Biblical Womanhood in a Postmodern Culture Lesson 6 Biblical Womanhood in the Church

Foundations of Biblical Womanhood The character of God The truth of His Word Inclination of our heart to trust Him and His Word Importance of sound doctrine

EGALITARIAN Undifferentiated equality (i.e. no male headship in the home or the church) COMPLEMENTARIAN Full personal equality of the sexes, coupled with a glad embrace of role distinctions in the home and the church

Topics in 1 Timothy .The organization of the church Combating false teachers and false doctrine Standing on sound doctrine Living life in accordance with that sound doctrine

1 TIMOTHY 2:8-15 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 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, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness – with good works. Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing – if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

1 TIMOTHY 2:8-10 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 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, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness – with good works.

Ephesian Church ….the anger of men. ….the adorning of women.

Women, our appearance is important.

Focus of 1Timothy 2:8-10 Men are called to have holy hands which reflect a holy heart. Women are called to have holy dress which reflects a holy heart.

Our attitude is more important than our appearance.

SUBMISSIVENESS – (hupotasso) 1 Timothy 2:11 LET A WOMAN LEARN QUIETLY WITH ALL SUBMISSIVENESS LEARN – (manthano) QUIETLY – (hesuchion) SUBMISSIVENESS – (hupotasso)

If you don’t have a quiet heart you can’t learn. A rebellious heart hardens the minds. A quiet heart enables the mind. A woman is to increase in knowledge with an inner tranquility of heart, arranging herself by lining up under the elder leadership of her local church.

1 Timothy 2:12 I DO NOT PERMIT A WOMAN TO TEACH… …OR TO EXERCISE AUTHORITY OVER A MAN A woman is not to teach in a situation that calls for a strong, forceful pressing of men’s consciences on the basis of divine authority. (Piper)

Authority and Submission in the Church does not: Call women to submit to false teaching Address male leadership in arena other than the family and church Instruct women to submit to each individual elder Tell women to submit to domineering, controlling, mean-spirited men. Put a woman’s pastor or elder board in a higher position of authority than God’s Word

AUTHORITY & SUBMISSION IN THE CHURCH AUTHORITY = the divine calling of spiritual, gifted men to take primary responsibility as elders for Christ-like, servant-leadership, and teaching in the church SUBMISSION = the divine calling of the rest of the church, both men and women, to honor and affirm the leadership and teaching of the elders and to be equipped by it for the hundreds and hundreds of various ministries available to men and women in the service of Christ.

Elders in the church Two basic responsibilities: to govern to teach

1 Timothy 2:13,14 Adam was formed first, then Eve Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor When God’s order of leadership is repudiated it brings damage and ruin Role differences are rooted in creation

1 Timothy 2:15 Four speculations: Opposite of being deceived into sin; being saved from sin The birth of Christ (doubtful) Woman’s primary role regarding the family A guard against being deceived by false teachers – proper role and attitude Agreed upon conclusion: This does not mean being justified by bearing a child.

Christianity is under-girded by a biblical and historical pattern of male leadership. From Genesis to Revelation there is a consistent pattern of male leadership.

Christ relating to women Woman at the well – John 4:7-26 Adulterous woman – John 8:10-11 Woman who touch hem – Luke 8:43-48 Poor widow – Luke 21:1-4 Mary of Bethany – John 12:1-8 Mary and Martha – John 11:1-44

Male leadership pattern Jesus appointed 12 men as apostles The 12 apostles whose names are written on the foundations of the new Jerusalem are all men.

Jesus was given his authority by God the Father. Jesus was sent by God. Jesus said the Father was greater than He. Does this belittle Jesus?