Women and Leadership Within the Church (2) New Testament Church 2017

Previously Previously we addressed the role of women as leaders in the church We noted how some are advocating “gender justice” We also noted that the Bible clearly limits the role of women as leaders in worship and teaching over a man – 1 Timothy 2:11-15, 1 Corinthians 14:33-35

Previously Advocates argue – the “curse” was only applies to marriage relationship – BUT, 1 Timothy 2:13 Galatians 3:28 – men and women are “one in Christ” – TRUE, but this is in reference to salvation. Not addressing leadership roles in the church. 1 Corinthians 11:4-5 shows women prophesied in the assembly. BUT, not proven by the text (cf. vs. 17-18). Emphasis is on God’s chain of authority

Answering the arguments Passages that seem to forbid women teachers are specific or cultural passages “Brookline believes that what we have done is in accord with the biblical word. The two passages of Scripture most often referred to on this topic are found in lst Corinthians 14 and lst Timothy 2. We have concluded that these passages, and those of a similar nature elsewhere, are to be understood in the context of their communities.” Brookline Church of Christ, Brookline, MA (About Brookline: Women and Public Worship)

Answering the arguments 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 Argued: Paul was dealing with disruptive wives (same word for wives and women) who spoke out of turn and challenged others in the assembly.

Answering the arguments 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 Answered: This is an unfounded assumption which conveniently justifies women as leaders The chapter DOES deal with those leading in the worship and some doing so in a disorderly way.

Answering the arguments 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 Answered: But women speaking up, was declared disorderly (without further clarification). Virtually, EVERY translation uses women instead of wives here. Note also vs. 35, the fact that they were told to ask their husbands at home implies the admonition was not about them teaching.

Answering the arguments 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 Answered: In our text, Paul states women are to keep silent TWICE. In referring to telling wives to ask their husbands at home, he says, “It is shameful for women to speak in church” (35) Is it only unruly wives who cannot speak in church?

Answering the arguments 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 Argued: Paul was dealing with spiritual gifts which don’t apply today. Answered: While we do not have spiritual gifts today, the chapter is FILLED with principles of orderliness. Vs. 40, decently and in order Also note Vs. 33, “as in all the churches of the saints”. What of churches WITHOUT spiritual gifts?

Answering the arguments 1 Timothy 2:11-15 Argued: Also dealing with disruptive wives in the assembly and public, whose conduct and apparel showed a lack of propriety and respect for their husbands. (This explains addressing Adam and Eve) Some also contend that Paul was dealing with certain women who were teaching false doctrines. He wanted to silence false teachers.

Answering the arguments 1 Timothy 2:11-15 Answered: Another convenient answer to justify “gender justice” The text doesn’t specify when they were assembled. While it does deal with prayer and teaching, these are actions that we can do both publicly and privately (Matthew 6:6; 1 Thess. 5:17, Acts 18:26, 20:20, etc.) Also vs. 8, men pray everywhere…

Answering the arguments 1 Timothy 2:11-15 Answered: Where in that text does it say this was about false doctrine (some appeal to 1 Tim. 4:1-3, etc. ) Paul DOES give reasons (vs. 15) 1) Adam was formed first – God’s order (1 Corinthians 11:3-5) 2) Eve sinned first

Answering the arguments Argued that many women served in leadership roles Answered: That many women are recognized is accepted, but to argue that these were or had to be leaders is a great and unfounded assumption. Further, again, this is a self-serving argument. Consider some of the women mentioned:

Answering the arguments Many women mentioned, answered: Acts 21:9, Philip had 4 daughters that prophesied. Yes he did, but when and where did they prophesy? Not told! Romans 16:1-2, Phoebe was a deaconess (servant of the church at Cencrea). She was a servant, but being appointed to office is not mentioned.

Answering the arguments Many women mentioned, answered: Romans 16:3, 6, Priscilla and Mary both “fellow workers” and “labored much for us” Being a fellow worker does not mean they held the same office or role Romans 16:7, Junia,… “of note among the apostles.” Does not mean she was an apostle, but recognized (for her work) among the apostles.

Answering the arguments Many women mentioned, answered: Romans 16:12, Tryphena and Tryphosa, and Persis, who “labored in the Lord”. Again, this does not imply or demand leadership roles. In each of these, advocates of “gender justice” take the broadest and most liberal interpretation possible. They take a general statement and make it specific (to cater to their interpretation) And it conveniently justifies what they want to believe.

Answering the arguments Others appeal to emotional and social argument God is a God of love God wants unity, even with doctrinal disagreement Times have changed The Bible is outdated The Bible is a sexist book Paul was a misogynist, etc.

Answering the arguments Others appeal to emotional and social argument These are arguments often advocated by those who reject the authority of the Bible. These arguments are easily dismissed by anyone who loves and respects God’s word. NOTE: Advocates of “gender justice” who are seeking Biblical justification will dismiss these types of arguments.

Questions asked What if the elders appoint a woman to serve or preside at the Lord’s table? OR a number of other activities. Argued that if the elders permit it, it is acceptable Answer: Elders are NOT legislators. They cannot make and change God’s laws. They merely enforce what is taught.

Questions asked What if the elders appoint a woman to serve? Answer: Consider Titus 1:9-14, Acts 20:27-32 – they are to expose those teaching error 1 Timothy 5:19-20, 22 – rebuke a sinning (elders included) Acts 5:29 – we must obey God rather than men We cannot dismiss God’s pattern Also, such is selfish conduct

Questions asked Can a Christian woman teach a man who is not a Christian? Consider: Not specifically addressed in scripture. But consider: A soul is at stake. We are all seeking to reach the lost! Acts 18:26, Priscilla helped Aquila teach Apollos. To what degree we don’t know. John 4:28-29, 39-42, The Samaritan woman told men to go see Jesus.

Questions asked Can a Christian woman teach a man who is not a Christian? Consider: 1 Peter 3:1-6, a wife CAN win an unbelieving husband, by example (is there some teaching as well)? In whatever she does, she should consider 1 Timothy 2:11-15, 1 Corinthians 11:3. Know her limits If a man is available, utilize him

When we want to change what God’s word says: Question the integrity of the Bible Declare that times have changed Make specifics – general, and generals – specifics (ignore context) Appeal to love, tolerance, unity, sincerity, etc. Redefine terms

When we want to change what God’s word says: Label those who challenge you (names do great damage) Find alternative interpretations for scriptures that condemn the desired behavior Find and manipulate examples to imply the behavior is acceptable Be progressive and proud of it

Let us accept God’s pattern in all that we do