THEM'S SOME FIGHTIN' WORDS, PAUL!

June 20, 2014

THEM'S SOME FIGHTIN' WORDS, PAUL!

1 Timothy 2

Christy Chermak

Central Truth

Women have a unique role to play in God's kingdom. But we too often compromise the beauty He intended for us for what our culture says is strength.

"Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness." (1 Timothy 2:11)

Pray for All People

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man^{1

2:5
men and man render the same Greek word that is translated people in verses 1 and 4} Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 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. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

Footnotes

[1] 2:5 men and man render the same Greek word that is translated people in verses 1 and 4

If Paul were running for office in America today, this letter would come back to haunt him in a smear campaign. Not only does he tell women to be quiet and submissive, he goes on to tell us how to dress and says we can't teach men.

As a woman who wants to change the world, I find that his statements can be hard to embrace. However, I believe the Bible is true and that God preserved it. I can't chuck inconvenient verses into the "cultural differences" bucket and move on. Rather than define truth by my ever-changing culture, I must define my culture by His ever-steady Truth.

If I start there, my questions become different. Instead of questioning Paul, I begin to wonder why we have such a hard time believing and living this truth.

The answer turns out to be pretty simple, actually. God defines a strong woman differently than America does. He designed women to play a distinct role in His kingdom, different and unique from that of men. But our culture has told us to abandon that role as we fight to demonstrate our strength through control and authority. Of course, our cultural definition takes offense at this text that tells us to be quiet and submissive.

What if rather than searching for identity where we're not meant to find it, we found our identity as women of God?

Well, I believe our fulfillment and worth would then be unshakably rooted in the One who finds us invaluable. We'd be invited on adventures where we see our unique gifts and design used to further the kingdom. We'd have stories to share like Rahab, Mary, Deborah, and Esther. We'd allow our Savior to romance us so that we'd feel beautiful in our own skin -- no longer looking to haircuts or expensive clothing to feel attractive. We'd realize our lives do the teaching, not our words. We'd stop striving. We'd stop searching. We'd start living.

We'd be free from the world just long enough to actually change it.

1. Who are some strong godly women you can look to in your life? What character traits do they demonstrate?

2. If you are a female, do you have a hard time with these verses? Do a word study to dive deeper into the issue. In what ways are you defining yourself by the ways of the world? Who does God say you are?

3. If you are a male, do you have a correct view of what it looks like to lead women well and appreciate the way they were designed? How do you as a male encourage women to draw nearer to their identity as God intended?

4. The beginning of this chapter is pure gold as well. Paul urges God's people to devote themselves to prayer. What does your prayer life look like right now? In what ways do these verses encourage you to make changes?