1 Tim. 2: Tim. 2:7-15

Transcription

1 1 Tim. 2: Tim. 2: PM

2 Playing to WIN! 1 Tim. 1:18-2:4 Last time we opened the book of 1 Tim., I used the analogy of a baseball team, which was having a relatively poor season Paul to Tim. Stay and Play; for the Love of the game. Remember we have each been called by Christ the Great Commissioner, who wants all men to WIN (that is) to to be Saved

3 1 Tim. 2:7-15 The roles of men and women in public worship. This is a subject in constant debate. In this era, many women are finally receiving the opportunity to lead and serve in the Military, Industry, and in Government Michelle Howard becomes the first Female 4 Star Admiral

4 Spiritual Sword July 2014 Pepperdine Bible Lectureship speaker Jarrod Robinson, of Carrollton, TX., recently advocated the use of women leaders in public worship. The speech met with significant audience approval.

5 Christian Scholars Conference This years C. S. C., was dedicated in part to discussing the current opinions on gender roles. Don McLaughlin, N. Atlanta church of Christ and Naomi Walters, minister in residence at the Stamford church of Christ discussed ways to face the oftenpainful process of congregations transitioning to more egalitarian worship practices.

6 Christian Scholars Conference Confronting the discouragement among more progressive members about the rate of change in gender roles, McLaughlin said that people of his generation should not be deterred in their work if results are not seen in their lifetime. God s timing may have other plans.

7 The Unchanging Word Ps. 111: 7-8 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established forever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. Ps. 119:160 The sum of Your word is Truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting. Lk. 21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

8 The Unchanging Word The Bible is very explicit regarding the distinctive roles of men and women in marriage, in public worship, indeed in life. And because the Word of God is perfect, inalterable, and eternal, there can be no alterations to the plan of God for marriage, for public worship, or for life. M.G.

9 The Unchanging Word God s Will in not subject to debate. It is not affected by culture. It is not subject to popular opinion. And this has always been the Truth of the matter

10 The Unchanging Word In the days of the Old Covenant: Deut. 4:2 - Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.

11 The Unchanging Word In the days of the Kings and Prophets: Prov. 30:5-6 Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.

12 The Unchanging Word In the days of the N.C. Revelation: Rev. 22: I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll

13 The Unchanging Word In the days of the N.C. Revelation: Rev. 22:19-20 And if anyone does take words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

14 Agreement in Timothy God s people are to keep God s instructions (regarding the faith) without partiality, and to do nothing out of personal prejudice. (1 Tim. 5:21) [Those who seek to be contentious ]- are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions. (1 Tim. 6:4)

15 Agreement in Timothy 2 Timothy 2:23 Paul again writes- Do not have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they [only] produce quarrels. 2 Tim. 2:14, He said of those who were constantly arguing in the church to stop their fighting and to- Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

16 Agreement in 2 Thess. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, Paul told the Brethren, to stand firm and hold to the traditions (doctrines) which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

17 RE. Universal Practice As Eccl. 12:13 concludes- Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. And in the N.T. we find Paul writing time and again- If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice nor do the churches of God. (1 Cor. 11:16)

18 RE. Universal Practice 1 Cor. 14:33, is a strong parallel passage to today s text- (Women s Role) and in it Paul explicitly reminds the church at Corinth - For God is not a God of disorder but of peace--as in all the congregations of the Lord's people.

19 RE. Universal Practice 1 Cor. 4:17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church. Paul taught the same truths at every city, to every person or congregation.

20 Authority Issue ( 1:1 & 2:7) 1 Tim. 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus, 1 Tim. 2:7 For this (communication of the Gospel) I was appointed a Herald, an Apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a Teacher of the Gentiles in Faith and Truth. This is ETERNAL DOCTRINE. Ps. 119:89

21 RE. The Men (ἄνδρας - Andras) 1 Tim. 2:8 I desire therefore that the men (the Greek word is ἄνδρας pronounced andras ) and applies specifically to males in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. He IS specifically saying- as God s Herald and as Christ s Apostle and Teacher, God s desires IS for MEN to pray in*every place (*every congregational meeting).

22 RE. The Men (ἄνδρας - Andras) Coffman 1 Tim. 2:8 restricts the offering of public prayers in Christian assemblies to men (males), as distinguished from women; (which is the Greek word γυναικὶ -- pronounced gynaiki and specifies either a woman or a wife depending on the context, but never a male). This is fully in keeping with the teachings of the New Testament elsewhere, and with the general practice of the New Testament church throughout many centuries

23 RE. The Men (ἄνδρας - Andras) Cont. The fact that present social attitudes may be opposed to what is taught here cannot possibly be of any Spiritual importance. In the current era, society has sadly degenerated projecting a very permissive attitude toward every kind of immorality, violence and crime; and, in such a social climate, there may very well be more and more individuals and even churches that will reject the teachings of the Apostles and proceed to do as they please. Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies Professor of Old Testament at A.C.U. (Died - June 30, 2006)

24 RE. The Men (ἄνδρας - Andras) R.C.H. Lenski wrote, The specific description I desire men" is in contrast with all who are women, (1 Tim. 2:9). This difference is not felt in English; but in the Greek this is very plain. The men only, and no women whatsoever, are to do the praying in the public worship of the congregation. Lenski s Commentaries

25 Holy Hands This is not a description of one s posture in prayer, but an allusion to the ancient practice of presenting the uplifted life in respectful petition to God, as in Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 141:2 and Lam. 3:41. Holy Hands An innocent heart. A heart that is genuine and humble. One whose whole life is in tune with God s Will

26 Holy Hands In other words, every man, who approaches public service with the attitude of the Gentiles in Matt 6:7 thinking they will be heard because of their many words, or the Pharisees in Matt. 23:5 everything they do is done for people to see, don t expect God to be impressed! Instead, we men are to examine our own hearts and make sure our lives are prepared before we go before a Holy God praying on behalf of His Holy people.

27 Without Wrath & Disputing Some have tried to connect this condition to the prayer itself- Does that make sense? Praying in Wrath? NO. The immediate context demands this to mean without contention from anyone in the congregation, who might contest Paul s authority or instructions; but especially those who might wish to dispute male leadership in public worship.

28 Without Wrath & Disputing 1 Cor. 1:10 I appeal to you, Brothers and Sisters, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

29 Only in Ephesus? 1 Tim. 2:8 Therefore I want the men [ἄνδρας] in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. This direction for men to lead in public worship, with holy hands, and without contention, applies wherever the church meets. In any and every church which makes it their claim to follow Christ and the teachings of the Apostles.

30 What About The Women? 1 Tim. 2:9 In like manner, (MEANING EQUALLY URGENT AND COMMANDED BY GOD) I want the women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments,

31 What About The Women? 1 Pet. 3:3-4 Your adornment must not be merely external-- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God

32 What About The Women? Kelly: We are truest to the spirit of these passages when we say that the dress of all Christians at public worship should be marked by simplicity and taste 1 Tim. 2:10 if there is any outstanding characteristic for which you are remembered, let it be with [those] good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to Worship God.

33 What About The Women? As with the Entire Word, we must Study it, Believe it, and Practice it Faithfully in order to be Pleasing to God. (1 Thes. 4:1) Tonight we ve begun talking specifically about our roles in public worship, but we ALL have specific roles in everyday society also- to Authentically Represent Christ and to Share His Faith and to live a life that brings Him Glory. Is this Your life?