1 Timothy 2 -- Instructions on Worship

Opening Thoughts:

Paul is writing to Timothy to give direction for him about how to lead a congregation. It makes sense then, that he would give instructions on the way we should worship. He starts by defining the heart of the attitude that people should have.

It is probably interesting to us that he so intertwines the actions of the people and the attitude of their hearts. Consider what special things that we do to make our worship special.

Go ahead and list some of the things in the comments. Reflect on the outward actions and traditions that we have to outwardly put into practice the attitudes that God would ask us to have.

Digging In:

Now go ahead and read 1 Timothy 2.

He starts off by saying that there is ONE God. There is only one mediator; one person by which we can talk to God, as well as be accepted by him. Let’s praise that person—Jesus Christ! And he says everyone should be prayed for. This might seem obvious. But it is important when we think about the purpose of the church to think of the two parts, God and Everyone, that are being connected. Too often we think of ourselves, or our family, or our friends.

Then, there are directions specifically for men and women. “But I want men everywhere to raise up holy hands in prayer.”  This word does mean men, and it should be contrasted with the directions for women. Men are being told that though they find themselves easily angered, or fall into arguments with others, that this is not the way of God’s people. At the heart of God’s people is lifting up holy hands.  The men are penitent, and humble. They have repented of their faults and they are wearing Christ’s righteousness, as they pray together for everyone.

Then for women, he describes the importance of inner beauty that shows up in Christian actions, and reminds them that it is important to dress modestly and avoid putting too much importance on the outward appearance.

Focus on “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,”(1 Peter 3:4) as opposed to the self-obsessed, vain spirit shouting “Look at me!”

Then he reminds Timothy that it is the role of a man to lead and have authority in Christian teaching, and that it is not the place for a woman to do that.

When Paul brings up what happened in the garden, he is reminding them that in the garden, during the fall, both Adam and Eve failed to fulfill their role. Eve stepped out of her role as helper, and Adam did not do his job as head.  It sounds like in these verses that Eve is responsible because she was the one who was deceived. But we know that Adam, as the head, is held responsible for both of their acts. (Romans 5:12) “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin.”

If you are troubled by the wording of verse 15, know that there are people who have had a great deal of difficulty fitting the phase “women will be saved by childbearing” together with the rest of Scripture. The word saved is sometimes translated: restored, cured, made whole…. You could argue that he means that women are restored to their role in God’s creation when they do the important and difficult job of being a mother, if they continue in faith, love , and holiness as they do so. What it cannot mean is that by bearing children a woman gains salvation by her actions.

So we are reminded that “head” and “helper” are both difficult jobs. Adam’s curse was that his word would be hard, and so the woman’s curse was that there would be great pain in childbearing. Here is seems like there is another struggle. One where men may have a difficult time doing the hard work that is leading as the head, and taking responsibility over the actions of their entire family. And women may have a hard time submitting to the role that God has assigned them.

But also, continuing in faith, love and holiness, is a good description of the life that each of us want to lead in Christ.

And pray together. To the One God. For everyone.

Reflecting:

I truly hope that this section of Scripture functions as a good reminder of some things to do and to avoid, as it was to Timothy. But I also recognize that when gender issues come up at all, there can be confusion and hard feelings.

Please do not be afraid to ask any questions that you have here, or explain any doubts or confusion that may accompany this topic for you.

To avoid it becoming a negative topic, I will also ask you guys to answer this question:

What part of the role that God has assigned to your gender are you thankful for? In what way are you thankful for the differences between men and women?

Or, answer this:

What attitudes for worship that are listed here do you especially want to cultivate?