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 | Is submission of wives for today? | 1 Pet 3:1 | joyduncan | 124344 | ||
I have been really struggling with some of the interpretations I am hearing of how to follow the directive for a wife to submit to her husband. I have been reading the verses in the Bible dealing with this subject and I've noticed that often the issue of slavery is not far in front of or behind the writers mention of submission. This, of course, is the case in 1 Peter, as my pastor had mentioned a couple of weeks ago. If I remember correctly, my pastor noted that the Bible did not support or condone slavery, rather gave directives with how to operate or submit within its confines. Why is it that we don't see the issue of women submitting to husbands in the same light? At the time of the writing of 1 Peter, abuse and suppression of women was completely normal, as was the institution of slavery. Women were often viewed as little more than slaves and as the property of the husband, weren't they? So why don't we see that the "institution of suppression of women" (for lack of a better term) was not supported by the Bible, and that the Bible was only giving directives for women to submit under that authority as long as it existed? Therefore that passage would have as much application as the verses pertaining to slavery - we would glean only the general concepts and principles. It is so easy for us today to see slavery as sinful, but it seems like we do the reverse by interpreting the wives/submission verses by continuing many of the sinful traditions of the past. Why don't we read/interpret the verse like, "as long as the culture supports and condones the suppression of women, and the defining of women as less than equal - Wives, submit to your husbands." Isn't that how we are reading the slavery verses? Weren't the roles of men and women during the time of the writing of the Bible a good example of an authority structure that we in America no longer adhere to, therefore don't need directions on operating within? I also would like to know why it is that we so literally are applying the 1 Peter verses, and others like them, but discount the verses pertaining to women wearing head-coverings. Also, Paul very specifically notes that women were not allowed to speak in the churches (1 Cor) - but we don't follow that literally today either. I am very confused by what seems like inconsistent interpretation. I have struggled with these verses and their interpretations for another reason as well. In my professional background, I have had a lot of experience with the DISC assessment, or others like them, which attempt to classify behavior and personality into 4 basic categories - sometimes they are also called Choleric, Sanguine, Phlegmatic, and Melancholy. Every message that I have heard with regard to the role of women has described the women's character or role as being almost textbook "S" or phlegmatic - as if we had been given a prescription for a certain personality. It would seem that women are not allowed to be choleric, or at least I have never heard anyone in the church describe how a marriage should work specifically when, due to personality styles, the wife is a choleric, the natural leader, the idea person, the pioneer, and the husband is the phlegmatic, or quiet, easy-going, even-tempered one. Please know that I am searching for truth, not a "way out" or a convenient loophole with any of my questions. I am not trying to be argumentative or insubordinate. I do believe that the Bible is the complete Word of God - I completely believe in the verbal-plenary view of scripture. But I need to see consistent interpretations, or I am left with nothing but confusion. Could someone help me out with this struggle? All truth is God's truth. :) |
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2 | Is submission of wives for today? | 1 Pet 3:1 | XRing | 124350 | ||
Joy, I feel your pain and share your confusion if you listen to those who "pick and choose" which scripture is applicable today, and which scripture is somehow null and void due to social or cultural advancements. It's refreshing to know you seek truth - and truth based on God's infallable word. 2 Tim 3:16 - ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is PROFITABLE for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Tim 4:3-4 tells what some choose to do by determining for themselves what from God's word still works today, and what is "outdated." Confusion will always result when this happens. I hope to be able to help - if even a little - with the issue of woman's role as wife. Not to make it too simple, but I want to avoid confusion. Submission to God's will and order is NOT slavery. Jesus was not a SLAVE when He washed His disciples' feet - but He did this humble act as "an example" (John 13:15). I believe confusion may be caused by seeing servitude as slavery. One may be a slave and forced to do much against his/her will, and still have a hardened, prideful heart. The scripture - and Jesus' example in John 13 - directs believers to servitude with humility, and to not esteem others better than ourself (Phil 2:3). The wife is to be called by God to be a "helpmate" for the husband. God's order is for the man to be the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church. And God commands the husband to love his wife just as Christ loves the church and gave Himself for her (Eph 5:25). Again, this headship of the man is to be in accordance with God's order and plan - not a license for the husband to be a schmuck, or to be commanded by the wife. The wife's submission to the husband is as a co-laborer in the call to serve God - together. That's what Paul is saying all through Ephesians 5:21-33. Another scriptural example I hope may shed some light on this is found in Romans 13:1-3. In context, Paul is speaking about governing govermental authorities - but as you can see in V.2, "whoever resists the authority resists the ordinace of God." Without going into a bunch of detail on the doctrins of individualization of the soul, Rom 13:1 can suffice. "Let every SOUL be subject to governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and authorities that exist are appointed by God." Considering these verses in Rom 13 along side Ephesians 5, we can see a parallel of God's plan for everyone (husband, wife, man, woman - everyone) for submission. (NOT slavery.) "To be subect to" can be translated to mean - to come into, to merge into a larger life, but still maintaining the individualization of the soul, for the greater good and greater performance. This sort of "subjection" would make any marriage a dynamic force for God's kingdom if each party recognized and accepted that Jesus Christ is REALLY "the boss," and we are to first be subject to Him and His word. Then to one another, and then other governing authorities. The "women's lib movement" from back in the late 60's and into the 70's sent a shockwave through out the world that is to this day STILL challenging the validity, truth and "fairness" of God's word. Most women - especially in America and western cultures - are infuriated at the very idea that they are "supposed to be submissive." This is human pride. Nothing more. It doesn't matter if you're male or female when one has a pride-hardened heart and stands defiant against God's word. (This is likely why Rom 12:21 leads directly into Rom 13:1.) I hope this is helping, and not making it more confusing for you, Joy. God's word is the ultimate authority by which we will be judged. The Holy Spirit has given you this "check in your spirit" to prompt you to find His peace for you in His word for you. Submission does not mean slavery. It's the humble and contrite heart that God looks upon with great favor, and raises up. Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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3 | Is submission of wives for today? | 1 Pet 3:1 | Morant61 | 124375 | ||
Greetings XRing! Excellent answer my friend! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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