2. Significant Realities Men and women are different Men and women are equal –In regard to God’s love (1 John 4:7-19) –In regard to God’s salvation (Gal. 3:28; cf. Acts 5:14; 8:12) –In regard to God’s promise of heaven (1 Pet. 3:7) Men and women are given different roles in the church –NOT suggest one is superior and one is inferior –NOT mean there is no meaningful role or place in the church –NOT mean preferential treatment or discrimination is being shown –God’s roles make for orderliness by His standards & for our good If men use the Bible to talk about the role of women in the church, there is nothing chauvinist or discriminatory about the Bible’s teaching. It’s God’s Word, not man’s!

3. Specified Roles “Men” (Greek for males) are called to lead the worship service (1 Tim. 2:8) “Women” (Greek for females) are called to learn in silent submission (1 Tim. 2:9-11) –Focus on inward rather than outward (2:9-10) Adorn in modest apparel Emphasis on reserved appearance reflecting the heart (cf. 1 Pet. 3:3-4) Women should be known for godliness and good works

4. Specified Roles “Men” (Greek for males) are called to lead the worship service (1 Tim. 2:8) “Women” (Greek for females) are called to learn in silent submission (1 Tim. 2:9-11) –Focus on submission rather than authority (2:11) “Silence/Quietness” – calls for an attitude of receptive attentiveness “Submission” – recognition of one’s proper role; voluntary choice to place oneself under the authority of another These are in regard to exercising spiritual authority over males

5. Specified Roles “Men” (Greek for males) are called to lead the worship service (1 Tim. 2:8) “Women” (Greek for females) are called to learn in silent submission (1 Tim. 2:9-11) Women are not permitted to teach over or exercise authority over men in the church (1 Tim. 2:12) –Public teaching/leading is an act of authority that subjects hearers –This harmonizes perfectly with 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 Women are not authorized to serve as elders or deacons (1 Tim. 3:2, 11-12; Tit. 1:6)

6. Straightforward Reasons Transcend all cultures, all civilizations, all locales, all time 1.The divine order of headship/authority (1 Cor. 11:3) –A woman is “under the authority” of men –Women are not inferior to men for Christ is not inferior to God –This divine order was to find universal practice for all time

7. Straightforward Reasons Transcend all cultures, all civilizations, all locales, all time 2.The natural order derived from creation (1 Tim. 2:13; 1 Cor. 11:3, 7-12) –God created the male first (chronological priority) (2:13) –God created the female second –God’s creation order has intentional purpose –“Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man” (1 Cor. 11:9)

8. Straightforward Reasons Transcend all cultures, all civilizations, all locales, all time 3.The introduction of sin into the world (1 Tim. 2:14) –Eve led humanity into sin –She was deceived, led to believe she could become as God –Woman’s subjection was increased after her sin (Gen. 3:16) 4.The relation of Christ and the church (Eph. 5:23-33)

9. Serious Reflections There are God-given differences between male and female God has designed specific roles for each one to have in His order Each one is pleasing to God when he/she fulfills his/her roles Christian women are wonderfully talented servants in the church Submission has nothing to do w/ quality or worth but God’s order God has commanded all Christians to be in subjection to Him A woman must obey all the commands of God as does any man For a woman to exercise authority over men in an assembly of the church would violate the principle of subjection (1 Tim. 2:11) The role of women in the church is NOT a matter of control/power but a matter of submission on the part of ALL to the will of God