Scripture:
1 Timothy 2:8-14 ESV
[8] I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; [9] likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, [10] but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. [11] Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. [12] I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. [13] For Adam was formed first, then Eve; [14] and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.
Observation:
After reading the bible several times, focusing on certain areas at times to find a deeper understanding, I always kind of stayed away from certain topics because they can be somewhat controversial. The two letters written to Timothy were put together to instruct young Timothy on the structure of church leadership and what that looked like. These books also had instructions on the order of service and many other helpful hints on how to build a congregation of believers that is chasing after GOD. Here in First Timothy 2:8, we see Paul laying the groundwork for what that looks like. His first bit of instructions is for men to step up and seek the Father through prayer, lifting holy hands, with a heart of love setting aside any anger or bitterness. He moves on in verse 9 to express the difference that should be clearly seen in a godly woman. They should be modest and conservative. Not gaining attention to being a distraction by their physical appearance such as braided hair and fancy clothes. However, their good works should be what catches the attention after all godliness is proclaimed, so that should be the light that attracts others. Now, here is where the controversy begins…and I’m going to stay away from my opinion on this because my opinion doesn’t matter. GOD’S word does. Let’s remember that Paul is instructing young Timothy on how to build leaders, and to be honest, these next few verses leave me with some questions. Verses 11-12 express that women should learn in quiet submission and not be in a position of authority over a man. Rather than dig in and ruffle feathers, I will just leave that to say what it does. Please keep in mind it’s not me saying it, GOD’S word is GOD’S word. Paul continues on with his statement and brings some clarity to his thoughts and reason for saying what he did in verses 13-14. Going back to the garden and looking at the fall of man. Paul’s statement about who was deceived and how GOD created man first is something that we should not miss, and if we truly dive into this, we can see where the problem is. Adam was the leader, and he followed his wife. She had been deceived, and he allowed her to then deceive him rather than lead her.
Application:
So I’m just going to be honest here I’m a little confused by these scriptures. As we look out over the church as a whole, we see a lot of well-spoken women in leadership roles. One that comes to the forefront of my mind right away is Joice Myers, who has written several books and is doing really well in the ministry. Looking at the bible, for example, we can see Deborah, who was a great military leader in the Old Testament. So clearly, there have been some great leaders who were women. Looking at where the country is today, we see our nation preparing to vote on whether or not we should have a woman president. Of course, that’s kind of an outside topic when it comes to the church… but nonetheless relevant to the topic. My question is, why if this is what GOD’S word says, are we where we are has what HE said changed….??? I remember reading a verse that tells me that GOD’S word and in fact GOD HIMSELF are the same yesterday today and forever. So, is that verse true as well? My personal opinion is this… we are out of the order that GOD has put in place, and it’s nothing new. Men have dropped the ball. So women seem to have tried to pick it up. However, it’s not the place that GOD has prescribed for them. So, the prescription turns into a description of what happens when things are out of order. I am calling out to the Gideons who are reading this. Let GOD’S word convict your heart and stand up. The reason we are in this mess is Adam didn’t do what GOD designed him to do…and honestly, we are following suit. We are built to lead. But we are standing there eating the fruit she hands us knowing that we were instructed not to and not saying a thing about it. Men… I am calling you out. Stand up and lead. Get off the couch and get in the fight. That old additive happy wife is a happy life… yes, it’s true… I’m not saying step on your wife’s toes. She is designed to stand next to you and should be your biggest fan. Cheering you on and saying yes, babe, you go if that’s what you know GOD has called you to. But in order for that to happen, you are going to have to say something like… yes, GOD did say not to eat that fruit, and no, I don’t want any. I want what GOD wants for me, and if that upsets you, I’m sorry. But I love you, and HIS promises are true. We were built to lead. We are made to fight a spiritual battle that has already been won. If we would stand up and take our rightful place as the leaders of our homes. Now, to the women, you were made to be helpers. If your husband is not leading, encourage him to do so. Point out in GOD’S word what it says. Men get in GOD’S word and read it. Stand up. You are more than conquerors. Stop being subdued and learning in quite a submission. Being rocked to sleep by the enemy. It’s time to wake up…stand up… and lead like we were designed to. Even if that means you stand on an island alone, you won’t be alone if GOD is for you. No one can stand against you.
Prayer:
Father, I know that you have a plan and that we have dropped the ball. I pray right now that you would speak to the Gideon’s that are reading this. Tell them who you made them to be and give them the courage to stand on what your word says. You know that we have gotten the roles reversed. Help us to set right what we have been doing so wrong. You have designed us to lead. Help us to see that and take back our rightful place. Rise up an army of men who will stand on your word and be willing to lead their families to the cross. Put them in your holy word the one that is without error. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray