THE CHARACTER OF A HEALTHY CHURCH 1 Timothy 2:8-15 by Andy Manning
|
|
- Leslie Walters
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 THE CHARACTER OF A HEALTHY CHURCH 1 Timothy 2:8-15 by Andy Manning The title of this article is The Character of a Healthy Church. The reason this subject is important is because Christianity is a team sport. It s football rather than tennis. The team is called the church. All Christians are called to membership active commitment and participation in the church. As a church, we can either be a winning team or a losing team. We can be a healthy church that glorifies God, or an unhealthy church that embarrasses the Lord. What makes a church healthy? What makes a church a winning team? The good news is that we have a genius for a coach Jesus Christ. He has all the answers to what makes a winning team. All we have to is follow His directions. According to Coach Christ, there are several things that we need to do to be a healthy church. First, we need to understand what the church is our identity. I like this definition by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears in their book Doctrine. The local church is a community of regenerated believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord. In obedience to Scripture they organize under qualified leadership, gather regularly for preaching and worship, observe the Biblical sacraments of baptism and communion, and are unified by the Spirit, are disciplined for holiness, and scattered to fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great commissions as missionaries to the world for God s glory and their joy. Second, to be a healthy church we need to understand our mission. We need to understand why we exist, or what it is we re trying to accomplish. If Christianity is a team sport, then how do we win? Our mission what is called the Great Commission. It should be the same for every church. In a nutshell it is to make disciples. Whatever else the church does, it must be sure that it does that first and foremost. Reach unbelievers, and grow believers. Every church words it 1
2 differently. Here s how we put it: We exist to help people far from God become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Third, along with understanding our identity and mission, we need to preach sound doctrine. We need to preach Biblical theology. Our understanding of Christ s words must be what He meant by His words. Paul instructed Pastor Titus in Titus 2:1, You must teach what is right and true. While all these things are true, there is a fourth thing necessary for a church to be healthy. Most books on church health focus on the first three identity, mission, or doctrine. Much has been written and said about getting clearer about the identity of the church, getting more effective at the mission of the church, and getting more accurate with the doctrine of the church. But not much has been said about this last thing. But it s very important. It s just as important. It s found in 1 Timothy 2:8-15. Remember that this is a letter written by the apostle Paul to a young church leader, Timothy, about how to build a healthy church. Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus at the time, which is in modern day Turkey. 8 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. 9 And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. 10 For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. 11 Women should learn quietly and submissively. 12 I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. 13 For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result. 2
3 15 But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty. 1 I want you to notice that in this passage Paul s focus is not on the church s identity, mission, or doctrine. His focus is on the church s character, or the way that the people in the church behave; their moral attitudes and behaviors. So the first thing we learn from this passage is that when it comes to building a healthy church, who we are is just as important as what we do. How we behave is just as important has what we believe. We can have the nicest building, the coolest music, the most engaging preaching, pure doctrine, a helpful website, and lots of people, but if we don t behave right, if we don t have Christlike character, then we re not a healthy church. As well, I want you to notice that Paul gives two commands to the men of the church, and then two commands to the women of the church. He says that in order to have a church that pleases God, the men should be holy and unified, and the women should be modest and submissive. Let s look at these one at a time. 1. The men of the church must be holy. Verse 8 says, In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God. Paul isn t commanding a certain prayer posture; his point isn t that men need to pray with their hands in the air. That was a common prayer posture in the Bible days, but that s not the point. The point is that men in the church need to be holy. It is not right for men to come to church and pray, and sing praise songs to the top of their lungs if their lives are full of unchecked sin. What is holiness? Holiness is conformity to the moral character of God. 2 The Westminster Shorter Catechism defines God like this: God is a spirit; infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, and 1 New Living Translation 2 Jerry Bridges 3
4 goodness, and truth. These are God s attributes; His character traits. The Bible describes God with many attributes, but the most common word used to describe God in the Bible is holy. It means that God is perfect in His morality; He is without sin. He is 100% pure. The Bible says in 1 John 1:5, This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. In the Bible light is often used to refer to God s holiness, and darkness refers to sin. God is light and has no darkness. And God calls us to be holy like Him. 1 Peter 1:15-16 says, 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, You must be holy because I am holy. For us to be a healthy church, the men must be pursuing holiness. Our goal must be the holiness of God. We won t reach it; but that must be our standard. One mistake we tend to make is that tend to compare our morality to the world; to those outside of the church. And as long as we re not as immoral as unbelievers, then we re satisfied with our level of holiness. Or we tend to compare ourselves to the Christians in our church. As long as we re about as holy as our fellow church members, then we re satisfied. But the world is not our standard. And neither are other church members. Our standard is the holiness of God. We need to compare ourselves to Jesus Christ. Jerry Bridges wrote one of the best books on holiness in existence. It s called The Pursuit of Holiness. He gives 3 principles for pursuing holiness that I think will be helpful. 1. We must take all sin seriously. There is no such thing as a little sin. All sin is offensive to God. God hates all sin, and so must we. 2. We have to realize that we cannot pursue this kind of holiness in our own self-effort. Holiness is being transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit into the likeness of Christ. It s not about trying harder; it s about cooperating with the Holy Spirit. 4
5 3. God has given us certain responsibilities in the pursuit of holiness. While the Holy Spirit is the one who produces holiness, we need to do our part. It s like farming. Ultimately God is the one who causes the crop to grow, but the farmer can control the weeds and bugs, and apply water and fertilizer. Our primary responsibility involves abiding in Christ. In John 15:5 Jesus said that as we stay connected to Him, He will make us more like Him. Our part is to stay intimately connected. He does the rest. This is called abiding in Christ. Stay close to Him through church attendance, Home Group, a daily quiet time, prayer, fasting, Bible reading, etc. One of the most tempting mistakes to make in the pursuit of holiness is to assume that you can grow and maintain holiness without abiding in Christ. Perhaps because you are so busy you don t want to take the time for church attendance, fellowship with other believers, prayer, Bible study, etc. You assume that you can grow in holiness without those things; just by trying harder. But that s impossible. Christ produces the fruit. Your part is to abide. Without abiding, you can do nothing. Let me give you two questions you can ask yourself about pursuing holiness. Is there any unchecked sin in your life? Are you prioritizing abiding in Christ so that He can grow you in holiness? 2. The men of the church must be unified. Let s read all of verse 8. In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. Apparently the men in the church weren t getting along. They were fighting, quarreling, arguing. But that s a problem if we want to be a healthy church. Think about a football team. 5
6 If the members of the team hate each other and are always fighting one another, they won t be a winning team. What s the opposite of anger and controversy? Unity. For the church to be healthy, the men must pursue unity. What is unity? Unity is getting along and sticking together so we can get things done for the kingdom of God. Here are a few principles about unity that we need to keep in mind. First, we re better together. That s the reason God calls us to be in a church. Second, if we can t get along and stick together, then we can t get things done for God. God has called us to make disciples in Acadiana and around the world. But if we are fighting each other, and if we split up, we won t be able to accomplish anything. Third, maintaining unity is not easy. Unity is a very fragile thing. Unity is as fragile as people s feelings. Unity is not our natural tendency. We re like a car. If you take your hand off the wheel, and your eyes off the road, you will naturally drift off the road. That s why they say you shouldn t take your eyes off the road for more than two seconds. In the same way, our natural tendency is to drift from unity; to argue and fight and divide. That s our sinful nature. We are a family, and in a family, we re going to disagree; and we re going to offend each other. And our natural tendency when we disagree is to argue, and then if we don t get our way, to leave. Our natural tendency when we get offended is not to forgive, it s not to be patient, it s not to confront someone and seek reconciliation; it is to leave. Unity is not natural. It s not always easy. Fourth, because unity is both essential but difficult, we need to guard it carefully. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:2-3. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Fifth, the key to unity is peace; tolerating offenses and differences for the sake of unity. Peace means when people offend me, I m not going to fight or leave. 6
7 I m going to forgive. I m going to be patient. When I don t get my way I m not going to fight or leave. I m going to agree to disagree. I m not going to demand my way. When people offend me or disagree with me, I m not going to make war, I m going to keep the peace. 3. The women of the church must be modest in their appearance. So far we ve looked at Paul s two commands for the men. Now let s talk about the women. Let s read verse 9. And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. The women in Ephesus were dressing in a way that drew attention to themselves. Now it s okay for a Christian woman to dress attractively. But the problem was that the women were dressing a way that distracted others. They were making two mistakes. They were causing the men to lust by their hairstyles and jewelry. And they were causing the other women to be jealous by wearing expensive clothes. Virtually every Bible scholar agrees that Paul is not giving women rules against braiding your hear or wearing gold or pearls; those were just the common styles in Paul s day. You can avoid braided hair, gold and pearls and still find millions of ways to be immodest. Instead, Paul s point is to be modest, decent and appropriate with your clothing and makeup and jewelry. Don t dress in a way that would cause your Christian brothers to lust; remember that they are pursuing holiness. And don t dress in a way that would cause the women in the church to be jealous. Now Paul is specifically talking about how you dress in church gatherings, but this applies everywhere. Christian women need to dress modestly. And then look at verse 10. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. In other words, as a Christian woman, your primary focus should not be on outer beauty, but developing your inner beauty. Becoming like Christ in your character. As a 7
8 Christian woman, you don t need to dress seductively, or wear sexually suggestive clothing to be attractive. The Bible says that goodness, a life of good deeds, is very attractive. A Christlike attitude makes you very attractive. The bottom line for the women in the church is this. Do you want people to be attracted to you or to God? Do you want people to focus on how beautiful you are, or on how great God is? Do you want to distract people from God, or help people focus on God? The words of David Platt are powerful. May God raise up women across our churches who refuse to get up any day, especially on Sunday, and think, What can I wear today that will make me look good to the people around me? Instead, may our sisters in Christ ask, How can I dress, and what can I do today that will draw the most attention to the glory of my God? Women in the church should not distract others but instead live to attract others to God The women of the church must be submissive. Let s read verses Women should learn quietly and submissively. 12 I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. Remember that Paul is referring to the context of the church, and especially church gatherings. Paul says there are two things that a woman is forbidden to do in the church: teach or exercise authority over men. Paul doesn t mean that women can t teach at all in church. Titus 2:3-5, for example, says that the older women in the church should teach the younger women. And the Bible doesn t say that women can t speak in church. 1 Corinthians 11 talks about women participating in church. In the early church women were very active. So what does Paul mean? Paul isn t saying that a woman can t teach in the church or can t lead anything. In verse 12 he s talking about the official role of an elder or pastor. 1 Timothy 3:4-5 says that 3 David Platt, Christ-Centered Exposition: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, pp
9 an elder s role is to manage or lead the church. The elders have authority over the church. And in 1 Timothy 5:17 Paul wrote, Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. An elder or pastor s role in the church is that of teaching and leading. So Paul is saying that women can t be pastors or elders. They can lead, but they need to lead under the authority of the pastors of the church. They can teach, but they need to teach under the authority of the pastors of the church. They can t lead or teach as pastors. That role is reserved for godly men. This may sound hateful toward women, but if God is good, and this is God s will, then this is good. This doesn t mean that women are inferior. It just means that women and men have different roles. The Bible teaches what is called complementarianism, first in the home, and then in the church. Men and women are equal, but they are different, and these differences complement each other. The Bible teaches that while men and women are fully equal in personhood, dignity, and value, they are different in their roles. Men are called to take the lead in the home and in the church, and women are called to support them in their leadership. Ephesians 5:22-24 says, 22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. Wives are to submit to their husbands in the home. And then here in 1 Timothy it says that women are to submit to the pastors in the church. What does it mean to submit? It s not the same thing as obedience, like a child obeying parents, or a soldier obeying a superior. To submit is to voluntarily line up under the authority of another. It is to willingly follow the lead of another. It is allowing your husband and your pastor to lead, rather than trying to control things through nagging, manipulation, or deception
10 Now why is this? Why are men to be the leaders in the church? Paul gives two reasons. The order of creation, and the deception of Eve. He said in verse 13, For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. In other words, God decided from the very beginning that men would take the lead in the home and in the church. And then look at verse 14. And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result. This is not saying that the Fall was completely Eve s fault. In fact, elsewhere in Scripture Paul clearly lays the blame on Adam. What this is saying is that one of the causes of the Fall, the first sin, was a loss of male headship. Satan didn t go to Adam, the leader of the family. He went to Eve; and then Eve led her husband, and Adam followed. The idea is that God has created godly men to be spiritual leaders and women to support their leadership. And the home and the church function best when we follow this pattern. This is why Satan didn t go through Adam. He went to Eve first. So apparently some women in the church were getting very vocal in the church meetings and they were trying to take charge, but Paul corrected that by telling the women to quiet down and take a supportive role behind the pastors of the church. And then Paul finishes with verse 15. But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness and modesty. What does he mean Women will be saved through childbearing? We know for sure that he doesn t mean women need to have children in order to go to heaven. The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus, regardless of gender. 5 As well, in 1 Corinthians 7 he encouraged some women to stay single and avoid marriage. He wouldn t advise that if childbearing was necessary for salvation. Look at the context. Paul was just referring to the Fall. When Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, her curse was pain in childbearing. But, as painful as childbearing is, the good news is that women all over the world will be saved 5 See Ephesians 2:8; Galatians 3:28. 10
11 through childbearing, because one day a Savior would be born who would die for the sins of the world. Another way of putting it is that women will be saved by the birth of the child. Paul didn t want to end on a negative note. Eve sinned and all women were cursed with pain in childbearing, but the good news is that through childbearing Mary giving birth to Jesus all women will be saved. So what s the bottom line? As Christians we are called to be a part of the church. There are no Christian loners. And the key to being a healthy church is not merely what we do, but our character as individuals. A healthy church requires the men to be holy and unified, and the women to be modest and submissive. 11
Biblical womanhood. The Revelation of God s design: Genesis 1&2. Goal
Biblical womanhood Goal This session is titled Biblical womanhood so our goal is to try to understand what the Bible has to say about being a woman. We ll look at several key Bible passages, and find what
More informationAffirming The Witness of the Gospel (1 Timothy 2:8-15)
1 Affirming The Witness of the Gospel (1 Timothy 2:8-15) I. INTRO A. Pastoral Search Update: 1. One candidate has clearly emerged from the other candidates -- and the ST, Elders, and Staff are working
More informationGuidelines for the Gathered Church 1 Timothy 2:8-15
Guidelines for the Gathered Church 1 Timothy 2:8-15 Today we will cover one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament, 1 Timothy 2:8-15. This passage is controversial because the Apostle
More information1Timothy1 in ASL May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace. Verse 3. When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to sta
1Timothy1 in ASL 1 Chapter 1. This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope. Verse 2. I am writing to Timothy, my
More informationPrayer Misapplication of Jewelry Example, Authority, Etc. 1 Timothy 2-3
Prayer Misapplication of Jewelry Example, Authority, Etc. 1 Timothy 2-3 It is a commonly held belief by conservative Christians that 1 Timothy was written to tell us how we are to conduct ourselves or
More informationThe Pillar (Part 4 of 4)
January 22, 2012 College Park Church The Pillar (Part 4 of 4) What Men and Women Should Do (or Not Do) Part 2 1 Timothy 2:8-15 Mark Vroegop 8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting
More informationMinistry Lesson 3: Women and Ministry
Ministry Lesson 3: Women and Ministry Introduction What do the words minister or ministry mean? One who serves, service Who is a minister? All Christians What is the most important ministry given to the
More informationQuestions About the Role of Women in the Church #2. By Robert C. Archer
Questions About the Role of Women in the Church #2 By Robert C. Archer Three key passages 1. 1 Cor. 11:3 2. 1 Tim. 2:9-15 3. 1 Cor. 14:25-40 Three key passages 1. 1 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV) 3 But I want
More informationFeminist Theology: Another Gospel
Feminist Theology: Another Gospel By James Moriello, Firm Foundation Christian Church, Woonsocket, RI, 2016 Feminist theology is one of many alternate theologies that has sprung up over recent decades.
More informationWomen in Church Leadership
An Women in Church Leadership excerpt of Should Women be Pastors and Elders by Matt Slick available at: http://carm.org/apologetics/women-ministry/shouldwomen-be-pastors-and-elders In a social climate
More informationWhat Paul really said about Women PART 1
What Paul really said about Women PART 1 He said what? 1Timothy 2:9-15 Do not wear braided hair, gold, pearls, or costly array Learn in silence and subjection; be silent Do not teach Under man Easily deceived
More informationInstructions on Worship. 1 Timothy 2:1-15
1 Commentary by Ron Thomas. Questions by John C. Sewell. Instructions on Worship 1 Timothy 2:1-15 2 Instructions on Worship Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-20, 1. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
More informationSunday March 26, Timothy Series Chapter 2 : Pray for All, Everywhere
Sunday March 26, 2017 1 Timothy Series Chapter 2 : Pray for All, Everywhere We continue our study on 1 Timothy Lets Read 1 Timothy chapter 2 1 Timothy 2:1 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications,
More informationWhy do some denominations and some churches have them and some don t? Why doesn t First CRC have women elders or deacons or let women preach?
WHAT ABOUT PASTORS IN DRESSES? Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church June 15, 2014, 6:00PM Sermon Texts: I Timothy 2:11-14; 3:1-2; Genesis 1 & 2 Belgic Confession Article 31 Introduction:
More informationWEST COBB GROUP CURRICULUM
WEST COBB GROUP CURRICULUM Session 1: I Will Be A Functioning Church Member Key Takeaway Membership in a local church is important in the life of the believer and is important for the effective functioning
More informationFighting for An Awesome Marriage Awesome Relationships Message 1
Fighting for An Awesome Marriage Awesome Relationships Message 1 St. Paul: We all are given different gifts. God gives the gift of marriage to some and to others he gives the gift of singleness. 1 Corinthians
More informationThe Role of Women in the Church
Introduction The Role of Women in the Church We believe the Bible teaches that all believers are ministers; we are called to serve each other and the people in our community and spheres of influence. The
More informationFirst Peter 3:1-6. Peter is addressing those who may find themselves in free in Christ but under the authority of others who are not in Christ.
First Peter 3:1-6 1 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, Peter is addressing
More informationletting the Spirit control your mind leads to
The Habit of Self-Control letting the Spirit control your mind leads to & Proverbs 25:28 A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. Studying about habits and joy this year, I
More informationTrinity Baptist Church Membership Information Packet
Trinity Baptist Church Membership Information Packet Requirements for Membership Personal profession of Christ as Lord and Savior Baptism by immersion as a public symbol of one s faith Completion of the
More informationSharing His Divine Nature. The Summary and Synthesis of a Series on Holiness
Sharing His Divine Nature The Summary and Synthesis of a Series on Holiness The Foundation Share His Divine Nature Share His Holiness Created in His Image He is Holy We are to be Holy because He is Holy
More informationFree Bible Version First Timothy
Free Bible Version First Timothy 1 1 This letter comes from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus appointed by the authority of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who is our hope. 2 I m sending it to you Timothy.
More informationNote: This sermon has been edited for readability.
Disciple: A Study of 1 st Timothy Men and Women 1 Timothy 2:8-15 Darrin Patrick June 23, 2013 Note: This sermon has been edited for readability. 2013 Copyright The Journey This summer, we are taking time
More informationChanging for God. Overcoming the Desire to not Deal with our Sins
Changing for God Overcoming the Desire to not Deal with our Sins Why Christians Should Embrace Positive Change We have already admitted we are not perfect Why Christians Should Embrace Positive Change
More informationHe thus draws this conclusion concerning the idea of head in 1 Corinthians 11:2-10.
1 Author: Patrick J. Griffiths Title: Women in the Church Assembled Text: 1 Corinthians 14:34-36 Theme: Can adult women teach adult men? If so, when and why would this not violate the principles that appear
More informationA. Pray First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings are made for everyone. (1)
Explore the Bible Lesson Preview March 10, 2013 Please God in Your Worship Background & Lesson: 1 Timothy 2:1-15 Motivation: Worship, both private and public, is a major part of our response to God s Lordship.
More informationLiving Sacrifice, part 2
Living Sacrifice, part 2 Peter Ditzel This is the final part of an article adapted from The Word of His Grace radio program, "Living Sacrifice" (http://www.wordofhisgrace.org/audio/livingsacrifice.mp3).
More informationWhat is Man? Study Guide by Third Millennium Ministries
1 Study Guide LESSON THREE THE CURSE OF SIN 2013 by Third Millennium Ministries www.thirdmill.org For videos, manuscripts, and other resources, visit Third Millennium Ministries at thirdmill.org. 1 CONTENTS
More informationI Do Not Permit a Woman to Teach or Have Authority Over a Man, She Must Be Silent
I Do Not Permit a Woman to Teach or Have Authority Over a Man, She Must Be Silent First Timothy 2: 11-15 Since festival of Shavu ot in Acts 2, believers have met together for prayer, fellowship, worship,
More informationBe Perfect. Leviticus 11:44 - For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy, for I am holy...
Be Perfect Leviticus 11:44 - For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy, for I am holy... NKJV Leviticus 19:2 you shall be holy, for I the Lord your God
More informationThe Christian Home August 20, 2017 Colossians 3:18 4:1
The Christian Home August 20, 2017 Colossians 3:18 4:1 I. Introduction The major social problem facing society today is the inability of people to get along with each other. From sibling rivalry among
More informationThe Apostle to the Jews Your Imperishable Inheritance First Peter Chapter 1: - Chapter 3:9 Lesson 1
The Apostle to the Jews Your Imperishable Inheritance First Peter Chapter 1: - Chapter 3:9 Lesson 1 1 Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout
More informationFrom and In - but not - Of the World
From and In - but not - Of the World A Christian In Relationship To The World Again, we appreciate everyone being here this morning, and glad to have this opportunity to meet together to sing, to pray,
More informationHead Coverings and Haircuts 1 Corinthians 11:2-16
Head Coverings and Haircuts 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 The meaning of most passages of Scripture is quite clear. Ordinary people can approach a passage of Scripture with faith and humility and understand what
More informationYES, DEAR: SUBMISSION IN THE HOME. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church, Lynden, WA February 28, 2016, 10:30AM
YES, DEAR: SUBMISSION IN THE HOME. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church, Lynden, WA February 28, 2016, 10:30AM Text for the Sermon: I Peter 3:1-6 Introduction. Let me begin by stating
More informationThe Divine Design for the Home
The Divine Design for the Home Last week we learned about the clothes and controls of spiritual maturity. The clothes referring to how we are to dress ourselves as Christians by putting on our new clothes
More information2. This semester we are studying 1 and 2 Timothy. Have you ever studied these books in the New Testament?
Introduction to 1 Timothy September 14, 2016 1. What will you remember most about this past summer? 2. This semester we are studying 1 and 2 Timothy. Have you ever studied these books in the New Testament?
More informationBetter Way Apostolic Church- Bible Class
Better Way Apostolic Church- Bible Class Subject: HOW DO I KNOW WHAT IS APPROPRIATE? Psalms 25:8, 9 Godly modesty keeps harmony with faith, love, and holiness. It is setting an example of appropriateness
More informationFamily Worship Guide Week 35
READ PRAY Family Worship Guide Week 35 This week we continue our study of First Timothy. Timothy was a young pastor in the church at Ephesus. Paul wrote this letter to Timothy to tell him how he should
More informationOur Motivation for Modesty
by Linda Minnick Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works,
More informationMEMBERSHIP COVENANT GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH CAMPUSES IN NORTH LIBERTY AND IOWA CITY
MEMBERSHIP COVENANT GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH CAMPUSES IN NORTH LIBERTY AND IOWA CITY Page 2 of 10 INTRODUCTION The Grace Community Church Membership Covenant was created by the Elders to bring clarity to
More informationREASONS TO REJOICE. Your Words were found and I ate them, and Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. Jeremiah 15:16 COLOSSIANS
REASONS TO REJOICE Your Words were found and I ate them, and Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. Jeremiah 15:16 COLOSSIANS LESSON 3 This week we will be studying Colossians chapter 3,
More informationB.U.S.Y Being Under Satan s Yoke
B.U.S.Y Being Under Satan s Yoke 1 Corinthians 6: 12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13 Foods
More informationGodliness and Gender: Relating Appropriately to All (1 Timothy 2:9 12) 1
From the Sacred Desk Godliness and Gender: Relating Appropriately to All (1 Timothy 2:9 12) 1 James M. Hamilton Jr. Associate Professor of Biblical Theology The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville,
More informationELDERS. BE SHEPHERDS OF GOD S FLOCK THAT IS UNDER YOUR CARE, SERVING AS OVERSEERS... 1 Peter 5:2
ELDERS BE SHEPHERDS OF GOD S FLOCK THAT IS UNDER YOUR CARE, SERVING AS OVERSEERS... 1 Peter 5:2 What is an Elder? Be shepherds of God s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because
More informationFinding Wisdom In Our Lives!
Finding Wisdom In Our Lives! Introduction: I. This morning in our Bible class here in the auditorium we studied about Solomon and particularly Solomon asking for wisdom from God. A. And we noticed how
More informationAre Men and Women to be Equal in the Church?
Are Men and Women to be Equal in the Church? 1 Timothy 2:9-15, Part 1 We will continue our study this morning in 1 Timothy 2 with a passage that may very well have caused more doctrinal arguments and church
More informationValley Bible Church Sermon Transcript
Our Conduct as the Church 1 Timothy 2:8-10 1 Timothy 2:8-10, "Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves
More informationTHRIVE Devotional Week 10 Lesson 1 Jesus the Example of Submission
Week 10 Lesson 1 Jesus the Example of Submission Scripture reading Philippians 2:3-8 Ephesians 5:22-24, Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of
More informationDIVERGENT [dih-vur-juh nt]: differing; deviating; to move away from what is expected
Divergent January 11 DIVERGENT [dih-vur-juh nt]: differing; deviating; to move away from what is expected In a culture of conformity we are expected to become what we consume. Follower os Christ are called
More informationMarriage and Family Diocese-Based Leadership Training Program
Marriage and Family Diocese-Based Leadership Training Program Mennonite Churches of East Africa (KMC/KMT) Joseph and Gloria Bontrager Theological Education Coordinators, 2016 Marriage and Family, page
More informationBEING CHRISTIAN AT HOME
SESSION 1 BEING CHRISTIAN AT HOME Focus Scriptures: Ephesians 5:21-6:9 Session Goal: To help group members understand what it means to be a everyday Christian at home. OPENING OUR MINDS Option 1 Invite
More informationLarge Group by Lead Teacher #1 (7 min)
Series: THROWBACK Date: January 24, 2016 Lesson: Reverse the Curse Connect Group Introductions (10 min) Welcome and personally speak to every student. Give special attention to any first timers or guests.
More informationWHAT WE BELIEVE THE BIBLE GOD THE FATHER THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
STATEMENT OF FAITH WHAT WE BELIEVE We believe in what is termed The Apostles Creed as embodying all the fundamental doctrines of orthodox evangelical Christianity. In addition to the fundamental doctrines
More information1 Timothy. Greetings from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am an apostle by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope.
Greetings from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am an apostle by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope. 2 To Timothy, a true son to me in the faith we share. Grace, mercy, and peace
More informationWhat Does the Bible Say?
Teachings of the Bible In Mennonite Perspective Diocese-Based Leadership Training Program Mennonite Churches of East Africa (KMC/KMT) Joseph and Gloria Bontrager Theological Education Coordinators, 2015
More informationMembership Application
Membership Application Name: Date: Name of Spouse: Marital Status: Address: City: State: Zip: Telephone #: Cell Phone #: E-Mail: Children s Names & Ages: In an effort to give you time to commit yourself
More informationMemory Program 2017/2018
Memory Program 2017-2018 Memory Program 2017/2018 God says that His Word is perfect and pure, will make one wise, and is more to be desired than the most precious of things (Psalm 19). How can a young
More informationWhat is the role of the congregation, since we have Elders?
What is the role of the congregation, since we have Elders? I. Introduction: What roles does the congregation play in the leadership of the church? Do the elders have all authority, which the congregation
More informationThe Bible Teaches Us About God (15 questions; numbers 1-15)
The Bible Teaches Us About God (15 questions; numbers 1-15) 1 15) 1. Who is God? God is the eternal and holy creator and keeper of the universe and the Savior of mankind (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2; Hebrews
More informationThe Role of Women in the Local Assembly
The Role of Women in the Local Assembly by David A. Huston This paper is presented to provide a biblical perspective on the range of ministries for women in a local assembly. And the twelve were with Him,
More informationWatch a testimony of how powerful God s Word is in a simple Gospel tract: Spread the good news. Soli Deo Gloria.
THE DESIGN FOR HUMAN SEXUALITY A GOSPEL TRACT FOR SERVICE MEMBERS WHO STRUGGLE WITH SEXUALLY IMMORAL CONDUCT (LGBTQ, FORNICATION, ADULTERY, INCEST & BESTIALITY) Important Note: If you are a service member
More informationSet Apart in Marriage. 1 Peter 3:1-7 (ESV)
Set Apart in Marriage 1 Peter 3:1-7 (ESV) Set Apart ~ Review 1. Christ our Hope (1 Peter 1:1-12) 2. How to be really Weird (1 Peter 1:13-25) 3. Set Apart For Intentionality (1 Peter 2:1-12) 4. Set Apart
More informationWhat We Believe. What we believe about Redemption: Man was created good and upright,
What We Believe What we believe about the Holy Bible: The Holy Bible, and only the Bible, is the authoritative Word of God. It alone is the final authority in determining all doctrinal truths. In its original
More informationSTATEMENT OF FAITH AND CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
STATEMENT OF FAITH AND CHRISTIAN CONDUCT Part A - Faith Section 1. The Bible: We believe that the Bible is the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and completely truthful in all it affirms.
More informationIt has been said that the true creed of the Reformed and Presbyterian churches is Paul s assertion in 1
Decently and In Order The Twenty-Seventh in a Series of Sermons on Paul s First Letter to the Corinthians Texts: 1 Corinthians: 14:20-40; Isaiah 28:1-13 It has been said that the true creed of the Reformed
More informationStatement of Faith 1
Redeeming Grace Church Statement of Faith 1 Preamble Throughout church history, Christians have summarized the Bible s truths in short statements that have guided them through controversy and also united
More informationThe Bible Teaches Us About God (15 questions; numbers 1-15)
The Bible Teaches Us About God (15 questions; numbers 1-15) 1 15) 1. Who is God? God is the eternal and holy creator and keeper of the universe and the Savior of mankind (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2; Hebrews
More informationSubmission to Christ Ephesians 5:22-6:9
Submission to Christ Ephesians 5:22-6:9 This morning we reach a point in Paul s letter to the Ephesians where he writes about what our underlying behavior ought to be like as we relate to the people that
More informationUNDERSTANDING SALVATION Part 1 Titus 3:3-7 By Andy Manning July 24, 2017
UNDERSTANDING SALVATION Part 1 Titus 3:3-7 By Andy Manning July 24, 2017 The title of this sermon is Understanding Salvation. The Greek word for salvation is soteria. That s where we get our word soteriology,
More informationLessons From Timothy And Titus
Lessons From Timothy And Titus Lesson 1 - Introduction and Background Texts: Acts 16:1-4; 17:14,15; 18:5; II Tim 1:5; 3:14-17; I Tim 1:3,4 Discussion Questions 1. What was the religious situation in Timothy's
More informationLessons From Timothy And Titus. page1
Lessons From Timothy And Titus page1 Lesson 1 - Introduction and Background Texts: Acts 16:1-4; 17:14,15; 18:5; II Tim 1:5; 3:14-17; I Tim 1:3,4 1. What was the religious situation in Timothy's family
More informationMarriage Is A Ministry. Session Three The Husband s Companionship Needs
Marriage Is A Ministry Session Three The Husband s Companionship Needs Marriage Is A Ministry The Husband s Companionship Needs Marriage was created by God for His will and purpose not ours. Hebrews 13:20-2
More informationWHY FATHERS NEED TO BE SPIRIT-FILLED Ephesians 6:4
WHY FATHERS NEED TO BE SPIRIT-FILLED Ephesians 6:4 Ephesians 6:4 is contextually connected to Ephesians 5:18 that says: And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.
More informationGrace Baptist Church Teen Camp Verses Summer 2018
Grace Baptist Church Teen Camp Verses Summer 2018 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (II Timothy
More information1 CORINTHIANS 11:7-16
1 CORINTHIANS 11:7-16 INTRODUCTION Last time we didn t get time to finish this section so we are coming back to it again in order to understand further what Scripture is saying. The key to the passage
More informationNew Testament Index of Christian Behavior
New Testament Index of Christian Behavior As you skim through the list of topics that are covered here, I suggest you note the following emphases that you will find in the New Testament our relationship
More informationEphesians Chapter 5 Week 11, v
Ephesians Chapter 5 Week 11, v. 26-30 Last week we ended our study with Eph 5:25, which says, Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Christ s example
More informationChapter 21. Behavioral expectations in the new covenant. Sabbath, Circumcision, and Tithing
Sabbath, Circumcision, and Tithing Chapter 21 Behavioral expectations in the new covenant The most important command of the Bible is this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
More informationWEEK 3 HOOK 1 Timothy 2:1 15
WEEK 3 HOOK 1 Timothy 2:1 15 Daily Life Events: As Americans, one of our favorite things to do on a Friday or Saturday evening is to go out to dinner. We finagle through slow moving traffic, wait impatiently
More information1. What is man s primary purpose? Man s primary purpose is to glorify God 1 and to enjoy Him forever. 2
The Westminster Shorter Catechism 1 1. What is man s primary purpose? Man s primary purpose is to glorify God 1 and to enjoy Him forever. 2 2. What authority from God directs us how to glorify and enjoy
More informationRomans Living Godly In The World & Church - Part 8 April 17, 2016
Romans Living Godly In The World & Church - Part 8 April 17, 2016 I. Living Godly In The World & Church A. Before reading the portion of Romans for our study today, I want to remind you that the larger
More information"Tradition, Truth, And Contentious People" (I Cor.11:1-16) Danny Hodges NT3412
"Tradition, Truth, And Contentious People" (I Cor.11:1-16) Danny Hodges NT3412 Intro: I love the way Chuck Swindoll introduces this chapter "Picture yourself on a ship during world war II, drifting into
More informationMembership Covenant. The Village Church Denton exists to glorify God by being and making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Membership Covenant The Village Church Denton exists to glorify God by being and making disciples of Jesus Christ. The Village Church Denton Membership Covenant is birthed out of our love for the church
More informationOur Relationships With Others
Easy Reading Edition Date 4 April 15 21 Our Relationships With Others SABBATH APRIL 15 READ FOR THIS WEEK S LESSON: 1 Peter 2:13 23; 1 Peter 3:1 7; 1 Corinthians 7:12 16; Galatians 3:27, 28; Acts 5:27
More informationMINISTRY AND MARRIAGE
MINISTRY AND MARRIAGE Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. Ps 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain Rev. Dr. Jerry Schmoyer
More information1 CORINTHIANS 11:2-6
1 CORINTHIANS 11:2-6 INTRODUCTION The role of women has become a battleground within our society during the last several decades. The struggle for women s rights has escalated to an extent that it is out
More informationVILLAGE CHURCH AT MIDLOTHIAN MEMBER COVENANT Explanation. What is the Church?
VILLAGE CHURCH AT MIDLOTHIAN MEMBER COVENANT Explanation Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be
More informationAdvice for Young Pastors Les Lofquist
Advice for Young Pastors Les Lofquist In my current ministry, I am constantly counseling pastors of all ages. It is a great honor to have these servants of God seek my advice regarding the issues they
More informationTopics in Practical Theology Lesson 4 Modesty Valley Bible Church Adult Sunday School
Topics in Practical Theology Lesson 4 Modesty Valley Bible Church Adult Sunday School www.valleybible.net For many, modesty is a topic that stirs the emotions, often to extremes: on one side we have puritanical,
More information1. Test His Doctrinal Position
Test Your Teacher I came across a story this week that I want to share with you this morning. It s about a church that was searching for a new pastor. In fact, they d been searching for months and months
More informationCHAPTER 3. ALL I HAVE COMMANDED (What Jesus expects of His followers)
All I Have Commanded CHAPTER 3 ALL I HAVE COMMANDED (What Jesus expects of His followers) The conclusion reached in Chapter 2 was that our part in the solution to all the misery, heartache, dissatisfaction
More informationThe Nature, Marks, and Purpose of The Church
The Nature, Marks, and Purpose of The Church INTRODUCE MYSELF Lets read God s word and then we will pray. Acts 2:41 47 (ESV) 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day
More informationRespectable and Proper Worship, 1 Timothy 2:8-15 (Eighth Sunday After Pentecost, July 15, 2018)
Respectable and Proper Worship, 1 Timothy 2:8-15 (Eighth Sunday After Pentecost, July 15, 2018) 8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;
More informationThe Role of Women in the Church Pastor Randall W. Spence Germantown, Ohio August 20, 1990
The Role of Women in the Church Pastor Randall W. Spence Germantown, Ohio August 20, 1990 One of the thorny issues throughout the centuries has been the issue of a woman s rightful place in the leadership
More informationWhe issue of a woman s role in
Should a Woman Speak in Bible Class? Whe issue of a woman s role in the local church has always been the topic of much discussion among God s people. As the world continues to abandon a respect for the
More informationTHE SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST IN MARRIAGE. Not just enough, Plenty!
THE SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST IN MARRIAGE Not just enough, Plenty! Yes, it s true, I may not be a Master Builder. I may not have a lot of experience fighting or leading or coming up with ideas in general.
More informationMembership Covenant. Our mission is to See, Savor, and Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Membership Covenant The vision of Sojourn Church is to follow Jesus Christ with Faith and Obedience and respond to his grace as agents of his redemption for the glory of God and the making of disciples
More informationADAM'S RIB OR WOMEN'S LIB?
ADAM'S RIB OR WOMEN'S LIB? by Ray C. Stedman We are approaching one of the major battlefields of Scripture, the controversial passage from Chapter 2 of Paul's first letter to Timothy. Many have fought
More informationModest: Men and Women Clothed in the Gospel by RW Glenn and Tim Challies, Cruciform Press, Adelphi, Maryland, (20 Quotes selected by Doug
Modest: Men and Women Clothed in the Gospel by RW Glenn and Tim Challies, Cruciform Press, Adelphi, Maryland, 2012. (20 Quotes selected by Doug Nichols) 1. Modesty Flows from the Gospel. We want to see
More information