2 Issues about Christian women and the home KEEPERS AT HOME 2 Issues about Christian women and the home

Introduction There are 2 issues that need to be discussed about women in the home What if the husband is not a Christian? Is he still the “head of the house” and the wife is to “submit”? Does the Bible forbid women from working outside the home? What does “keepers at home” mean?

1 Peter 3:1-2 1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

1 Peter 3:1-2 teaches Headship was established – before the Law of Moses or Christianity.  To the woman He said: "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.” Genesis 3:16

1 Peter 3:1-2 teaches Even if they do not obey the gospel – Same principle applies to government – obey, submit One exception – if they violate a COMMAND of God NOTE: Not my feelings, desires, or opinion – but commands

1 Peter 3:1-2 teaches Evangelism is more than words. You can win them by the life of faith they see in you Can they see your chaste conduct? Chaste = clear, modest, clean, pure In NT 8 times – 4 times – pure, 3 chaste, 1 clear Evangelism is more than words.

1 Peter 3:1-2 teaches One Exception – If it requires you to violate the commands of God. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Acts 4:19-20

Titus 2:3-5 (KJV) 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Statistics 122 million adult women in the USA 72 million adult women work 59.5% of adult women work 77% of mothers of school age children work

Observations Years ago there were stronger feelings on this issue Some feel the need to defend their working outside the home What does the Bible teach?

Questions What does “keepers at home” mean? What does the phrase forbid, command, allow? What is the reason for this command?

“Keepers at home” Greek word – oikouras – guard, keeper, taking care of household affairs NIV – busy at home ASV – workers at home NKJV – homemakers As "guardians of the house," as the Greek expresses.—Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

“Word be not blasphemed” RSV – not be discredited NIV – not be maligned SEB – no one can say evil things about God’s message Luscombe’s version – Women are to manage the affairs of the home. In doing so, the Word of God will not be spoken against.

To work or not work Work or not work – not the issue A woman can work and violate Titus 2:5 A woman can not work still violate Titus 2:5 Issue is: Does she manage the affiars of the home?

Priorities What are her priorities? Sometimes they get out of order! God Matthew 6:33 Spouse Ephesians 5:21-33 Children Psalm 127:3; Ephesians 6:4 Vocation Colossians 3:22-25 Service Galatians 6:10 Social / Recreational / Personal Sometimes they get out of order!

Keepers at Home Does NOT mean – This passage DOES teach – Stay at home, don’t leave the house, don’t work Women should not be employed, own a business This passage DOES teach – Family is more important Woman should manage the home

Keepers at Home Arguments in favor of women working Financial income needed Security if marriage fails Don’t waist college training Keeps her mentally alert Keeps her appearance neat, attractive

Keepers at Home Arguments in against women working Money becomes the determining factor Makes the wife independent Lessens the interest in the home Mother’s influence is replaced by a day care worker or sitter Fatigue leads to irritability Limits involvement in church activities

Conclusion: In the OT – women worked Virtuous woman She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. Proverbs 31:24 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. Proverbs 31:16

Conclusion: In the NT – women worked Lydia Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. Acts 16:14

Conclusion: To work or not work is not the major issue in Titus 2 To oversee, manage the affairs of the home is required