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1 Timothy 2:9-12
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Women have a vital ministry in the life of a true NT local church today. Any so-called pastor or Bible teacher that teaches otherwise is a heretic, period! It is very possible that Paul got his very high view of women in ministry from Solomon, David and other OT writers who understood the honor and dignity of womanhood. Ephesians. 5:23-33 clearly reveals Paul’s view of the role of women, and the responsibility of men to uphold them as God intends. This section of 1 Timothy does not, teach that women are to be ornaments or just pew fillers in the local church. Paul is dealing with a specific problem at Ephesus, but it serves as a template for right behavior for everyone, not just women. In this section he is dealing with proper, godly conduct in a church worship service, although his instructions about modesty should apply at all times; just as men should be gentlemen at all times. Paul often uses the words “women, and wives” throughout his letters. The context defines whether or not he is talking specifically to wives or to women in general. Now notice Paul’s:
I. MANDATE TO ALL WOMEN – V. 9-10. Paul’s desire here is to instruct all women in Christian virtues. He is providing some guidelines for those women who were saved whether or not they came from a life in the cult of Artemis, or not. The fact that Paul instructs women in what, or what not to wear, fix their hair, or the jewelry they wear does not mean he forbids it. Neither does Peter forbid it when he addresses it in his letters. Both Apostles are telling women that as Christians their outward appearance is to be God-honoring. Paul’s point here is that women are to promote and adhere to the fear of God rather than an ungodly character. How does a woman learn to promote and adhere to the fear of God rather than display an ungodly character? In addition to her own Bible study and QT, she learns from watching her husband, or if she is not married, from watching the older women and leaders in her local church family. So, husbands, the question is: are you teaching your wives to be godly women, or not? God knows, and so do you! Our wives, daughters, and granddaughters know also! Next:
II. A MINISTRY FOR ALL WOMEN V. 9. In v. 12, Paul is speaking to all women in general. The first thing Paul tells women is to learn. Now ladies, don’t get on Paul for using the “submissive” word here. This mandate to the women to learn would have rang loudly in the ears of the religious leaders of the day because it was totally opposite of the norm. Judaism forced women to be silent without any concern for their knowledge and understanding of Scripture, or their spiritual growth. Paul is saying emphatically here those days are gone. In the age of grace, which was ushered in with “it is finished” the old passed away and the new took over. The salvation principle that Paul is introducing is women must be recognized as partners in the gospel at home and in the church. Paul gives two requirements women are to follow when learning. The first requirement is that she learn quietly. One author explains the truth in a simple sentence when he says “Paul was not demanding physical silence but a teachable spirit.” A teachable spirit is by nature submissive and quiet, listen, because the person has a deep, deep desire in their heart to learn all they can about the inspired, inerrant Word of God. The second truth for learning is total submission. In the NT the basic meaning of the word submission is to determine, or to appoint. The ultimate authority is God Himself. The broader picture of the word submit is, “to be subject to authority with no possibility of resistance.” One author clearly and correctly states the meaning of submission as Paul uses it in v. 11 saying “it is a warning against abusing the leadership of the congregation by disrespectful, boisterous actions and language.” The 2nd ministry God gives to women is to be long-enduring. Ladies, no expositor in their right mind believes women are redeemed through childbirth. That is nowhere near what Paul is saying here. The whole point is in the last part of the verse when Paul says “if they continue… meaning if they continue to grow spiritually in Christ. A couple writers made this point, and I am inclined to agree with them. In all that is unattractive and uninviting about childbearing, there is a God-given desire in a woman to have children. The point that lifts women to partnership in the gospel is that they can also have unwavering determination and perseverance in ministry for Christ. May God give us hearts that live in an attitude of prayer and ministry to God every moment of our lives.
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