Call to Feminize Society Call to feminization is throughout various forms of media. Feminism: (1) the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes (2) organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests.” https://www.merriam- webster.com/dictionary/feminism

Call to Feminize Society Some advancements of women’s rights have been good: Women can vote Obtain a driver’s license Lobby to receive equal pay for equal work, etc... Along with the call to advance women’s rights however, have come challenges to the Lord’s church.

Feminization of the Church Many perceive the need for social reform because imperfect men have instituted/enforced imperfect laws/social standards. Many assume that the Lords’ church must conform, accordingly. Some contend that women should be allowed to serve in the Lord’s church as elders (bishops), deacons, and evangelists.

Feminization of the Church Christians must realize that God’s word is our Law (Jas. 1:25, 2:12). God is the ultimate Lawgiver, and His law is perfect (Ps. 19:7-11; Gal. 1:8-10; Jude 3). Let us consider some principles from God’s law that establish gender roles in the Lord’s church.

Men and Women’s Role in the Church 1 Timothy 2:1-15

Call to Please God Our purpose and aim in worship must always be to please God. Worship is not intended for men and women to do whatever is pleasing to us. God’s ways and thoughts are higher than yours’ and mine (Isa. 55:8-9), therefore we need to approach God in the way He has directed in the Bible.

Order/Purpose of Authority/Headship At the beginning, God established His design for conditions of the home, where man is the head (Gen. 1-3). Adam was created 1st, out of the dust of the earth (Gen. 1:26-27; 2:7). God took a rib from Adam’s side to create Eve as a companion & helper (Gen. 2:18, 21-24).

Order/Purpose of Authority/Headship Satan convinced Eve to disobey God; She in turn convinced her husband to disobey God (Gen. 3:1- 7). After first sins committed; God approached them in the garden; God spoke to Adam 1st (as the head of the household), not Eve (Gen. 3:8-10).

Order/Purpose of Authority/Headship When God did address Eve, He told her to respect the authority of man (Gen. 3:16). This history between God, man, woman, and even Satan; would later be used to teach vital principles for God’s church to honor.

Order/Purpose of Authority/Headship In the N. T., Paul taught for women to wear a head covering while praying or prophesying. (1 Cor. 11:5; 14:34-35). Why? (1 Cor. 11:3, 8-9). The divine arrangement of authority (or headship): God over Christ (1 Cor. 15:24-28) Christ over man (Eph. 1:20-22) Man over woman (1 Tim. 2:12-15)

Order/Purpose of Authority/Headship Paul elsewhere referenced the order of creation; as well as order of the first sins committed. Men to pray everywhere (1 Tim. 2:1-8) Women to learn in silence with all submission, respecting authority (1 Tim. 2:11-15).

Order/Purpose of Authority/Headship The reasons are rooted in the creation itself, & in the 1st sin (1 Tim. 2:1-15). Woman was created 2nd (1 Tim. 2:13). Role of submission was one of the consequences placed upon Eve when she allowed herself to be deceived by the serpent (1 Tim. 2:14).

Women in Leadership Roles Paul clearly stated the prohibitions placed on women in leadership roles. The priority of male leadership is stated that, “men pray everywhere...”, women are therefore not to lead in prayers (1 Tim. 2:1-15). The context of this verse relates to prayer and teaching. In gathering for public worship, God gave men the role to lead.

Women in Leadership Roles Regarding conduct of women during worship: Women are to adorn themselves in modest apparel; they are not to teach, nor usurp authority over men. (1 Tim. 2:9-12). Women are not forbidden to teach completely, however. Women can teach other women & children (1 Tim. 5:14; Tit. 2:4), but not over men.

Women in Leadership Roles Within assemblies, women are to learn in silence and submission (1 Tim. 2:11; 1 Cor. 14:34-35). Not speaking in the public worship assembly, per God’s law, places women under the leadership of men.

Women in Leadership Roles Regarding specific roles, women cannot serve as elders (bishops). The criteria listed in the Bible states that a bishop is to be “a man” and that he “must be” the “husband of one wife” (1Tim. 3:1-7). Deacons, likewise are to be men (1 Tim. 3:8-13). The terms “husband”, “man”, and “he” do not apply to women.

Women in Leadership Roles Both men and women are on equal spiritual footing with God (Gal. 3:26- 29), but a woman is still to be in subjection to men (Eph. 5:21-24; 1 Tim. 2:1-15). God has appointed only men to direct and lead the home and the church. Women do have an important role to play in the home and in the church, but it does not include taking the lead.

Reasoning and Applications Since women have God-given talents, shouldn’t they be allowed use them openly and freely? God has granted women the ability to use their talents in many ways: Teaching children and other women Supporting the activities of the church such as evangelism, being the helper to the man, etc.

Reasoning and Applications Women’s rights in various societies have come a long way. (Become Prime Ministers; Israel, India, etc.). Shouldn’t they lead the flock with their talents? God has forbidden such in His word. Paul did not appeal to social custom. God’s authority overrides ability & social customs in every subject.

Call to Feminize Society = Call to Feminize Church The call to feminization is affecting the Lord’s church. Do not be deceived into thinking that woman’s subjection to man makes her inferior (Gen. 1:26-27; Acts 8:12; Gal. 3:26-29; 1 Pet. 3:1-2). Honor God by serving Him (& each other) in accordance with His divine instruction.