A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. - 1 Timothy 2:11-12 (NIV)
So the next two verses in this passage address the matter of women teaching and exercising authority over a man. It is probably one of the most controversial passages in regards to the roles that women should play in the church today. As a result, this section demands close attention. For starters, it is important that both of these verses be taken together. Verse 11 makes a positive statement, while verse 12 is intended to be a corresponding negative statement.
In understanding this section, it is vital to recognize that in no way is Paul expressing a matter of custom or of personal preference as he did in the previous two verses. Rather, these two verses are given as a command. Furthermore, the argument that this passage is intended to support women not learning is not a valid one. On the contrary, his command specifically presumes that women will learn. Additionally, Paul's intention here is not to require women to learn with "buttoned-lips" but for them to learn in a manner that is quietly receptive and that has submission to God's truth and to the authority.
In looking at this passage further, one must also consider the context for which is was written. Paul was discussing the conduct of Christians in regards to their gathering together in corporate worship. Therefore, these remarks are not intended to be directed to life in general. Furthermore, it is not to imply that women were not allowed to speak in the church setting, and they were certainly free to speak in Pauline churches (1 Corinthians 11). As a result, the context implies that Paul is specifically referring to teaching situations here in 1 Timothy 2. As a result, we can conclude that Paul intended that women should not be authoritative teachers in the church.
Why you might ask? Paul goes on to explain this in the following verses, which will be addressed in Part 4.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Leaving a biblical legacy for your kids - part 3
When Ruth acknowledged the LORD as God, and consciously made the commitment found in Ruth 1:16-17, she understood that she was not only choosing to bind herself to her family but to the larger community as well. This is not a common thought in this day and age. Instead, women are encouraged to seek after self-actualization, to be independent, to be self-sufficient. To not be these things is to be seen as useless. However, when looking at the church body, God's design of the woman as the helper is essential. Therefore, it is essential that we encourage our daughters to see the place as the very place where they should be sharing their gifts with God's people. It is through this sharing of our gifts with the body that we are able to build up one another (Ephesians 4:12-13).
For many women today, serving the church body is seen as senseless. However, it is through this serving of others that the women of the church are able to experience the very essence of community and compassion as Christ intended it to be. For when redeemed women come together this way, they are able to pass on the legacy of biblical womanhood amongst redeemed men who value the very design and calling of the women in their community. Contrary to popular belief, it is this very male "headship" that provides the authority and structure for women to be able to fulfill their design.
Wait... What.. Did she really just say that...
Yes! It is the elders (male leaders) in the church that a biblical woman seeks to submit herself to. This is a voluntary placing of herself in submission to them, and thereby making herself available fr the blessings, benefits, and protection that the church leadership provides. It is also this same understanding of submission to the leadership of the church that prepares young women for the marital relationship in which we are called to submit to our husbands and the blessings, benefits, and protection that he provides for us as well.
For the biblical woman, this idea of male headship is not one that is threatening to her. Rather, it is seen as an opportunity to value the distinctiveness of male and female as a part of God's design and order. This idea of submission has nothing to do with equality or with status in the community. It has everything to do with God's ordained order for achieving oneness in marriage and amongst the body of believers. Furthermore, submission actually frees a woman to be able to fulfill her life-giving mission.
For the biblical wife, this then means that she values her husband as he leads her. She does not want a spouse who coddles her, but pushes her to be strong and to mature. Through this, there is a sense of security in their relationship that can only be found in acknowledging this divine order.
For many women today, serving the church body is seen as senseless. However, it is through this serving of others that the women of the church are able to experience the very essence of community and compassion as Christ intended it to be. For when redeemed women come together this way, they are able to pass on the legacy of biblical womanhood amongst redeemed men who value the very design and calling of the women in their community. Contrary to popular belief, it is this very male "headship" that provides the authority and structure for women to be able to fulfill their design.
Wait... What.. Did she really just say that...
Yes! It is the elders (male leaders) in the church that a biblical woman seeks to submit herself to. This is a voluntary placing of herself in submission to them, and thereby making herself available fr the blessings, benefits, and protection that the church leadership provides. It is also this same understanding of submission to the leadership of the church that prepares young women for the marital relationship in which we are called to submit to our husbands and the blessings, benefits, and protection that he provides for us as well.
For the biblical woman, this idea of male headship is not one that is threatening to her. Rather, it is seen as an opportunity to value the distinctiveness of male and female as a part of God's design and order. This idea of submission has nothing to do with equality or with status in the community. It has everything to do with God's ordained order for achieving oneness in marriage and amongst the body of believers. Furthermore, submission actually frees a woman to be able to fulfill her life-giving mission.
For the biblical wife, this then means that she values her husband as he leads her. She does not want a spouse who coddles her, but pushes her to be strong and to mature. Through this, there is a sense of security in their relationship that can only be found in acknowledging this divine order.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Leaving a biblical legacy for your kids - part 2
One of the most profound aspects of leaving a legacy for my children that I have come to understand is that "It is because of our redemption that we can live out our helper design. Redeeming love breaks the reign of sin in our lives and empowers us to fulfill our creation mission. And it is our knowledge of our Redeemer's love that compels us to do so" (Hunt and Thompson).
So what does that really mean?
It is because of my understanding of God's grace and mercy towards me that I can show the same forgiveness and mercy to others. It is because of His love and acceptance of me, that I am able to show this same unconditional acceptance of others. It is because of His promises to prepare a heavenly home for me that I am not preoccupied with the things of this world, but rather have my sights on things above. Furthermore, God's work in my life has helped me to value the roles that I play as a wife and mother, but also helps me to keep it in a proper perspective. I am able to trust in His sovereignty and His love for my children even when they seem to have their own eyes set on things that are not of Him.
While the married woman can exhibit this very thing in her family relationship, this same concept and understand also is essential for our single sisters in Christ to understand as well. It is equally important for them to recognize their role to be helpers in the church family. They may find themselves assisting the sick and needy, and seeking to train other women of their role in the church body as well.
It is this understanding of our role as women in our families as well as the "corporate" setting of the church body that helps each one of us to realize that each one of us is a gift to the church body. There is an interdependence that exists between not only our own families, but also the large family of families that exist in the church. As such, there is an understanding that an individualist approach is futile.
So what does that really mean?
It is because of my understanding of God's grace and mercy towards me that I can show the same forgiveness and mercy to others. It is because of His love and acceptance of me, that I am able to show this same unconditional acceptance of others. It is because of His promises to prepare a heavenly home for me that I am not preoccupied with the things of this world, but rather have my sights on things above. Furthermore, God's work in my life has helped me to value the roles that I play as a wife and mother, but also helps me to keep it in a proper perspective. I am able to trust in His sovereignty and His love for my children even when they seem to have their own eyes set on things that are not of Him.
While the married woman can exhibit this very thing in her family relationship, this same concept and understand also is essential for our single sisters in Christ to understand as well. It is equally important for them to recognize their role to be helpers in the church family. They may find themselves assisting the sick and needy, and seeking to train other women of their role in the church body as well.
It is this understanding of our role as women in our families as well as the "corporate" setting of the church body that helps each one of us to realize that each one of us is a gift to the church body. There is an interdependence that exists between not only our own families, but also the large family of families that exist in the church. As such, there is an understanding that an individualist approach is futile.
Can you be a radical woman in the church - Part 2
Okay, so I am already getting backlash from some people about trying to tackle this issue, but part of being a radical woman for Christ is not backing down from the truth just because pressures from society may say otherwise. However, I am also called to love those whom I disagree with. As a result, I pray and hope that for those women who may hold that they are called to be pastor-teachers or elders that God blesses their ministries, despite the fact that I believe that it is a mistake for women to take on such a role. I also believe that many hold to an opposing viewpoint based on the following three misconceptions:
"I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God" (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
These verses are intended to address the issue of women conducting themselves in a manner where their behavior does not mar the way that others either view God are that hinders another person's ability to commune with Him. These verses are calling women to decency, propriety, modesty, and good deeds. These are not culturally bond principles; however, specific examples offered are, to an extent, culturally relative.
In this day and age, the proper application of this passage would therefore require an understanding of what adornment is excessive, immodest, or improper. As a result, there must be consideration given for the individual and social differences between various cultures in our world today. What may be viewed as appropriate attire in one country may be considered to be immodest in another. As Christians, it is therefore important to remain in touch with our own culture but also to be sensitive to the differences found in other cultures as well.
- 1 Timothy is written to counteract only a specific situation in the life of the church.
- As such, it cannot be considered to be normative for the church today.
- Therefore, 1 Timothy contains no directives for the church today.
"I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God" (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
These verses are intended to address the issue of women conducting themselves in a manner where their behavior does not mar the way that others either view God are that hinders another person's ability to commune with Him. These verses are calling women to decency, propriety, modesty, and good deeds. These are not culturally bond principles; however, specific examples offered are, to an extent, culturally relative.
In this day and age, the proper application of this passage would therefore require an understanding of what adornment is excessive, immodest, or improper. As a result, there must be consideration given for the individual and social differences between various cultures in our world today. What may be viewed as appropriate attire in one country may be considered to be immodest in another. As Christians, it is therefore important to remain in touch with our own culture but also to be sensitive to the differences found in other cultures as well.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Can you be a radical woman in the church - Part 1
So the ongoing debate over women's roles in the church is as strong as ever. It seems that each side of the argument has their own understanding of what 1 Timothy 2:9-15 actually means. As a society, the church is encouraged to view women and men as equals without any distinctions in function or role. In my previous posts, I have shared some of my own ideas as to the equality yet distinctness between men and women. However, it is my intention to take several posts to look at 1 Timothy 2:9-15 verse by verse before giving applications.
With that said, it is my intention to emphasize that women are to exercise their God-given spiritual gifts within the biblical parameters that they are given in 1 Timothy 2:9-15 out of obedience to God. Despite what many "scholars" may teach about verse 12 as being an attempt by Paul to counteract unruly women do not hold a proper foundation for consideration. As such, it can be concluded that it is not God's will for women to teach or have authority over men in the the church. Therefore, the position of elder and pastor-teacher (defined further later) are to be reserved for men.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%202:9-15&version=NIV
With that said, it is my intention to emphasize that women are to exercise their God-given spiritual gifts within the biblical parameters that they are given in 1 Timothy 2:9-15 out of obedience to God. Despite what many "scholars" may teach about verse 12 as being an attempt by Paul to counteract unruly women do not hold a proper foundation for consideration. As such, it can be concluded that it is not God's will for women to teach or have authority over men in the the church. Therefore, the position of elder and pastor-teacher (defined further later) are to be reserved for men.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%202:9-15&version=NIV
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Leaving a biblical legacy for your kids - part 1
As a mother, it is our responsibility to leave a biblical legacy for our children. I think one of the most important aspects of this legacy is that God created woman to be a helper. This is not to say that they are to be less than their male counterparts, but rather are to help them.
According to Genesis 1, God is the reference point for all of life. It is also this same God that created mankind in His image (Genesis 1:27). This means that God created both men and women in his image. However, He also created us uniquely different yet equal. How can this be you might ask? Many who hold to a feminist mindset say that this equality must mean sameness. As a result, many woman are confused about this very thing. The best way that I can explain this is to use the example of the Holy Trinity to describe this delicate balance. Each of the members of the Trinity are equal to one another yet have very distinct roles. This same unity and diversity is reflecting in the relationship between men and women, particularly in the marriage relationship. In no way do I mean to imply that a woman needs to be married to fully reflect the image of God.
So what does this have to do with leaving a legacy for your kids?
My mom boldly proclaimed the truth to each of her five children about what it means to be a radical woman for God. I saw first hand her desire to embrace her helper design in her relationship with my father, as well as in her interactions with other people in the community and the church. It was her example that made the most impact on my understanding of a woman's design to be life-givers in all of our relationships. Adam also rejoiced in and recognized this role in Eve (Genesis 3:20). All women are called to this life-giving role of being nurturing, comforting, and caring. We are to be active in our communities, and compassionate with others, not seeking our own self-fulfillment and completeness. Too many women today have abandoned this design and are no longer life-givers. Instead they are life-takers and are in search of their own happiness, but continually find themselves falling short.
According to Genesis 1, God is the reference point for all of life. It is also this same God that created mankind in His image (Genesis 1:27). This means that God created both men and women in his image. However, He also created us uniquely different yet equal. How can this be you might ask? Many who hold to a feminist mindset say that this equality must mean sameness. As a result, many woman are confused about this very thing. The best way that I can explain this is to use the example of the Holy Trinity to describe this delicate balance. Each of the members of the Trinity are equal to one another yet have very distinct roles. This same unity and diversity is reflecting in the relationship between men and women, particularly in the marriage relationship. In no way do I mean to imply that a woman needs to be married to fully reflect the image of God.
So what does this have to do with leaving a legacy for your kids?
My mom boldly proclaimed the truth to each of her five children about what it means to be a radical woman for God. I saw first hand her desire to embrace her helper design in her relationship with my father, as well as in her interactions with other people in the community and the church. It was her example that made the most impact on my understanding of a woman's design to be life-givers in all of our relationships. Adam also rejoiced in and recognized this role in Eve (Genesis 3:20). All women are called to this life-giving role of being nurturing, comforting, and caring. We are to be active in our communities, and compassionate with others, not seeking our own self-fulfillment and completeness. Too many women today have abandoned this design and are no longer life-givers. Instead they are life-takers and are in search of their own happiness, but continually find themselves falling short.
Monday, August 1, 2011
So what exactly is radical womanhood?
So in this day and age, we are bombarded by a number of influences from our culture as well as various historical perspectives. It seems everyone has an idea about our role in the home, workplace, church, and in society. It has become all to common for the women in the church to allow these influences to cloud the vision that God has for women. Radical womanhood is an attempt for women to not only understand how the waves of feminism have directly impacted their view of womanhood, but also for them to understand what they can do now in response.
Radical womanhood is not intended to be anti-women. On the contrary it seeks to present the pro-woman truth found in the Bible, and then challenges encourages them to take a radical stance so that we can live as a savvy biblical women in a modern world. The ideas presented here are intended to be relevant for women of all ages, and from all walks of life. God's truth is meant to equip women from all perspectives and backgrounds, whether young or old, married or single.
The ideas presented here are not new ideas, but are still very relevant for today. They are based largely on the teaching of the Bible, but also found in the writings of McCulley, Grudem, Kendrick, Crabb, Parrott, Kostenberger and Schreiner, and Hunt and Thompson, just to name a few.
I am always open to further discussion and suggestions as to topics and issues to address here. Feel free to send me an email or leave a post with questions, recommendations, or comments.
Radical womanhood is not intended to be anti-women. On the contrary it seeks to present the pro-woman truth found in the Bible, and then challenges encourages them to take a radical stance so that we can live as a savvy biblical women in a modern world. The ideas presented here are intended to be relevant for women of all ages, and from all walks of life. God's truth is meant to equip women from all perspectives and backgrounds, whether young or old, married or single.
The ideas presented here are not new ideas, but are still very relevant for today. They are based largely on the teaching of the Bible, but also found in the writings of McCulley, Grudem, Kendrick, Crabb, Parrott, Kostenberger and Schreiner, and Hunt and Thompson, just to name a few.
I am always open to further discussion and suggestions as to topics and issues to address here. Feel free to send me an email or leave a post with questions, recommendations, or comments.
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