Speaker Sermon/Lesson Title Audio   Video  Text   MS Word Category Bobby Stafford Men's and Women's Roles in Worship   Worship

Men’s and Women’s Roles in Worship

Introduction:

The apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, stressed how important it was to pray for all people, especially for those in civil government.  The purpose was for an environment conducive to evangelism, for the spreading of the good news that God wants all men to be saved.  Paul now uses the concept of prayer, as an introduction to men’s and women’s roles in worship – a vital part of how the church is to conduct itself.

Theme:

Recognize that both men and women are to faithfully serve in the sphere where God has prepared each to serve.

Text:  I Timothy 2:8-15

Body:

I.  Men’s Role in Worship Settings 
I Timothy 2:8 “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;” NKJV

·  “I will” – Paul speaks with an apostle’s authority, not a mere suggestion.  “Men” – Greek work for males  “Pray everywhere” – The context must be referring to worship settings because in certain circumstances women are to pray.  So he is not limiting praying just to men, just to occasions where both men and women are gathered to worship.  “Every place” – Every worship setting

·  Men are to take the lead.  It’s their responsibility:  “Lifting up holy hands” – This is not emphasizing a particular prayer posture [many are listed in the Scripture], but the character of the one praying.  It suggests purity of heart.  (Psalm 24:3-4) “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?  Or who may stand in His holy place?  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully.” NKJV  He must also pray free from anger and vengeance.  Motives must be pure as well.  Men must remember the grave responsibility they bear when leading prayers on behalf of others.

 

II.  Women’s Responsibility Concerning Dress  I Timothy 2:9-10 “in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” NKJV

·  This is especially important in a worship setting where both men and women are present.

·  “Adorn” – Arrange, order  “Modest” – Decent, proper, appropriate  Be concerned with how you look; give thought to what you wear.  “Propriety and moderation” – Respectable, discreet, reserved, not flamboyant  How you wear your clothes is important.  “Not with braided hair –  ” This was a common fashion in the  1^st Century to weave costly items into the hair, making it a spectacle to draw attention.  It is a warning against extravagance, especially in worship settings.  Christian women are not to wear too much or too little.

·  The main or primary adorning is to be by good works.  See I Timothy 5:10.  “well reported for good works:  if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.” NKJV  This is what women professing godliness should emphasize.  (I Peter 3:3-6) “Do not let your adornment be merely outward – arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty 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, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.” NKJV

III.  Women’s Role Concerning Leadership  I Timothy 2:11-15 “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission.  And do  not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.  For Adam was formed first, then Eve.  And Adam was not deceived,  but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.  Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” NKJV

·  Further details about women’s roles are given by Paul.  God desires that women learn.  All Christians are to do this.

 

“Silence” – Quietly receive instruction; a quiet demeanor, causing no disturbance  It does not mean absolute silence because she can sing, make the confession. . .  He is still referring to worship settings.

·  The concept of submission is next stressed.  A woman is not permitted to either teach “over a man” or have authority “over a man.”  The phrase in Greek describes both actions.  So wherever both men and women are gathered together for worship, men are to take the lead.  Any roles which would cause her to have authority over men are prohibited:  leading prayers, waiting on the Lord’s Table, preaching. . .  But understand only certain teaching is restricted.  She may teach younger people, other women, etc.  If none but women were present, women could preach, lead singing, and lead prayers.  We must always remember that submission is not inferiority.

·  Paul then lists two reasons for women’s role.  The first is the order of creation:  Adam was created first and was to bear primary responsibility.  The second reason is that Eve was deceived first and transgressed God’s law.  Note that neither of these reasons are based upon cultural practices of the 1^st Century but rather goes all the way back to the beginning.  So these restrictions of women’s role are still applicable today.

·  Although the woman is given a subordinate role in some areas, if she fulfills her God-given duties [symbolized by her child-bearing role, she will be saved.  Her salvation depends upon her willingness to obey the will of God.  Men and women have different duties and obligations – women are to perform theirs and men are to perform theirs.

·  A woman’s primary obligation centers around her family and household concerns.  God has given her natural abilities which make her suited for her role.  Her greatest contribution will not be in public teaching, but her influence in the home.  Only eternity will give an accurate appraisal of the great good godly women have done.

Conclusion:

As the family of God, men and women have different responsibilities.  These are not arbitrary or made by men, but came from heaven.  Let us never blur those distinctions.  All people need to submit to Jesus as the Christ.  We must turn our lives over to Him and come to Him in obedience.

Bobby Stafford  February 10, 2019