WHAT IS THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH (1)

The Biblical role of women is greatly challenged today Often women who desire to respect the boundaries of scripture are belittled and viewed as weak To even question the authority for women to preside is politically incorrect and viewed as sexist

Men who desire to lead are villainized and emasculated In the process of this, God is viciously attacked, and His word is declared irrelevant And, many churches, have capitulated to these views thereby rendering the Word of God ineffective & indefensible

Among the issues debated: Can women assume leadership roles? (Preacher, elder, etc.) Can women serve as deacons? Can women lead in worship? Should women be allowed to attend and participate in decision making process of church business? What role do women have in worship and the church?

This must be our attitude as we approach any subject with scripture We ought to obey God Acts 5:28-29 This must be our attitude as we approach any subject with scripture John 17:17, His word sanctifies us

We ought to obey God Romans 1:16-17 – produces faith (1 Corinthians 2:4-5) Proverbs 14:12 Matthew 28:19-20 Obeying God does NOT depend on whether or now we like it or agree with it!

Be open minded We should be firmly persuaded, but never so arrogant as to think we cannot be wrong Acts 17:11 Acts 10:33 Does not mean we are tossed to and fro (Eph. 4:14)

Closed minded Acts 7:57 Matthew 23:13, 15; 13:14-15 Be open minded Proverbs 15:14 Closed minded Acts 7:57 Matthew 23:13, 15; 13:14-15 Do you have an honest heart willing to change if needed?

Be open minded The world is telling us many different things about the role of women. Let us weigh what God’s word says before we decide! Study with the intent to get out of scripture what it says rather than to force into it what you WANT it to say!

The Bible does NOT teach women are second class citizens Not a question of worth The Bible does NOT teach women are second class citizens Genesis 1:26-27 Galatians 3:27-28 1 Peter 3:7, they are fellow heirs of the grace of life

The feminist movement: Not a question of worth The feminist movement: Feminist Elizabeth Cady Stanton said, "The Bible and the Church have been the greatest stumbling blocks in the way of woman's emancipation" (“Free Thought Magazine”, Vol. 14, 1896)

The feminist movement: Not a question of worth The feminist movement: Ann Patrick Ware, associate director of the National Council of Churches Commission on Faith and Order said in 1980, “The Scriptures are unredeemably sexist”

The feminist movement: Not a question of worth The feminist movement: Women of the late twentieth century are revolutionizing the most sexist institution in history—organized religion. Overturning millennia of tradition, they are challenging authorities, reinterpreting the Bible,… Megatrends for Women, 1996

The feminist movement: Not a question of worth The feminist movement: “…creating their own services, crowding into seminaries, winning the right to ordination, purging sexist language in liturgy, reintegrating female values and assuming positions of leadership.” Megatrends for Women, 1996 Via Grace to You John McArthur, July 29, 2013

God’s role for man Man is given headship 1 Corinthians 11:3 1 Timothy 2:11-15, 2 Reasons: 1) Adam created First (Genesis 2:18) 2) Even sinned first (Genesis 3:6, 16)

God’s role for man In the home he is to lead! Ephesians 5:23-24 Lead with love (5:25, 28-29) 1 Peter 3:7, dwell with understanding It is clear this headship is not harsh nor selfish. Consider love (1 Cor. 13:1-8)

God’s role for man In the home he is to lead! He needs to act like the head! Instill confidence. Can he consult his wife and family? Cf. Matthew 7:12 Protect and provide (1 Tim. 5:8) One reason for society’s failures is man refusing to accept his role

God’s role for woman 1 Corinthians 11:3 1 Timothy 2:11, Learn in silence with all submission In the home, Ephesians 5:22-24, 1 Peter 3:1-5, Colossians 3:18, Titus 2:4-5, etc. In searching for a mate, seek someone you are willing to submit to!

1 Corinthians 14:34-35 1 Timothy 2:11-12 God’s role for woman In the church there is a submission 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 1 Timothy 2:11-12

Bible submission We are all called upon to submit! Submission to God, James 4:7 Hebrews 12:9 1 Corinthians 15:27-28 Ephesians 5:23-24, NOTE: The husband understands true submission by submitting himself!

Bible submission We are all to submit! Submission to government, Romans 13:1-5 To elders, 1 Peter 5:5, Hebrews 13:17 To one another, Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 5:5

Leadership in the church Christ is our head – Ephesians 1:22-23, Matthew 16:18 The apostles were men Elders are to be men (1 Tim. 3:1-2, Acts 20:17, etc.)

Leadership in the church Deacons – 1 Tim. 3:8-12 NT writers all men Preachers were men Acts 15:2, 6 – considering decisions Such is the pattern established by God for the church!

May we resolve in all that we do to follow His will!