1 TImothy 2:9-15

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Role of Christian Women in the Church

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The role of women in the church is supportive and important.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Are you content to be a woman (in view of this supportive role)?

QUESTIONS

  1. What is the distinctive role of men in the church, as discussed in 1 Timothy 2?

  2. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 gives the dress code for women in the church. What is the idea here?

  3. Does silence mean no talking?

  4. What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 2:12?

  5. When may women teach? Give examples from Scripture.

  6. How do the teachings of questions 4 and 5 differ?

  7. A woman is not to have an upfront teaching position or authoritative leadership in the church. What is the basis for this?

  8. Does subordination mean inferiority?

ANSWERS

  1. It demands public praying.

  2. Christian women are not to draw attention to themselves by their looks, bur rather by their godliness and good works. Scripture teaches a modest, not ostentatious policy for women’s dress.

  3. Not necessarily. It means not being disruptive, but rather having a gentle, quiet and teachable spirit.

  4. Women are not to teach from the pulpit or have authority over men.

  5. Priscilla and Aquila taught Apollos (Acts 18:24-26). The older Christian women are to teach the younger women (Titus 2:3-5).

  6. In the church, the women are not to have an upfront teaching position or one of authority, whereas in the home, husband and wife may have a combined ministry, and women are encouraged to teach women in godliness.

  7. Adam was formed first, then Even, and Eve was deceived. This argument is more than an illustration; it is based on creation, which is before culture.

  8. No. Even Jesus was subject to God the Father while on earth.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. The role of women in the church is supportive and important. Read then discuss 1 Timothy 2:10, concerning the good works of Christian women. Consider some examples from Scripture: Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42), Lydia (Acts 16:9-15), and Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2). Can you think of other examples from Scripture or life?

  2. Discuss the two-fold creation argument concerning the silence of Christian women: a. The Order of Creation b. The matter of the Fall What happened when Eve stepped out of her God-given role of subordination?

  3. Review the section from the tape on the promise to Christian women, 1 Timothy 2:15. Remember that godly women who raise their children for the Lord have a tremendous effect on the world.

CHALLENGE

  1. Are you content to be a women (in view of this supportive role)?

KEY VERSES

  • “ Women are to adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, which is proper for women professing godliness. ” - 1 Timothy 2:9-10

  • “ Women should adorn themselves with good works. ” - 1 Timothy 2:10

  • “ Let a women learn in silence with all submission. ” - 1 Timothy 2:11

  • “ A women is to continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control. ” - 2 Timothy 2:15



1 Timothy, New Testament, TalksDeb Harms1 TImothy 2:9-15