Results 1 - 3 of 3
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Women in Ministry | 1 Tim 2:12 | yayatheresa | 145848 | ||
I have spent some time reading the notes, questions and responses on this site. This is my first note. I am a woman. I do not write this as someone with a personal and official ministry such as Joyce Meyer(?), Gloria Copeland, Paula White, etc. I am the wife of a deacon and considered a deacon as well in my church. I am also someone with a personal relationship with Christ and consider myself to be part of the "Great Commission" of Matthew 28:18-20. As of this writing that is the extent of my "ministry". I thank God for it and do not want to sound as if I minimize it. Only to assure the reader I do not have a personal agenda in what I write. I am seeking to know the truth as God declares it regardless of how it affects me personally as a woman. This writing of Paul in 1 Tim 2:11-12 as well as 1 Cor. 14:34-35 are the main texts given as to the silence of women in church. (Please anyone knowing of others let me know) I believe Paul explains the text in 1 Cor. by his response in V. 36. "What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?" He, as I understand, is responding to thier own teaching (V34 and 35) with his answer (V36). I will paraphrase it this way, "Are you serious? Are you God? and did you send out the word? or do you think you men are the only ones the word can come to?" The text in Timothy causes me to ask some questions. #1 Who is the man that the woman is not to usurp authority over? Is it any man at all? her husband? the male authority in her assembly? Or could it be Jesus Christ himself? #2 The use of the particular word usurp is important. One definition according to Webster is "to seize or exercise authority or possession wrongfully" Doesn't this sound like the woman here is trying to assume authority OVER the person (man or woman?) that God has placed in the position in question? Timothy was left in charge of the church in Ephesus where the main focus of the city had been on the worship of the goddess Diana. (Act 19:27-28) Could this spiritual wickedness have been a reason for this verse? I do not want to appear to say that this text is not for all times and all people. It is, as is all scripture. I have a problem with scripture being explained away with phrases such as "that was for their culture" or "that was for their time". I am convinced that God the Holy Spirit was not only in control of the content of the Holy Scriptures but also of preserving the exact content he wanted. No doubt there were letters and sermons that were for certain assemblies at certain times in history. These were not preserved by God to be set forth as timeless and changeless truths for all mankind. I know of no assembly of believes that adhere to a strict 'women in silence" doctrine. If we believe this is what Paul is teaching in 1Cor. 14:34-35 then women cannot be vocal at all in church. Not to sing, to testify, nothing. We cannot just pull out certain areas of speaking (preaching, teaching, etc.) and apply them here. If he meant keep silent. Then silent women must be. Does this line up with the multitude of other scriptures where women spoke about God and were used of God? For me it does not. Even in the Old Testament women could choose to: be a Nazarite (Num 6:2), be a prophetess (many instances Old and New Testament), Deborah was a Judge of Israel. Surely she had some authority over men in that position. Priscilla and her husband Aquila taught the man Apollos (Act 18:27). What is this? Can a woman teach one man and not two?. Is it the number of men present when she speaks or her geographical location at the time? Can she only expound and give what she has received from God only in her home? I am still learning and coming to an understanding of this and other, teachings. I am teachable and want with my whole heart to know the truth as God gives it. So I do not write this as an absolute. I would like some responses here to weigh out. For those who would wonder why I do not ask my own husband. We have studied this together and are of the same opinion and have the same questions. He has read this note and is interested as I am in the response we will receive. |
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2 | Women in Ministry | 1 Tim 2:12 | jirehway | 146076 | ||
Yayathersa, The purpose of my first response to yayathersa was to let you hear from one who has faced and dealt with much resistance to women in ministry. Having been battered and bruised by controlling and manipulating pastors, I have seen that it is much better to lead with a Sheppard’s crook than to see those who have been injured by the Pastor who drives with a whip. I choose to expect all the men and women whom I pastor to come under authority to the office and not the person. My leadership style is to discern and know what is right [how does the word of God fit the situation?], listen to concerns, determine what is in the best interest of the churches as well as the individual and obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. A person can walk in authority without flaunting or abusing it. Results of ministry whether by male or female do matter. If not to some, certainly to those who have had life changing experiences because the minister obeyed God. Truth and love do find a way and those who are hungering for salvation or a closer relationship to God appreciate nurturing by one who is called and who cares. I do not have to think I am called to pastor, I know. That was settled years ago and hundreds of souls, some even abroad, will testify as to the worth of the ministry God has provided through me. The scriptures are filled with examples of women who have been used mightily by God. This subject has been dissected long enough; just check the subject on this forum. Please allow the word, rightly divided, to accomplish what God intended it do and do not allow yourself to be treated as some second class citizen of the kingdom of God. No one can answer for you as to the ministry Father has for you. Someone may confirm it, but should not and cannot be the final voice when God is dealing directly with you. Written from my heart, jirehway |
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3 | Women in Ministry | 1 Tim 2:12 | yayatheresa | 146207 | ||
Thank you for each of your responses. I need to clarify that I was not writing because I am struggling with a call from God for myself. I am satisfied that I am doing all that He has asked of me at this time. I say it in that way because I do not want to make any declarations about what He may ask in the future. I want to be open to the Spirit and available for any assignment. Being prepared is the reason for my note. I was looking for council from others more mature than myself so that I might be able to give answer to those I frequently encounter that object to entire ministries, even those with male leadership, because a woman may speak there from time to time. I hope this is an appropriate way to use this website. To glean from the abundance of spiritual knowledge and council available and apply it to "exhort and to convince the gainsayers" (Titus 1:9) I desire to be more articulate and better equiped for this work as I have a large family and work among people who frequently challenge me in many areas of my faith. Some of their questions are difficult to verbally answer. I also realize that often the person who initiates these challenges is beyond convincing at the moment but they usually choose to do this in the presence of others and it is for the sake of those listening I need to be equipped as well as I can. Does this make any sense? I feel like I'm rambling so I'll stop. |
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