Masculinity and femininity by the Book

I am in the midst of a short preaching series on women in corporate worship. The fact there are distinctions between males and females, though the sexes are equal, is inescapable in looking at Scripture.

A short book by John Piper published in 1990 seeks to get at the heart of what it means to have a biblical view of these differences. As most of you know, Piper is a well-known author and pastor for preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis. The book is What’s the Difference? Manhood and Womanhood Defined According to the Bible.

A main part of the book is Piper’s attempt to define masculinity and femininity. He acknowledge the definitions below are not comprehensive but an effort “to get at the heart, or at least an indispensable aspect, of manhood and womanhood.” He also says these descriptions call for further comment, which he provides in the book.

I commend them for your thoughtful consideration in an age of great confusion over this issue. His definitions are:

At the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to lead, provide for and protect women in ways appropriate to a man’s differing relationships.

At the heart of mature femininity is a freeing disposition to affirm, receive and nurture strength and leadership from worthy men in ways appropriate to a woman’s differing relationships.