Feminine Distinctive Selective Submission Possessing Spiritual Equality Possessing Strength of Character

1 Corinthians 11: However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God. NASU

1 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV) But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. Acts 5: But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.” ESV

POSSESSING SPIRITUAL EQUALITY Gen 1:27- God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. WOMEN ARE EQUALS SPIRITUALLY AND FULFILL DISTINCTIVE ROLES Women in the New Testament church are pictured as members of the body--co-workers in the Christ, but are not given the roles of elders, pastors, or apostles.

1 Timothy 2:11-14 (ESV) 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

First, Paul writes this passage going all the way back to the Garden and the fall. Second, my understanding is that Paul is dealing with the how. – Priscilla and Aquilla taught Apollos. Acts 18: Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; 26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. NASU

Women prophesied in both Old and New Testaments. Acts 21: On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. 9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses. NASU

DEBORAH PROPHETESS AND JUDGE OF ISRAEL Deborah - Judges 4:4-6 - Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. 5 She used to sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the sons of Israel came up to her for judgment. NASU

1 Peter 3:1-3 - Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. NIV

Third, “learn quietly” and “remain quiet” is translated from the Greek word hesuchios - “causing no disturbance to others.” It is translated "quiet" in 1 Timothy 2:2, RV (KJV, "peaceable"); "quiet" in 1 Peter 3:4, Vine says “it is associated with ‘meek’ and is to characterize the spirit or disposition.” (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words

“it is associated with ‘meek’ and is to characterize the spirit or disposition.”

1 Corinthians 14: The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. NASU

Colossians 3:16 (ESV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

1 Corinthians 14:40 - But everything must be done in a proper and orderly way. ISV The NIV reads 1 Corinthians 14: But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. NIV

1 Corinthians 14:27-28 – 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; 28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent (sigao) in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. NASU

Immediately after this passage Paul says. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 – 34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. NASU

1 Corinthians 14: If you think of yourself as a prophet or a spiritual person, you will know that I am writing only what the Lord has commanded. 38 So don't pay attention to anyone who ignores what I am writing. CEV

Paul is consistent with the Lord and his example and teaching. 1 Tim 2: But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.

Paul expressed affection and appreciation for women he acknowledged as co-laborers and spiritual equals in Christ (Rom. 16:1-3,6,13,15; Gal. 3:26- 28; Phil. 4:3).

SUBMISSION DOES NOT ASSUME INFERIORITY Jesus Christ showed us that being submissive does not imply inferiority of person. – He lived on earth "under the law" Gal 4:4- But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, – Under the authority of His parents Luke 2:51 (NASB-U) And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. – Under the authority of government leaders Matthew 22:17-21 (NASB-U)"Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?" [18] But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, "Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? [19] "Show Me the coin used for the poll- tax." And they brought Him a denarius. [20] And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" [21] They said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." And above all, under the authority of His heavenly Father.

1 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV) But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.

GOD DEFINES WOMAN AS ONE WHO POSSESSES STRENGTH OF CHARACTER. The most beautiful women in the world are not those who parade in swimsuits and evening gowns before judges and television cameras. She is beautiful—she is a person of serenity because her trust and security is in the Lord. She is a person of dignity because her value and sense of significance is found in God.

A woman's strength of character is found in the person and example of Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. 3:3-5- Do not let your beauty be that outward adorning of arranging the hair, of wearing gold, or of putting on fine apparel; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands…

BIBLICAL MODELS OF GOD’S WOMAN The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31 has the following characteristics: She is a commendable wife and mother. She lives for her home and family. She is industrious. She is self-disciplined and orderly. She is a sharp business woman. She buys fields. Makes deals. Provides financial assistance in taking care of her home and family. She has good, refined tastes. She manifests the grace of hospitality. She is charitable in time of need. She is spiritually minded.