Scripture:
I Timothy 2:8-15 NKJV
[8] I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; [9] in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, [10] but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. [11] Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. [12] And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. [13] For Adam was formed first, then Eve. [14] And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. [15] Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
Observation:
Another Friday has come, which means not only has another week passed but it’s also men’s bible study night. Last week we started going over the letters Paul wrote to Timothy, a young man that he had put as an overseer in the church that was found in Ephesus. This church was not without its trials. There were many issues that needed to be addressed. From false teaching, endless genealogies that led to nothing, to the food that was eaten, and whether or not it was permitted, not to mention a certain “goddess” that was worshiped in the area named Artemis, also known as Diana. Now I know that this is a controversial topic and I hope to take an objective view of what is going on in this scripture, so in the process of doing my best to explain what is being said here. The study I’m putting in is very diligent. The last thing I want to do is put something out there that is not biblically sound. This is a topic that might make some look like they don’t appreciate what a woman brings to the table. As my time quickly ticks away I will have to move through this with purpose. So let’s waste no time, and take the scripture for what it says. Paul is laying down the way a church should be put together, and in that area they had some circumstances that were not like other areas. This goddess being one of them. Going right to the word what we see is Paul drawing his attention to the men in verse 8, and honestly the way he goes about it is very important. What should not be missed is the instructions that are given. He says, “I desire therefore that men pray everywhere, with lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting.” I believe the reason he comes at this topic in this manner is so important. Let’s take a quick look at how things have unfolded from the beginning of time. Adam was in the garden with his wife as she was listening to a serpent. Which is one of the things that is addressed in this scripture. But what was the problem in that situation? Adam was not doing what he needed to be doing. He was allowing a snake to influence his wife. He had dropped the ball and the snake picked it up. Men are the spiritual head of the house. But Adam had allowed a snake to lead. That’s the first problem. He was given one rule…. Don’t eat that, then he was put to sleep, and women were made. Somewhere in between there and the conversation with the snake, the rule was translated to his wife, and we find ourselves next to the snake as he leads Eve through deception, and doubt. What Paul is saying in the first verses we are looking at is men need to step up. Lead like we are supposed to, by seeking GOD and HIS will. As we move forward at the beginning of the next verse what we see are some very interesting words, “In like manner also” this means that the woman is to do the very same thing. Pray and lift holy hands, they should adorn themselves in a manner that presents the value they have in GOD’S sight. Devaluing themselves by the way they dress is not suitable for a woman who professes godliness. Now I think it’s important to look at exactly what the scripture says, and to keep in mind at the same time what is going on in that area. This goddess they worshiped was very disruptive and proclaimed independence. She was a virgin and felt no need for a man. Now while that is a valuable aspect, women who choose that path need to be respected. Let’s return to the beginning of the book again. After the fall in the garden some very important things were said that do not need to be missed, let’s look. Genesis chapter 3 verse 16 says, “To the woman HE said: I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” Now I want you to keep in mind these are not my words. It’s not me or my opinion here. It’s what the bible says. The layout has been placed in the scripture. Men are the spiritual leaders. I want us to look at a few verses before where we find ourselves here. When GOD came down to walk with Adam in the cool of the day. Who did HE call out to? I will help answer that question, “HE said Adam where are you?” Adam was the one who was responsible for a lot of this. I’m not letting men off the hook here or women for that matter. What I am doing is bringing what GOD’S word says to our attention so that we all can get back on track. It’s laid out the way it is because that’s GOD’S design. It doesn’t matter what we think. What matters is what HE said, and Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote this letter to Timothy as he was guiding him on how to put together the church. So verses 11 and 12 are not my opinion… in fact my opinion doesn’t matter. What matters is what GOD said. So I hope you don’t crucify me for this. It’s the bible and to crucify me… it’s not crucifying me but saying what GOD said is wrong, or a lie. The order of creation, which is spelled out in verse 13, explains how it’s all going to go down on that day when we stand in front of the one who put it all together.
Application:
I believe the ministry that GOD has given me is to build stronger men. To build warriors who will stand and fight against the deception of the snake. Men who will spend time in the word seeking GOD, and HIS plan and path for us. I believe that’s what GOD desires. HE wants Men to rise up and lead their homes. It’s not something that needs to be taken lightly. Now let me say this…. I have dropped the ball on this. Men from the beginning of time have. What I want us all to see is that on that day when we stand before the creator of heaven and earth and HE says to us, “I gave you my design, I spelled it out clearly. Why did you try to refine what I said? What I want to do is address the men here. We are made to lead and we will not be able to say…. Uuuuummmmm but my wife said. It is our responsibility to step up and we are dropping the ball that’s why women are placed in positions that they are not made for. Listening in the book of Revelation there is a list. It’s a clear list… just like the layout the LORD has put in place concerning those who are built to lead. At the top of that list is cowards. It’s the first thing on that list, and just like when GOD came down to walk with Adam in the cool of the day … .on that day,HE is going to come to men first, with one question, “why did you not lead?” “ Why did your wife have to be put in a position that she was not built for?” we can not afford for our wives to be Listening to a snake. The deception is not going to decrease from this point forward. Having the ear of your wife is vital as the return of Christ creeps closer and closer. Now that being said, I’m talking to myself. I have allowed the serpent to separate me from the one who was given to me to protect. I am one who will have to answer for that and it breaks my heart, and I have nothing I can say. The only explanation that can be given is, Jesus Christ has forgiven me. It doesn’t make my heart any less heavy. I am a man and I will answer for my decisions. But I will tell you this. I will not be deceived, I will seek GOD’S will for my life and will not be sidetracked by a snake ever again. There will be no snake creeping into my home and leading anyone astray. GOD’S word will determine the course of this house, that’s just how it is, as for me and my house we will serve the LORD. There is no room for Jezebel here and the last thing I am is a weak man.
Prayer:
Father, we know what you have said, and we know that repentance is necessary. We know as men we have dropped the ball. You have spelled it out and offered us grace. Today the best we can do is receive what you have given, and make every effort not to continue in the same mistakes. We submit and surrender to the plan you have for us. With you leading us we can not go wrong. All we can ask is that you forgive us for dropping the ball and show us how to carry it successfully. We can not give up. You tell us that we have the authority to crush the head of the serpent. So right now we slam our foot down on it with the crushing blow it deserves. Help us to see how not to allow the same thing over and over. We know that in our weaknesses your strength is seen. Help us to stand firm on what you have said. Not trying to redefine it or make it say something that it does not say. We do not want the twisted word….. we want your word… nothing else. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that bold strong men will rise up and take back our families. Leading them right to the foot of the cross. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.