1 Timothy 2:1-15

Instructions on Worship:

First and foremost: pray for everyone, including rulers, kings, presidents, and those in authority over you. It is very easy to become embittered by authority. In our country, it is common to complain about and criticize our government. It's practically a national pastime. Paul reminds us to pray for them. Pray for their salvation, pray that they listen to the voice of God and do what He says. Complaining rarely changes anything. Prayer, however, works! So, lift up your hands and pray to your Heavenly Father with an open heart.

What's that line about Jesus being our mediator? It's all about God wanting everyone to have the opportunity to come into relationship with Him. Even those people that you don't like or agree with. Jesus died on the cross to take my place, to take your place, and to take their place. Everyone should hear the testimony of Jesus Christ, not just the people you like.

And now a difficult piece of Scripture -

Women should be more concerned with their inner qualities than their outer qualities. Don't gain acceptance by your looks, for your looks will fade away and then where will you be? Cultivate your inner beauty.

As to a woman's place in the church, please understand that women were not educated in the first century. They were forbidden to study. In fact, in the Jewish synagogue, women were separated from the men. These are not the teachings of God, these rules were established by the Jewish leaders. Paul is actually providing women with an opportunity to learn at home under the guidance of their husbands. This was unheard of and incredibly pro-women.

As for teaching in the church, this is directly related to the church of Ephesus. This particular church struggled with false teachers. It seems that the women, who were eager to learn, did not yet have the discernment to judge false teaching from true teaching. Therefore, it was unwise to allow them to teach at this time. Scripture must always be looked at in context and as a whole. If you read Paul's other writings, he commends women who are leaders and teachers. Paul commended Priscilla, who taught Apollos (Acts 18:24-26.) He also frequently mentions other women leaders: Phoebe (Romans 16:1), Mary, Tryphena, and Tryphose (Romans 6:6, 12), and Euodia and Syntyche (Phillipians 4:2).

As for verses 13-15: Paul likens the Ephesian church to the fall of Adam and Eve. Adam did not take his authoritative role and step in to protect Eve from the serpent. Instead, he stood idly by and let Eve be deceived. Then he pointed the finger at her when God questioned them. Eve wasn't innocent though - she disobeyed God & pointed the finger at the serpent when she was questioned. There was a big game of it-wasn't-me-it-was-him going on. The consequence for Eve's choice was difficulty in childbirth. Adam faced consequences also - he must now work hard to provide for his family. (By the way, Paul does not lay the blame solely at Eve's feet. In Romans 5:12-21 Paul places the primary blame for humanity's sinful nature on Adam.) It seems the Ephesian church was experiencing this same problem. The men stepped away from their role as leaders, and allowed the women - who had less knowledge of Scripture - to be deceived. Then, they stood by and let the women spread these falsehoods to others. Paul is basically saying that the Ephesian women need to learn Scriptures in their homes and stick with what they know - being a wife and mother - until they are properly trained in Scripture. And the men need to step up as husbands and church leaders.

So how do you apply these verses to your life? Correctly learn the Scriptures by placing yourself under the proper authority. That doesn't mean you blindly follow every word they say. Read the Scriptures for yourself! Get a good study Bible and someone you trust and start going through the Scriptures together. And, don't start teaching others spiritual truth if you don't understand it yourself.