using these guides. We’d love to help you find a group.

What you will find in this guide: A discussion guide for groups and individuals. If you are using this as an individual be sure to engage with each question in a journal or simply in your mind as you prayerfully consider what you heard in the sermon and seek to discover what God is inviting you to know and do.

Inspired And Uncomfortable | Does The Bible Limit Women

Sermon Study Guide | Series: Inspired and Uncomfortable | Sermon: Does the Bible limit women?
Scripture: Luke 8:1–3; Romans 16:1–7; Galatians 3:28; 1 Timothy 2:11–15; Ephesians 5:21-28
Date: June 29, 2025

CONNECT - “A Personal Reflection”

This section is designed to help you relate personally to the theme of the sermon. It encourages you to reflect on your own life experiences and how they connect to the message.

When you think back to the environments you grew up in—whether a church, your home, or both—what were you taught or shown about women’s roles in leadership or ministry? How did those experiences shape your view of what women could or couldn’t do in the church? Share that experience with your group.

ENGAGE - “Exploring the Scripture”

This section invites you to dive into the biblical passage, discuss its meaning, and apply it to your life through thoughtful questions.

Read Galatians 3:28 together There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
- What does Paul’s statement about unity in Christ reveal about how God views gender, and how should that shape our perspective?
Review Luke 8:1–3 and Romans 16:1–7. What stands out to you about the women mentioned in these passages?
- How are they involved in ministry and leadership?
In Ephesians 5:21-28, how does the command for mutual submission reframe the often-quoted passage about wives submitting to husbands?
Look at 1 Timothy 2:11–12. What cultural and historical context can help make sense of this passage?
- Why is understanding authorial intent important here?
Which woman from the sermon—biblical or historical—most inspired you, and why?

APPLY - “Putting the Scriptures into Action”

This section challenges us to take what we’ve learned and implement it in practical ways in our daily lives.

What traditions or teachings from your past might need to be re-examined in light of what the Bible says about women and leadership?
How can you intentionally support and encourage women in your life who are called to lead—whether in ministry, at work, or in the home?
If you’re a woman: Where might God be calling you to stand up, lead, or speak out? What’s holding you back?

If you’re a man: What would it look like for you to advocate for the gifts and callings of the women in your church, home, or workplace this week?
How can we, as a Life Group, model the kind of mutual honor and co-laboring that reflects the Kingdom of God?

PRAY - “Seeking God’s Guidance”

This section offers a short prayer to help us center our hearts and invite God to work in our lives through his scripture.

God, thank you for creating us all—male and female—in Your image and calling each of us to play a part in Your mission. Thank You for the women of Scripture, history, and in our own lives who have courageously followed You. We ask for humility and clarity as we navigate complex passages and conversations. Help us to be a church that champions all people You have called and gifted. Strengthen our community with grace, truth, and mutual submission that reflects Your heart. May we see and support one another as partners in the Gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.