February 16, 2017 Mark Gottlieb CBS 1 Timothy 2 February 16, 2017 Mark Gottlieb Prayer in the church Women in the church

Pope John Paul II Stupidity is also a gift of God, but one mustn't misuse it.

1 Tim 2: 1-8 Prayer in the church Prayer in the church Setting - background What is prayer? “Intimate conversation” with God “intercession” “Petition to a King” What is Paul telling Timothy Pray for “all people” For “those in authority over us” How do we even have this gift or prayer? With “Holy Hands” Paul (under the influence of the Holy Spirit) writes to his star student Timothy who is the head of the churches of Ephesus. Clearly there has been some issues with worship in the local congregations - regarding Pray and Women’s Roles. “First of all then…..” (don’t miss these words) Prayer reminds the person that God is in control. Prayer is for all church members. God hears the prayers of His children Christ is our Mediator - for “All” who accept… GOSPEL Holy Hands - ………. Prayer in the church

1 Tim 2: 1-8 Practical Tips for a Solid prayer life Holy Hands - Reconciled with God Part of your ‘rhythm of life” daily - scheduled - intentional 1 John 1:9 “If you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” Rhythm of life My example — “Appointment with God” each morning. Would anyone of you miss an appointment with a client? Bible Study - On the floor - Knee - Flat When I exercise - go through my prayer list Wife and family Business - friends - country For my enemies When I drive - worship music Once a week - Prayer Pile / Fast John Piper says “To obey God’s command to pray for all in high positions will involve us in praying for many people indifferent or hostile to our faith.” Prayer in the church

1 Tim 2: 1-8 Jer 29:5-7 Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace. On of my favorite verses pertaining to prayer. Jeremiah instructs the Israelites after they have been taken captive to Babylon. Do you spend as much time praying for those in leadership as you do criticizing them? Do you pray for their salvation? In all circumstances - pray for God to show up in a mighty way. Elders - 45 minutes in prayer….. Prayer in the church

1 Tim 2:9-15 Women in the church Apparel Learning Teaching Authority over men This is why I’m teaching. This passage is about women when gathered to worship at church. History Ephesus was the dominant center for the worship of Diana - the female god of fertility. A male dominated culture. Women were prized, yet dominated; possessed yet worshiped. Yet the time there was much excess - in dress and social status. Paul wanted the women of the church to focus on the inner beauty - not the outward. - not wanting them to draw attention and distract during worship. Guys - ever seen a woman ‘dressed to the 9s” enter the service? Anyone in Sales……Example - how to dress….. Women in the church

1 Tim 2:9-15 Women in the church Apparel Learning Teaching Authority over men Learning: History We are looking at this passage from the other side. At this time…… a new opportunity for them. Chuck Swindoll says: “These women who were dominated and second class citizens suddenly hear from an apostle of God bearing good news…… Women in the church

1 Tim 2:9-15 Women in the church Apparel Learning Teaching Authority over men Gal 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Women are suddenly thrust to be equal with men. …….Yet equal does not mean identical. Women in the church

1 Tim 2:9-15 Women in the church Apparel Learning Teaching Authority over men “I do not permit a women to teach or exercise authority over men; rather she is too remain quiet.” Teaching / Authority over men: One of the hottest topics today Is this not relevant for our times? Our society asks: “If a woman can steer a corporation or pilot a commercial airliner, why can;t she shepherd a flock?” But remember - the church is NOT the world. My story of church last Sunday Let me set the stage: God has put in place roles and positions of authority. Order. The issue here is not ability, but responsibility. Colossians 3:18 “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.” John MacArthur affirms the place of women teachers: “God has gifted women in marvelous ways. Many of them have the gift of teaching and proclaiming God’s Word. But the bible is clear that they are not to exercise those particular gifts in the mixed assembly of the church when it comes together.” Women can speak to mixed groups in church when sharing their stories or giving encouragement. Just not teaching or explaining scripture - thus acting in the role of pastor or elder - where God clearly expects only godly men in those roles. (1 Tim 3). In the bible when women have instructed men - it has always been in private. Women in the church

1 Tim 2:9-15 Women in the church Its really about God’s divine order The Trinity God the Father God the Son God the Holy Spirit God the Father - God the Son - is The Word. Submits to authority of the Father God the Spirit - Intercedes for us in prayer. All 3 equal - but not all 3 identical Women and men are equal - but not identical. This passage is referring to the teaching of scripture in the church setting. God has used women through out the ages in amazing ways to change the course of history. But, for His reasons - he sets some boundaries on these. He has held men responsible for leading the church. And with responsibility comes accountability. With all this - our response needs to be to follow God’s direction not argue. At MBC - where God is clear - we stand firm. Women in the church

1 Timothy 2 Take Away Prayer Be intentional - part of your daily rhythm Keep your “appointments with God” Women in the church God has a divine order for our benefit Where God is clear - stand firm John Piper “Before sin ever entered the world, God ordained and fitted Adam to be a loving, caring, strong leader for his wife Eve. And before sin entered the world, God ordained and fitted fitted Eve to be a partner who supports and honors that leadership and helps cary it through. Both in the image of God. Both equal in their God-like personhood. But also different in their manhood and womanhood.” Although the attitudes and world views of people change with times and culture - God’s Message never changes. In closing - we men are to ‘man up’ and lead. Provide and protect. Women should see these words as opportunity instead of constraint. Prayer in the church Women in the church