1 Timothy 2:10
10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women
I think it is important to realize that Paul here is fighting against the oppression of women, they have a valued role in the church that only they can fill. Paul knows that there is a strength and power that God has given women. This strength is being striped away from them, when we don't believe. It is like stripping the pedals off a flower and telling it that it must be a tree to have worth. Don't underestimate the power of a flower and don't underestimate a woman who is godly, she has the strength to capture hearts and to change the world. God is very clear that He intends a woman to have strength and dignity and influence. When we try to do this in our own wisdom we hinder the beauty that God has given women. In walking in our own wisdom we oppress women, instead of trusting in a God who loves us and cares for us and knows us best.God turns the strength and wisdom of this world over and destroys it with something far greater and more beautiful. He is an amazing God. And His dreams for us or so much bigger than our own. He is truly worthy of our trust.
Showing posts with label good works. Show all posts
Showing posts with label good works. Show all posts
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Acts 9:36
Acts 9:36
36Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.
36Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.
Titus 2:1-5
Titus 2:1-5
1But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. 3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. 6Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
Women are commanded to stand up for God’s word and teach other women. Women should not shrink back from this command or allow the culture to rob them from standing up for these issues. The Bible commands them to teach other women to be women and if they do not they are in sin. This should be common, women teaching other women about what it means to be a women and how to honor men in the church and to be wives and mothers. Likewise, men are to disciple other men and teach them what it means to be a man. There needs to be mothers and fathers in the church.
1But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. 3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. 6Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
Women are commanded to stand up for God’s word and teach other women. Women should not shrink back from this command or allow the culture to rob them from standing up for these issues. The Bible commands them to teach other women to be women and if they do not they are in sin. This should be common, women teaching other women about what it means to be a women and how to honor men in the church and to be wives and mothers. Likewise, men are to disciple other men and teach them what it means to be a man. There needs to be mothers and fathers in the church.
Proverbs 12:4
Proverbs 12:4
A wife of noble character is her husband's crown,
but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
A wife of noble character is her husband's crown,
but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
Proverbs 31:21
Proverbs 31:21
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She does not need to fear for her family for she has done well. She looks after her family’s welfare.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She does not need to fear for her family for she has done well. She looks after her family’s welfare.
Proverbs 31:20
Proverbs 31:20
20She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She not only looks after her own household but serves the needy. This quality was seen in the women of the early Church.
20She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She not only looks after her own household but serves the needy. This quality was seen in the women of the early Church.
Proverbs 31:17-19
Proverbs 31:17-19
17She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
She is strong in her womanhood and senses her work as good and a delight. Womanhood is pleasant for her.
17She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
She is strong in her womanhood and senses her work as good and a delight. Womanhood is pleasant for her.
Proverbs 13-15, homemaker
Proverbs 13-15
13She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
14She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
This woman attends and builds her home well.
13She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
14She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
This woman attends and builds her home well.
Proverbs 31:12
Proverbs 31:12
12She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She is the glory of her husband and seeks his good. This is very profound. (I need to write more on this later.)
12She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She is the glory of her husband and seeks his good. This is very profound. (I need to write more on this later.)
Proverbs 31:11, Husbands trust
Proverbs 31:11
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
A godly woman has the trust and respect of her husband. He does not need to concern himself with anything under her care. This also shows that there is a dominion of womanly authority, which involves good works and the home.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
A godly woman has the trust and respect of her husband. He does not need to concern himself with anything under her care. This also shows that there is a dominion of womanly authority, which involves good works and the home.
1 Peter 3:1,2
1 Peter 3:1,2
so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.
From a letter I wrote: Thanks for listening. God has gifted you, women, with strength, that us, men, do not possess. I think of the strength that God calls the wife to in 1 Peter 3 and how much power and influence submission, and a gentle and quiet spirit has. It changes the hearts of ungodly men, it gives you the ears of kings, and more. God’s mysteries are so amazing, he thwarts the wisdom of the world and takes what the world calls weakness and displays it into such a powerful strength. God’s calling for women to not have authority or to teach over men, is a calling for them to live in the strength and influence that he designed in women, to reflect His power and His mystery and His glory. And far from hindering them, God desires women to have a powerful influence over the church, no less then men. God displays his power in a quiet and gentle spirit strength, "which is very precious in the sight of God." Who can fathom the wisdom of God.
Sorry for going on, but I have been wrestling and struggling with this for several months and I am excited about how amazing God’s ways are. Thanks again for listening and being willing to talk to the pastor about leading. Thanks for all you have done.
----------------------------------------------------
Augustine’s Mother
Augustine’s mother followed these verses and believed them to be true. Here is Augustine’s account of it, who praised his mother often, for her godly character. She was greatly honored by the leaders in the church of her day. Her influence on the church was great and the effects of her life are still felt today. (She had an instrumental hand in the gospel being preserved through the Roman Catholic decay, for example.)
CHAPTER IX
"19. Thus modestly and soberly brought up, she was made subject to her parents by thee, rather more than by her parents to thee. She arrived at a marriageable age, and she was given to a husband whom she served as her lord. And she busied herself to gain him to thee, preaching thee to him by her behavior, in which thou madest her fair and reverently amiable, and admirable to her husband. For she endured with patience his infidelity and never had any dissension with her husband on this account. For she waited for thy mercy upon him until, by believing in thee, he might become chaste.
Moreover, even though he was earnest in friendship, he was also violent in anger; but she had learned that an angry husband should not be resisted, either in deed or in word. But as soon as he had grown calm and was tranquil, and she saw a fitting moment, she would give him a reason for her conduct, if he had been excited unreasonably. As a result, while many matrons whose husbands were more gentle than hers bore the marks of blows on their disfigured faces, and would in private talk blame the behavior of their husbands, she would blame their tongues, admonishing them seriously—though in a jesting manner—that from the hour they heard what are called the matrimonial tablets read to them, they should think of them as instruments by which they were made servants. So, always being mindful of their condition, they ought not to set themselves up in opposition to their lords. And, knowing what a furious, bad-tempered husband she endured, they marveled that it had never been rumored, nor was there any mark to show, that Patricius had ever beaten his wife, or that there had been any domestic strife between them, even for a day. And when they asked her confidentially the reason for this, she taught them the rule I have mentioned. Those who observed it confirmed the wisdom of it and rejoiced; those who did not observe it were bullied and vexed.
20. Even her mother-in-law, who was at first prejudiced against her by the whisperings of malicious servants, she conquered by submission, persevering in it with patience and meekness; with the result that the mother-in-law told her son of the tales of the meddling servants which had disturbed the domestic peace between herself and her daughter-in-law and begged him to punish them for it. In conformity with his mother’s wish, and in the interest of family discipline to insure the future harmony of its members, he had those servants beaten who were pointed out by her who had discovered them; and she promised a similar reward to anyone else who, thinking to please her, should say anything evil of her daughter-in-law. After this no one dared to do so, and they lived together with a wonderful sweetness of mutual good will.
21. This other great gift thou also didst bestow, O my God, my Mercy, upon that good handmaid of thine, in whose womb thou didst create me. It was that whenever she could she acted as a peacemaker between any differing and discordant spirits, and when she heard very bitter things on either side of a controversy—the kind of bloated and undigested discord which often belches forth bitter words, when crude malice is breathed out by sharp tongues to a present friend against an absent enemy—she would disclose nothing about the one to the other except what might serve toward their reconciliation. This might seem a small good to me if I did not know to my sorrow countless persons who, through the horrid and far-spreading infection of sin, not only repeat to enemies mutually enraged things said in passion against each other, but also add some things that were never said at all. It ought not to be enough in a truly humane man merely not to incite or increase the enmities of men by evil-speaking; he ought likewise to endeavor by kind words to extinguish them. Such a one was she—and thou, her most intimate instructor, didst teach her in the school of her heart.
22. Finally, her own husband, now toward the end of his earthly existence, she won over to thee. Henceforth, she had no cause to complain of unfaithfulness in him, which she had endured before he became one of the faithful. She was also the servant of thy servants. All those who knew her greatly praised, honored, and loved thee in her because, through the witness of the fruits of a holy life, they recognized thee present in her heart. For she had "been the wife of one man,"[292] had honored her parents, had guided her house in piety, was highly reputed for good works, and brought up her children, travailing in labor with them as often as she saw them swerving from thee. Lastly, to all of us, O Lord—since of thy favor thou allowest thy servants to speak—to all of us who lived together in that association before her death in thee she devoted such care as she might have if she had been mother of us all; she served us as if she had been the daughter of us all. "
so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.
From a letter I wrote: Thanks for listening. God has gifted you, women, with strength, that us, men, do not possess. I think of the strength that God calls the wife to in 1 Peter 3 and how much power and influence submission, and a gentle and quiet spirit has. It changes the hearts of ungodly men, it gives you the ears of kings, and more. God’s mysteries are so amazing, he thwarts the wisdom of the world and takes what the world calls weakness and displays it into such a powerful strength. God’s calling for women to not have authority or to teach over men, is a calling for them to live in the strength and influence that he designed in women, to reflect His power and His mystery and His glory. And far from hindering them, God desires women to have a powerful influence over the church, no less then men. God displays his power in a quiet and gentle spirit strength, "which is very precious in the sight of God." Who can fathom the wisdom of God.
Sorry for going on, but I have been wrestling and struggling with this for several months and I am excited about how amazing God’s ways are. Thanks again for listening and being willing to talk to the pastor about leading. Thanks for all you have done.
----------------------------------------------------
Augustine’s Mother
Augustine’s mother followed these verses and believed them to be true. Here is Augustine’s account of it, who praised his mother often, for her godly character. She was greatly honored by the leaders in the church of her day. Her influence on the church was great and the effects of her life are still felt today. (She had an instrumental hand in the gospel being preserved through the Roman Catholic decay, for example.)
CHAPTER IX
"19. Thus modestly and soberly brought up, she was made subject to her parents by thee, rather more than by her parents to thee. She arrived at a marriageable age, and she was given to a husband whom she served as her lord. And she busied herself to gain him to thee, preaching thee to him by her behavior, in which thou madest her fair and reverently amiable, and admirable to her husband. For she endured with patience his infidelity and never had any dissension with her husband on this account. For she waited for thy mercy upon him until, by believing in thee, he might become chaste.
Moreover, even though he was earnest in friendship, he was also violent in anger; but she had learned that an angry husband should not be resisted, either in deed or in word. But as soon as he had grown calm and was tranquil, and she saw a fitting moment, she would give him a reason for her conduct, if he had been excited unreasonably. As a result, while many matrons whose husbands were more gentle than hers bore the marks of blows on their disfigured faces, and would in private talk blame the behavior of their husbands, she would blame their tongues, admonishing them seriously—though in a jesting manner—that from the hour they heard what are called the matrimonial tablets read to them, they should think of them as instruments by which they were made servants. So, always being mindful of their condition, they ought not to set themselves up in opposition to their lords. And, knowing what a furious, bad-tempered husband she endured, they marveled that it had never been rumored, nor was there any mark to show, that Patricius had ever beaten his wife, or that there had been any domestic strife between them, even for a day. And when they asked her confidentially the reason for this, she taught them the rule I have mentioned. Those who observed it confirmed the wisdom of it and rejoiced; those who did not observe it were bullied and vexed.
20. Even her mother-in-law, who was at first prejudiced against her by the whisperings of malicious servants, she conquered by submission, persevering in it with patience and meekness; with the result that the mother-in-law told her son of the tales of the meddling servants which had disturbed the domestic peace between herself and her daughter-in-law and begged him to punish them for it. In conformity with his mother’s wish, and in the interest of family discipline to insure the future harmony of its members, he had those servants beaten who were pointed out by her who had discovered them; and she promised a similar reward to anyone else who, thinking to please her, should say anything evil of her daughter-in-law. After this no one dared to do so, and they lived together with a wonderful sweetness of mutual good will.
21. This other great gift thou also didst bestow, O my God, my Mercy, upon that good handmaid of thine, in whose womb thou didst create me. It was that whenever she could she acted as a peacemaker between any differing and discordant spirits, and when she heard very bitter things on either side of a controversy—the kind of bloated and undigested discord which often belches forth bitter words, when crude malice is breathed out by sharp tongues to a present friend against an absent enemy—she would disclose nothing about the one to the other except what might serve toward their reconciliation. This might seem a small good to me if I did not know to my sorrow countless persons who, through the horrid and far-spreading infection of sin, not only repeat to enemies mutually enraged things said in passion against each other, but also add some things that were never said at all. It ought not to be enough in a truly humane man merely not to incite or increase the enmities of men by evil-speaking; he ought likewise to endeavor by kind words to extinguish them. Such a one was she—and thou, her most intimate instructor, didst teach her in the school of her heart.
22. Finally, her own husband, now toward the end of his earthly existence, she won over to thee. Henceforth, she had no cause to complain of unfaithfulness in him, which she had endured before he became one of the faithful. She was also the servant of thy servants. All those who knew her greatly praised, honored, and loved thee in her because, through the witness of the fruits of a holy life, they recognized thee present in her heart. For she had "been the wife of one man,"[292] had honored her parents, had guided her house in piety, was highly reputed for good works, and brought up her children, travailing in labor with them as often as she saw them swerving from thee. Lastly, to all of us, O Lord—since of thy favor thou allowest thy servants to speak—to all of us who lived together in that association before her death in thee she devoted such care as she might have if she had been mother of us all; she served us as if she had been the daughter of us all. "
Genesis 2:18, "helper suitable for him"
Genesis 2:18
18Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him."
The LORD God says that His purpose in creating the woman was that she would be "a helper suitable for him." This is the purpose and design of every woman. This is what she was made to be.
18Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him."
The LORD God says that His purpose in creating the woman was that she would be "a helper suitable for him." This is the purpose and design of every woman. This is what she was made to be.
Genesis 1:28, co-heirs
Genesis 1:28
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air , and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
The man and woman were made co-heirs in creation. Both were given the command to fill and subdue the earth. It took both a man and a woman to be able to complete this. This is the same with the gospel and the kingdom of God. The great commission to go to all the earth is given to both men and women. It will take both men and women to complete this. Both are also said to have been made in the image of God.
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air , and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
The man and woman were made co-heirs in creation. Both were given the command to fill and subdue the earth. It took both a man and a woman to be able to complete this. This is the same with the gospel and the kingdom of God. The great commission to go to all the earth is given to both men and women. It will take both men and women to complete this. Both are also said to have been made in the image of God.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
1 Timothy 2:10 "making a claim to godliness."
1 Timothy 2:10
making a claim to godliness.
The Greek word “making a claim” means to proclaim, to profess, to promise (often it is translated “promise”). If a woman proclaims or promises that she wants to honor God and revere God and that claim is true, then it is proper for this woman to demonstrate it by her good works.
making a claim to godliness.
The Greek word “making a claim” means to proclaim, to profess, to promise (often it is translated “promise”). If a woman proclaims or promises that she wants to honor God and revere God and that claim is true, then it is proper for this woman to demonstrate it by her good works.
1 Timothy 2:10
1 Timothy 2:10
10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women
I think the focus of the woman’s role in the church is good works. You see this in Acts as the women were involved in all kinds of good works and were very productive. Without them the church would not have survived. Even in Jesus’ ministry the women were a vital support to what he was doing and it is clear that Jesus valued and honored the women around him greatly. This is also seen in Proverbs 31. I think that it is not the woman’s focus to teach or have authority, but instead to do good works, as is the proper role for woman. I think that this speaks louder than words. In 1 Peter 3, it says that a woman wins over her ungodly husband in this manner. If it has the power to win an ungodly heart, how much more will it influence godly men and the church? I believe that this is the strength of a woman. And this strength will move men and she will be praised in the places of authority. In Proverbs 31 it says, “And let her own works praise her in the gates.” This is no weak woman, but a picture of strength and dignity and beauty. And this is the type of woman that moves the heart of the King of Kings. God himself declares that this type of woman is precious in His sight.
10but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women
I think the focus of the woman’s role in the church is good works. You see this in Acts as the women were involved in all kinds of good works and were very productive. Without them the church would not have survived. Even in Jesus’ ministry the women were a vital support to what he was doing and it is clear that Jesus valued and honored the women around him greatly. This is also seen in Proverbs 31. I think that it is not the woman’s focus to teach or have authority, but instead to do good works, as is the proper role for woman. I think that this speaks louder than words. In 1 Peter 3, it says that a woman wins over her ungodly husband in this manner. If it has the power to win an ungodly heart, how much more will it influence godly men and the church? I believe that this is the strength of a woman. And this strength will move men and she will be praised in the places of authority. In Proverbs 31 it says, “And let her own works praise her in the gates.” This is no weak woman, but a picture of strength and dignity and beauty. And this is the type of woman that moves the heart of the King of Kings. God himself declares that this type of woman is precious in His sight.
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