Pam and I were new Christians, in our twenties,
dangling our feet in the water at the end of the dock in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
“Pam, what surprised you the most about Christianity?”
“That I’m supposed to submit to my husband and that Jesus is coming back!”
I laughed. And then Pam made me belly laugh by saying: “I’m so glad I got my antiques before I was saved.”
Some Scriptures are either hard to accept or puzzling. We’re going to consider some important principles when we come across a passage like that — and we will look as some doozies! And this is a safe place to disagree and give your reasons. But please take this slowly — especially Thursday.
Sunday: Seeing God in Everyday Life
We’ve called it spying Him or “The God Hunt.” Here are some ways that can happen:
- Scripture become radioactive, giving you what you need
- An answer to prayer
- Unusual timing or circumstances
- The splendor of God’s creation
- His peace in a time of anxiety
- His help to do His work in the world
- His wisdom in a decision
- How have you “spied” God this week?
Monday: Wives, Submit!
2. Many are upset by this verse: Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22)
A. How does the context of Ephesians 5:21 show you this isn’t just for wives?
B. How does looking at the context of Ephesians 5:25 help?
3, In the same way, Peter says: “Likewise, wives be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives.” It is important to look at the word “Likewise.” Find what this is referring to in:
A. 1 Peter 2:13
B. 1 Peter 2:18
C. 1 Peter 2:21-23
D. And later 1 Peter 3:7
4. What clarity does this bring? What has submission been like in your marriage and what have you learned?
Tuesday: The Distortions
In the 70’s and 80’s, Bill Gothard had a huge following, but he distorted many Scriptures. Some were very strange, such as his strong view of complete submission “even when the authority is wrong.” He told wives to submit to everything and that if it was wrong, God would deliver them in the nick of time, as He did Sarah in the following situation. I will always remember a letter I received from a woman who obeyed her husband who asked her to get an abortion. She said, “I thought God would deliver me in the nick of time, but HE DIDN’T! HOW CAN I TRUST GOD ANYMORE?” She could trust God, but not Gothard, and he had made two big mistakes in interpreting Scripture. He didn’t consider the genre of the Abram and Sarai story which is history. This is an account of the many ways God’s people both obeyed and disobeyed. It is not to be a model for us, otherwise we’d be practicing polygamy. Second, Scripture interprets Scripture. Men are to be servants leaders (Ephesians) and if man goes against God, we are to obey God. (Acts)
When Steve and I wrote Building Your House on the Lord, we addressed the distortion of headship. My editor, and late poet Luci Shaw gave us this great quote: “My husband Harold is the head of our home, and I submit to him. But in thirty years of marriage, it’s only come up twice.”
5. Read Genesis 12:10-20.
A. What did Abraham tell Sarai to do and why?
B. What happened?
C. If there is a positive outcome from lying or stealing or any sin, does that mean God approves of it? Explain.
6. How can considering the genre of this passage (a historical account) help you understand that God is not advocating submission to sin? (Principle of genre)
7. How does Acts 5:29 clarify a principle about submission? (Principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture)
8. Have you ever refused to submit? Was it because of your sin or your husband’s request being sinful? Explain. (If you are single, pass or share a story from a friend.)
Wednesday: Should Women Be Silent and Not Teach Men?
I have opinions here with which you are free to disagree in love. The following is confusing because there are verses that say women should be silent and not teach men, and yet we have biblical examples of women doing exactly the opposite and being blessed by God — women like Deborah, Priscilla, and Philip’s prophetic daughters. So this is a conundrum! Again, I think hermeneutics will help. When Scriptures seem to disagree, there is only an apparent conflict. I’ve heard so many explanations of these hard verses, but they don’t hold up like John Stott’s did to me. He was such a godly man, and an intellect, much like Keller.
9. Read Acts 18:24-27
A. What did Apollos teaching lack?
B. Who helped him understand the gospel and which name comes first of the two?
C. How do you see diplomacy in verse 26?
10. Rarely, but at times, a passage will given eternal principal, but then some cultural examples that are only relevant for that time. One example is 1 Peter 3:3-4. What is the eternal principle? Do you think the examples might be cultural instead of eternal? (Stott says the strict interpretation would say it all should be eternally obeyed. Liberal interpretation would say none of it should be obeyed. He says the eternal principle should be obeyed, but we are not bound to the example.)
11. Read 1 Timothy 2:8. Can you see both an eternal principle and a cultural illustration?
12. Read 1 Timothy 2:9-10. Can you see both an eternal principle and cultural illustrations? (Repeated in 1 Peter 3:3-4)
This picture is for Laura == the wealthy women hired a full time slave for their hairdos. Here is one hairdo, and many went two feet high!
13, Read 1 Timothy 2:11-14. This one is harder, but if you consider how part of it disagrees with other Scriptures concerning women you might be able to separate the eternal from the cultural. Or you may disagree. Tomorrow you’ll read John Stott’s exposition of it.
Thursday: John Stott (Chew, chew, chew!)
One of my favorite expositors is the late John Stott, who was head pastor at All Souls in London for decades. Tim Keller credited him with beginning the evangelical movement. In his InterVarsity commentary on 1 Timothy 2:8-14, he said there were both eternal principles and cultural illustrations given to both men and women.
Here are some excerpts from Stott. Scripture is a blend of eternal truth which transcends culture and its transient cultural presentation. The former is universal and normative; the latter is local and changeable. But how shall we distinguish between them? … There are some who enthrone the cultural form…so they adopt a rigid literalism…they will insist that men must always lift up their hands when they pray (8), that women must never plait their hair or wear jewelery (9) and women should be quiet and not teach men.
There are others who far from enthroning both, dismiss both.
ˆ12. Summarize the restrictive and the liberal view of verses 8-9. (Stott disagrees with both.)
13. Have you experienced either?
Our first church as Christians was Free Methodist, which had many wonderful qualities and people. But as I matured I could see the restrictive view which I think was legalistic, and missing the main priniciple. Women, at that time, where not allowed to wear any jewelry, not even a wedding ring.
In many churches women are also not allowed to teach men. Stott says that if the reason given is that women were deceived but men were not, then women shouldn’t be teaching anyone! He makes a strong case for verse 11 being an eternal principle, and verse 12 being the cultural illustrations. This set me free when I was asked to speak at Moody Founder’s week. I was hesitant as men had walked out on women far my superiors: Elisabeth Elliot and Ann Graham Lotz. The then president of Moody, Joseph Stowell, encouraged me to come, feeling the restrictive attitude was lessening and I would be treated more kindly. I spoke from the floor instead of the stage and began by telling them I was under the authority of the male leadership of Moody, Dr. Stowell. Only two men walked out.
I’m taking excerpts so as not to commit the sin of plagiarism, but recommend the whole guide which is inexpensive on kindle. (I Timothy by John Stott) First, read again verses 11-14. Then read this from Stott.
We can now sum up this distinction as it has recurred three times in the second half of 1 Timothy 2. As men should pray in holiness, love and peace, but not necessarily lift up their hands while they do so; and as women should adorn themselves with modesty, decency and good works, but not necessarily abstain from all hair-styling, gold, pearls; so women should submit to the headship (caring responsibility) of men, and not try to reverse gender roles, but not necessarily refrain from teaching them. In verses 13 and 14, as the conjunction for implies, Paul supplies a biblical basis for what he has written in verses 11 and 12. From the men and women of his own day he looks back to Adam and Eve, the original human pair.106 His argument for male ‘headship’ rests on the facts of the creation and the fall.
What is the relation between these two antitheses. (Verses 11-12) (Are they parallel or does one state an eternal principle and another a cultural?) Could it be legitimate to see the submission-authority antithesis as permanent and universal (because it is grounded in creation) while seeing the silence-teaching antithesis as a first-century cultural expression of it, which is therefore not necessarily applicable to every culture, but open to transposition into each? (P. 94 of Kindle edition)
13. Let’s take this slowly:
- Stott says verse 11 is the eternal principle, based on the order of creation. What is that principle?
- Stott says verse 12 are cultural illustrations that are not normative, but for that time. What are they?
- How would this interpretation fit with the preceding context of verses 8 and 9?
- Do you agree or disagree with this interpretation? Explain.
Friday: Translations versus Paraphrases
Both have value in my mind. Paraphrases are interpretations and can shed light on a hard passage, but because, they are interpretations , they can be wrong. Let’s consider these verses both in a translation and then in two paraphrases. I thought Eugene Peterson got it right, but Kenneth Taylor did not. See what you think!
TRANSLATION
A woman should learn in quietness and full submission (Verse 11)
do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. (Verse 12)
For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. (Verses 13)
NIV
PARAPHRASE from Eugene Peterson
I don’t let women take over and tell the men what to do. They should study to be quiet and obedient along with everyone else. Adam was made first, then Eve; woman was deceived first—our pioneer in sin!—with Adam right on her heels.
MSG
PARAPHRASE FROM KENNETH TAYLOR
- 11 “A woman must learn to listen quietly and always be fully prepared to obey.”
- 12 “I never let women teach men or lord it over them. Let them be silent in your church meetings.”
- 13 “Why? Because God made Adam first, and afterwards he made Eve.”
- 14 “And it was not Adam who was fooled by Satan, but Eve, and sin was the result.”
14. Which paraphrase did you think was more accurate and why?
Saturday:
15. What did you learn about God this week? About Bible interpretation? What was helpful to you?
144 comments
1. How have you “spied” God this week? I have spied God in many ways in the past two weeks. Two dear Christian friends, came from Seattle to visit for a week. We have known each other for many years and we spent so many hours just talking about the goodness of the Lord, answered prayer and needed prayer. Jesus was very present in every conversation. I thank God for our good health, safety, beautiful weather and times of blessings. The day after they left, some dear friends from the school where we worked in Redmond, came to town and came to visit for the afternoon. Their daughter, a former student, was defending her doctoral dissertation at Brown University. It has been a challenging few years for this sweet young woman and her family. Oh, how they love Jesus! It was pure joy! I Praise God for friends of such deep faith. All have been through great losses, yet have amazing faith in Our Almighty God.
Oh Patti — that’s wonderful! Did I know the friends who came?
Yes, Dee! It was Trish and Debbie (Brumfield). They still remember the power of “Idol Lies” at Julie’s church in North Bend. …it was truly a blessing. We do still keep in touch by text, even though we are on opposite coasts, and we always pray for one another.
The second family that came to visit are my friends, from Bear Creek, who are originally from Nigeria. They lost their second daughter, Tolu, at the age of 24 from a brain aneurysm. She was a lovely, brilliant and beautiful young woman of God, with the voice of an angel. They have a powerful faith and beautiful hearts for Jesus.
I didn’t know they had done Idol Lies — so they traveled to North Bend? How wonderful they came!
Patti, How sweet to hear of the blessed connections you had with old friends. And I am sure they were equally blessed by you.
So glad for friends! You must have had a wonderful time! Thank You Lord ❤️
Such heartwarming experiences with friends, Patti! I am glad to hear how the Lord has blessed you with great friends. I am sure you are a blessing to them as well.
2. Many are upset by this verse: Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22) How does looking at the context of Ephesians 5:25 help?
I think this is talking about sacrificial love, for both husbands and wives. It is important to read the entire section, because it is about an attitude, that is Christ centered, for both husbands and wives. I think problems arise when a single verse or two are taken out of context. The husband is called to love his wife as Christ loved the church and that is sacrificial love. It is a reciprocal and mutual submission to one another, with Christ in the center.
Sunday: The Lord has been very active this week!!
1. We had our small group on Thursday. Only 2 of the four couples came and I thought beforehand, I wonder what great conversation we will have? There’s always something big shared when we have just two couples. One couple is dealing with the loss of their church membership/leadership position from a past church. Another couple dealing with spiritual warfare as they try to maintain friendships with people they knew before becoming Christians. Their daughter shared with their friend’s daughter (6 year olds), how God made her and He is the Creator. The non-Christian girl was upset and said, No, my mommy made me! She came crying to the house. The mother spent 15 minutes in the bathroom trying to console the daughter. Afterward our friends felt like their Christian daughter needed to apologize for upsetting the friend. Before all was over, the 6 year old non-Christian girl shouted, “I don’t have anything to believe in!” The whole room was stunned. A lot going on spiritually in this couples lives with family and friends. Praying they continue to glorify God and lead others to Christ in their responses.
2. Our small group study was on James chapter 4-5. The scripture addressed worldly wealth and true satisfaction. I was struck by the recent reading of The Hiding Place, where Corrie says we can only find true satisfaction in God’s will. This is true no matter our situation. If we are in a concentration camp or living in luxury, we must seek God’s will to be satisfied. Betsy brought peace to their quarters in Ravensbruck by praying for the women who were fighting and selfish when she came. Miraculous peace followed her prayer as the suffering women learned to accept their circumstances and seek to please others instead of themselves. The same goes for us in relative luxury with every need met and more, we can still be incredibly selfish and not think of others. God’s will would have us love our neighbor. In giving to others, we find satisfaction. As Corrie said, we cannot be rich alone.
3. The funeral on Thursday morning was full of hope of eternal life and also the heart wrenching sadness of saying earthly goodbyes. The Lord works in our hearts through our sorrows, we must keep our eyes on Him and our duty here.
4. Today, 2am, we welcomed our 14th grandchild into this world. Our daughter whom you all prayed for had a healthy 7lb 2oz baby boy at 37 weeks. She was induced due to high blood pressure. We are praising God there were no complications and praying for her full recovery and a return to “normal” with her liver disease.
Though illness is still hanging on in our house, we are grateful for a full week of blessings.
Wow, Chris! Praise God for All that you shared. Powerful things happening in your family and community. So thankful all is well with your daughter and your new grandson. God is working in so many ways!
Whew! A world-wind week! Glad to hear about the baby and your daughter. I will pray for their health. I love “The Hiding Place.” What a story!
Chris, I was just struck by the commonalities of the 4 things you shared as your God sightings. God is definitely ever-present in the ordinary, the joyful times, and some unexpected moments like that of the 6-year-old. We just need to keep looking. I am glad that Dee has introduced us to the prompts for a God Hunt!
Thank you, all. Yes, Bing, He is present in all and I love stopping to notice this as well. We must look for it. It’s interesting in The Hiding Place, how Corrie notices Betsy seeing more and more of life in the eternal as she grows closer to the end. This is true. Don’t we see it in others as well? I want to see things as the Lord does.
Please pray for my son who has a court date this Friday for his divorce. He is holding out hope for repentance from his wife. He has asked her to get an appointment at Set Free Ministries and show some movement toward change. If she does, he will postpone the divorce. We had a conversation last night about what that might look like, our hopes and fears. Praying discernment for him and repentance and courage for her. ❤️ Before our talk, I was going to enter the new baby’s name in my birthday calendar for the family and saw his wife’s name there. I considered erasing and then decided I needed to keep praying for her salvation despite the outcome of their marriage. Our son feels confident of her salvation despite her actions-I pray this is true, so then we pray for repentance.
Oh how sweet is fellowship like you described. And so thankful for your grandson to arrive safely. I agree with your prayer for your daughter.
Chris, How sweet to hear about the safe arrival of the new little grandson. Such a fresh blessing from God.
you are right that your daughter in-law needs your prayers. Repentance applies whether she is saved or not. She needs it to be saved if her profession wasn’t real or she needs it to be restored to fellowship with her savior. If she is God’s child her misery will only increase as she bucks God’s will. My daughter in law is so hard but God keeps reminding me of his love for her. My challenge comes in loving her like He does. Without a doubt prayer is foremost.
Awe, thanks for this reminder, Bev. Praying still for your DIL. Life is hard, but He brings beauty.
Sunday: Seeing God in Everyday Life
How have you “spied” God this week?
—Now that I am home in Nebraska and starting to settle back into routine a bit more where I have my own little desk and quiet space every morning I have experienced some scripture that have been radio active. After the extended fatigue I have experienced from being sick I am starting to wake up at my usual earlier time. It has been refreshing for me to get back into personal study of God’s Word in a consistent way. I started studying the book of Romans and I am using the SOAP method. Summary; Observation; Application and Prayer. It has been good to hear from the Lord through the passages as I consider the truths of His Word. It truly is the only place I consistently find satisfaction for my heart’s needs.
This morning in 1 Peter 1:5 God spoke to my heart where it says “And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power…..” As I put my trust in Him I am covered by his power and I certainly know just how weak I am and in need of His strength and power.
He reminded me this past week that there is no other relationship in this world or in my life that can truly satisfy and meet the deepest needs of my heart and life. Only Jesus!
Amen, Bev!: He reminded me this past week that there is no other relationship in this world or in my life that can truly satisfy and meet the deepest needs of my heart and life. Only Jesus!
I so agree that having a routine that starts with quiet time and study time with God is so so important, every day!
I am looking forward to spring break and getting myself back together too. Glad you are home.
Bev, glad to hear that you are back home and slowly recovering from illness. I trust Terry is as well. Aahhh…the truth of God’s Word. and only Jesus! Yes, indeed!
Bev, I love your steady faith. I have used the SOAP method, but never heard it called that. Great way to remember.
I like the SOAP method! Hadn’t heard that but it’s good. We could do here sometimes.
1. How have you “spied” God this week?
Oh what a week I had. Between my husband’s surgery, Grace sick, me sick, a horrible incident at work, doctor’s appointments, junior prom (my responsibility), ugh! Back off devil! So, where God? I would have to say in the middle of the night Wednesday when Grace kept waking me up to either lose it from the top or the bottom (!) I thought she had food poisoning. Each time I got up I felt okay. Not too tired, not impatient with her, not mad that I wasn’t getting to sleep knowing that I had to work the next day. I thanked Him in those quiet hours, for giving me that strength and patience. Thank You Lord.
Oh, I’m sorry Laura. That’s awful. I’ve had my 2 year old grandson while my daughter is in hospital with the new baby and he also has the stomach bug. Changing sheets, baths, yuk. I hope Grace is better soon. I love that God sustained you for the task and you could see that and be thankful. ❤️
❤️
Amen to Chris, Laura.
Gosh Laura, What a tough week. God giving you strength and patience to minister to Grace’s need is where the rubber meets the road and our relationship with the Lord becomes real as we rely on Him to get us through. I remember the patience and care of my Grandmother getting up in the night to care for me when I was a little girl and I had the measles. I had gotten sick while visiting at her home and had to stay with her. It is a clear memory that has never left me. God bless you Laura. 💕
Oh Bev, this is heartening! You remember your grandma during measles. She kept saying, “I’m sorry Nana, thank you Nana.” She told our friend that her “…Nana took good care of her while she was sick.” This was huge for me, as she is so difficult these days, in general. I think she struggles with missing her mommy. I get the heat. I guess prayers for little Grace are surely welcomed. Thanks in advance!
He is, indeed, in our mundane, the bud and ugly, the demands of those we love and are called to care for. Whew, Laura, I got tired just reading about what you are going through right now. So blessed by your response. Jesus in you!
Yes, me too! The event at school is ongoing. One of my close colleagues was walked out 2 weeks ago. A criminal investigation. It’s awful. I’m going through the stages of grief. I just got relief from my second job last night though. A deadline was moved until next year. Yay! Thank You Lord!
Oh, my Laura, what a stressful week. I love how Grace appreciated your love and your care. It shows how her heart loves you, even though she may have difficult days. You have been a Mom and Nana to her and I know that she will always love you deeply, even though you get the brunt of her negative times too. She is hurting and has no where for her pain to go. You are such a blessing and a wonderful influence to your grandchildren. God bless you, deare Laura.🙏❤️
❤️
Monday: Wives, Submit!
2. Many are upset by this verse: Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22) How does looking at the context of Ephesians 5:25 help? I like Patti’s answer to this question. I see this as an extension of the created order.
3, In the same way, Peter says: “Likewise, wives be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives.” It is important to look at the word “Likewise.” Find what this is referring to in:
A. 1 Peter 2:13
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution….
B. 1 Peter 2:18
Servants be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.
C. 1 Peter 2:21-23
follow Christ’s example-when he suffered he did not threaten, but continued trusting himself to him who judges justly.
D. And later 1 Peter 3:7
Likewise husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
4. What clarity does this bring? What has submission been like in your marriage and what have you learned?
As Patti said, this is a mutual submission with Christ in the middle. We are always to be humble and Christ-like. I have not always done this well. Many times I have fought against this and wanted my own way. I have learned that submission and trusting the Lord is definitely a more peaceful means to contentment. We think we cannot be content unless we have our way, but often our way brings chaos and suffering instead of peace. I am learning to trust God more and more.
From Chris
I have learned that submission and trusting the Lord is definitely a more peaceful means to contentment. We think we cannot be content unless we have our way, but often our way brings chaos and suffering instead of peace. I am learning to trust God more and more.
Monday: Wives, Submit!
2. Many are upset by this verse: Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22) How does looking at the context of Ephesians 5:25 help?
—It is important to start with verse 21 which says “And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Then the writer says and this is how it looks for both the wife and the husband. “Wives submit to your husband as to the Lord.” When we have an attitude of submission to Jesus that should carry over to our husband by giving him first place in our lives. The pattern for that is Christ as head of the Church and our husband as head of our home. That is no way a dictatorial authority but a huge responsibility on the husband. Then he instructs the husband in how he should submit to his wife by practicing a sacrificial love for her as is shown in verse 25. That verse helps immensely to bring balance to the instructions that are being given.
3, In the same way, Peter says: “Likewise, wives be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives.” It is important to look at the word “Likewise.” Find what this is referring to in:
A. 1 Peter 2:13
—For the Lord’s sake, submit to to all human authority—
B. 1 Peter 2:18
—Slaves submit to your masters with all respect.
C. 1 Peter 2:21-23
—We are called to do good, even in suffering because Christ suffered for us and He is our example. He never sinned or deceived anyone. And he didn’t retaliate when insulted nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in God’s hands.
D. And later 1 Peter 3:7
—“In the same way (likewise) you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.”
4. What clarity does this bring? What has submission been like in your marriage and what have you learned?
—These scriptures bring clarity when looked at as a whole and bring balance to the truth being taught.
After 58+ years of marriage we have lived the good, the bad and the ugly. 😀 We started out as kids (literally). Both only 18 years old so the learning process has in some ways been long and honestly slow. But God in his grace stuck with us and as we grew in our knowledge of what the Bible says through good biblical teaching in our churches over the years and more than one marriage conference or retreat the practice of submission is a beautiful thing. Not without struggle in our fleshly natures but as long as we keep Christ at the center of our own personal lives we then give Him place at the center of our marriage and experience a sweet fellowship with each other. I would add prayer has been no small factor. Initially others prayed for us and now today we pray regularly together.
Love this Bev: I would add prayer has been no small factor. Initially others prayed for us and now today we pray regularly together.
Bev, as usual, you have such a graceful way of putting things. I love the part about each of you putting Christ at the center of your own lives and how that grows into fellowship in your marriage. It is so true. Without Him in BOTH of our lives, there would be little peace in the marriage.
Bev — I added Ephesians 5:21 to the lesson — thanks!
Such a wonderful post, Bev. So important to have Christ at the center of our relationship. It makes all the difference. Even as a widow, it continues to be a comfort for me that my husband grew to love the Lord deeply. He would teach his students, with personal lessons on his life before Christ and how Christ dramatically change his heart and life.
Sunday: Seeing God in Everyday Life
We’ve called it spying Him or “The God Hunt.” Here are some ways that can happen:
How have you “spied” God this week?
I have been in a spiritual funk these days, and answering this question, Dee, has been a good “exercise” for me.
Scripture become radioactive, giving you what you need
Following the YouVersion Read Through the Bible and finding the faithfulness of God through history, when at other times in the past I have not valued the readings of books such as 1st and 2nd Samuel, nor 1st and 2nd Kings. At one point, it only took one generation for the people of God to go back to their evil ways. Oh, that I continue to be faithful!
An answer to prayer
Our daughter turned 35 on the 14th, and Richard and I went down to Kansas City to take her out to eat. A week before we went down, I prayed for a break in her schedule so we could spend time with her. Come to find out, she has changed her weekday off and was off on her birthday! We enjoyed some Chinese food and shopped at a new Asian Supermarket. I got to have some really good quality time with her over ice cream at her favorite shop. Richard went to get some gas, and I had those precious minutes visiting with her about how it feels to be 35. Aside from being qualified to run for president at her age. Hah!
Unusual timing or circumstances
Our two Children’s church leaders were unable to lead one Sunday, and it worked out for me to facilitate a lesson on the meaning of the Lord’s Supper. They had questions, and I saw spiritual eyes open, especially among the older kids. When we went back to the sanctuary, it was just the right time for the Lord’s Supper, and the kids were able to observe the “process,” and I hope the experience added to their understanding of what we have discussed.
The splendor of God’s creation
Dandelions! I see several of them popping up in our yard. I have a love-hate relationship with them. But the day I worked in the garden, I thanked God for them, for that vibrant yellow color, and the lesson their tenacious root system gave me.
His peace in a time of anxiety
We have several members in our congregation who are in their upper 80’s and upper 90’s who are now homebound. One of them is like a mother to me. Seeing her failing and struggling with it is very sad for me. But God has been giving me peace in times of anxiety over her physical well-being.
His help to do His work in the world
The Lord provided somebody to help me with technology issues during a Zoom presentation last Friday.
His wisdom in a decision
Making time, taking a pause, before saying yes to somebody’s request, relying on God to give me clarity, and being patient.
Beautiful Bing. I love seeing the Lord working in your life, despite your feeling sluggish spiritually. I also have a daughter with a birthday on the 14th! She is 33 🙂, my oldest. She was born in Louisiana at Ft. Polk Army Hospital, when my husband was in the service. That life seems like so long ago.
Wow Bing, You answered every sections suggested and what a beautiful example of evaluating God’s working in your life. Not first that you were in a spiritual funk I trust your heart was lifted by remembering all those important things in your week. It was sweet to hear about your time with your daughter. What a blessing to a mother’s heart. 💕
Wonderful how the Lord arranged time with your daughter!
What an inspiration you are, Bing! I love that you he time with your precious daughter. I love how you see the Lord in every minute of your week! I know you have blessed many by your love of them and your joy in Jesus.
Monday: Wives, Submit!
2. Many are upset by this verse: Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22) How does looking at the context of Ephesians 5:25 help?
I remember when Don gave Jim and I marriage counseling he went over this passage and I was quite surprised how much he focused on verse 25 and stressed to Jim how important is was for him to love me with a sacrificial love. He put more of the responsibility on Jim than me being submissive which he said would be the outcome of his sacrificial love for me.
3, In the same way, Peter says: “Likewise, wives be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives.” It is important to look at the word “Likewise.” Find what this is referring to in:
A. 1 Peter 2:13
For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority.
B. 1 Peter 2:18
Slaves must submit to their masters with all respect.
C. 1 Peter 2:21-23
God called us to do good, even if it means suffering , just as Christ suffered. He’s our example, and we must follow in His steps…He never sinned nor deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threatened revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
D. And later 1 Peter 3:7
In the same way husbands must give honor to their wives, treating them with understanding…she may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
4. What clarity does this bring? What has submission been like in your marriage and what have you learned?
I am so thankful for the counseling we received before we married as we went through many of the above passages. Also, the fact we were both raised in homes where a Christian marriage was modeled according to these passages.
I have learned the importance of keeping Christ as the center of our marriage and our lives.
How like Don to do that! As Chris says, we need more pastors like that.
Sharon, I love the part about your marriage counseling. I wish we had that experience! Ours wasn’t bad but my husband pulled out one phrase from our pastor about how we shouldn’t try to change each other and honestly, probably good advice, but my husband at the time had a stubborn streak and unfortunately it was many years before he was willing for even the Lord to change him, let alone my influence in his life. Our submission really must be with the Lord first. The part about the husband’s submission being an outcome of his sacrificial love for the wife is beautiful. Why do more pastors not focus on this? We have this now in my marriage, thankfully, and it is beautiful.
What a huge blessing to get such wonderful marriage counseling, Sharon! Is this your father in law? That would be so powerful, in a wonderful way. I love this: I am so thankful for the counseling we received before we married as we went through many of the above passages. Also, the fact we were both raised in homes where a Christian marriage was modeled according to these passages.
I have learned the importance of keeping Christ as the center of our marriage and our lives.
If I remember right Don was your father in law? What a blessing to have his valuable input from God’s Word in his son’s life and marriage. And his example as well.
Sharon, thank you for the reminder of keeping Christ as the center of our marriage and our lives. My husband and I are different in so many ways, and it is this passage I go back to whenever I feel a struggle in submitting to Richard. My submission ultimately is to the Lord first; amazing when my submission is in that proper order, that submission to earthly humans finds its proper place.
Monday: Wives, Submit!
1. Many are upset by this verse: Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22) How does looking at the context of Ephesians 5:25 help?
v. 25 further clarifies the order: the husband has the great responsibility of being like Christ in his love to his wife; he is the one admonished to give himself up, and not vice versa.
I also think that v. 21 has a bearing on this area of submission. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” We have been given our role “out of reverence for Christ”. He is the HUB of our wheel, if I can use the illustration. The husband and wife cannot make the wheel function efficiently without the hub.
God is the God of order. And we are blessed when we follow his order.
3. In the same way, Peter says: “Likewise, wives be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives.” It is important to look at the word “Likewise.” Find what this is referring to in:
A. 1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority
B. 1 Peter 2:18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God, submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate but also to those who are harsh
C. 1 Peter 2:21-23 to this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example. To follow, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
D. And later 1 Peter 3:7 be considerate as you live with your wives and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
4. What clarity does this bring? What has submission been like in your marriage and what have you learned?
Went back to I Peter Chapter 2 and it seems like 2:13, or even before that, is Peter’s way of saying how we should live godly lives in front of this ungodly world, being recipients of mercy. V. 10 and being a light to the pagans. V. 12 And Peter addressed submission even among slaves in 2:18. There seems to be an order by which he presented his exhortation. From a high-strung, foot-in-his-mouth person, I would say Peter has exhibited gentleness with authority in his writing to us.
A stark example for me of submission is a time early on in our marriage when I had an idea I wanted us to pursue. I mentioned it once, upon which Richard said no. I was internally huffing and puffing because I started thinking, He loves me, He loves me not LOL. But I kept my counsel and prayed about it. In God’s timing, Richard brought it up with me, and he did not have to strong-arm me to agree! But the surprising thing for me was that he did not even remember that I had brought it up with him. And this happened a few times more in the course of our 38 years of marriage. It was such a temptation to say, “I told you so!” Or “that was my idea!” But no, I held my tongue, and I am the most blessed because I did so. I often tell myself, my role is to submit to my husband, and he is responsible to God for his role to love me. Aaahhh…that is such a comfort, even though I have messed things up also.
I remember Tim Keller, how, at one time, he asked Kathy what she thought about moving to New York, and her reply was, “Don’t put that on me. You are the head of our house!” something to that effect. I love that!
I think as a wife, I don’t pray enough for my husband to be strong in the Lord as he fulfills his role in our family. And to pray for myself that I would respect and submit to him. I consider my role of submission as God-given and to be followed.
I love your story of submission-I think I have said I told you so 🙈-but we each have our faults and overall I do wish to submit. I do see my husband’s role as authority in our home and it has been good. I love the story about the Kellers, too. In my prayer group, my friends and I have always prayed for our husbands as the heads of our homes. I learned this from my original prayer group which a neighbor invited me to back in my 30’s. I’m so thankful she did and that I said, yes!
Chris, I need to pray more with my praying friends for our husbands!
Bing, I believe these prayers have strengthened our families and helped us through many trials. When we started we met every week, but we have met once a month for years now and keep a group text for important updates. We all say our little prayer group has been a lifeline.
Richard sounds like a sensitive man and husband, Bing.
Patti, thank you. He is, and I often think he carries a lot on his shoulders as a husband and a pastor and spares me the details.
2. Many are upset by this verse: Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22) How does looking at the context of Ephesians 5:25 help?
Husbands actually submit to God by loving their wives well. Christ loves the church and gave His life for it. That’s the standard for husbands.
3A. 1 Peter 2:13
We should submit to authority.
B. 1 Peter 2:18
We should submit to our “masters.” I’m guessing this is referring to our bosses in today’s world.
C. 1 Peter 2:21-23
Christ is the example. We emulate His actions.
D. And later 1 Peter 3:7
We are equal to our husbands.
4. What clarity does this bring? What has submission been like in your marriage and what have you learned?
It looks like we are to submit. Period. Submission has been very difficult for me as I was raised by a very competent single mom. I have learned that sometimes I need to shut my mouth (!).
Laura, I love your story. And it is hard in today’s world where women have to often take care of things themselves. Men have lost their role in a lot of ways in our culture and I think it is a beautiful thing to restore-but it is hard!
Chris, I see this as true, too, nowadays: And it is hard in today’s world where women have to often take care of things themselves. Men have lost their role in a lot of ways in our culture and I think it is a beautiful thing to restore-but it is hard!
Yes! A man’s role has been hijacked by our culture. It is sad to see.
Tuesday: The Distortions
5. Read Genesis 12:10-20.
A. What did Abraham tell Sarai to do and why?
—Abraham told Sarai to lie to Egyptians about being his wife and pretend to be his sister instead. It was because of her great beauty and he feared the Egyptians would kill him and take her.
B. What happened?
—Abraham was right that they were incredibly impressed with her beauty and everyone talked about it so that Pharaoh the king heard about it and took her into his palace and he gave Abraham many gifts as a result of taking her. But God brought terrible plagues on Pharaoh and all his household because of having her there.
Somehow Pharaoh identified Sarai as Abraham’s wife and he called Abraham to the palace and rebuked him sharply then basically kicked him out of the country.
C. If there is a positive outcome from lying or stealing or any sin, does that mean God approves of it? Explain.
—I don’t believe God ever approves of any sin no matter what because He is a holy God. He cannot look on sin or tolerate it in his presence and that is why it cost the very life of his own Son as a sacrifice for sin.
6. How can considering the genre of this passage (a historical account) help you understand that God is not advocating submission to sin? (Principle of genre)
—
Within the this historical period of time there was definitely a cultural aspect to these events but sin always has consequences and the consequences of Abraham’s sin negatively affected Pharaoh and his household. It would seem culturally Sarai wasn’t in a position to buck Abraham but I think his sin was on him and revealed a heart issue. He did not trust God for a plan to protect himself and Sarai but devised his own scheme. He thought he knew better than God.
7. How does Acts 5:29 clarify a principle about submission? (Principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture)
—Peter says “We are to obey God rather than human authority”. God’s way for us has to be first above man’s way. So submitting to his authority in our lives has to come before man’s.
8. Have you ever refused to submit? Was it because of your sin or your husband’s request being sinful? Explain. (If you are single, pass or share a story from a friend.)
—Fortunately Terry has never asked me to so something that would go against God’s specific authority that might have caused me to not submit to him. I had someone very close to me whose husband was asking her to be part of an unethical practice in their business and as a believer she struggled against him.
But I look back to a time years ago when I was not understanding that my husband was trying to protect us in a hard situation. I was speaking out against an injustice being done to us in the church and characteristic of my nature wanting justice to be served. In an argument between Terry and I he said “I just can’t control you!”. I was appalled that he even thought he had the right to control me. First of all he is not a controlling person. But sadly I totally misunderstood what a hard position I was putting him in. Even though a young man at the time he had the wisdom in that situation for the need to just be quiet. He needed me to back up the train and be quiet too. Sadly I was not a quiet person in my soul and that was more needful so I wasn’t submitting but didn’t see it that way. Looking back I should have been more in tune with him but was being myopic about our situation. We’ve come a long ways since those days but it is still kind of hard work for me to be quiet. 🤐🥴
I love this story and your authenticity.
Oh, Bev! I can totally identify with your story! Although I may be quiet on the outside, I can be seething inside. Only the Spirit has helped me in the past, either by my seeing what Richard’s point is quickly after, or He has convicted me later about my lack of submission and sinful attitude. We have come a long way, too, by the grace of God.
Monday: Wives, Submit!
2. Many are upset by this verse: Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22) How does looking at the context of Ephesians 5:25 help? Honestly, I think verse 21 is more helpful, “submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” This kind of attitude can pave the way for a wife to submit to her husband. Too many times verse 22 has been used as a weapon against wives, when in actuality verses 23-33 puts a greater responsibility on the husband.
3, In the same way, Peter says: “Likewise, wives be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives.” It is important to look at the word “Likewise.” Find what this is referring to in:
A. 1 Peter 2:13 It refers to submission to civil authority and laws
B. 1 Peter 2:18 It refers to submission to employers (your boss)
C. 1 Peter 2:21-23 It refers to Jesus who was reviled and suffered for no wrongdoing, yet he did not protest but endured it for our sakes.
D. And later 1 Peter 3:7 As a godly wife might win over an unbelieving husband, so might a godly husband by loving his wife.
4. What clarity does this bring? What has submission been like in your marriage and what have you learned? Submission begins with our relationship with the Lord. We must read the Bible to learn how Christians are to live a godly life that is pleasing to the Lord, and not just individual verses. This affects ALL of our relationships with others within the Body of Christ, friends, community, society, employment, and marriage/family. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that a godly life is made possible.
I have a very traditional marriage. I was 18 and Gary was 24 when we married. I was a believer (having been saved a few months prior), and Gary was not. I went to church; he didn’t. He did not object to my going until I mentioned that I wanted to attend a baptismal class. He loudly said something about me becoming like a person who had been witnessing to him. I calmly went to the phone, called the pastor, and said I would not be coming to the class. This was the first time I remember actually deferring to my husband, although he hadn’t told me not to go, I honored his feelings. Long story short, Gary and I were baptized on the same day a few years later.
Has everything gone smoothely the last 50 years? Of course not, lol, but I’ve learned that when I don’t stay in the Word, trouble follows. “Be of the same mind…love one another…be kind to one another…forgive one another…esteem one another better than yourselves…submit to one another…” all as Christ has done to the glory of God – that the world may know….
Cheryl, Your answer to question 4 is so good. Appreciate that.
And your testimony is delightful to hear about your early marriage and how in time you and your husband were baptized on the same day.
Amen to Bev, Cheryl! I love your openness and transparency. What a beautiful silent witness of you showing obedience to God. So true about staying in the Word.
Cheryl, what a sweet story of growing in the Lord and accepting what might have seemed like a set back in your faith to set an example to your husband and obey and trust the Lord. Often the worldly way of doing things which might seem right to us is exactly the opposite of what God would have us do.
Thanks for sharing your story, Cheryl. So thankful you and your husband both know the Lord.
Wow, Cheryl! Your answer to number 4 touched my heart. God honored your deference to your husband by blessing you with your baptisms later that same day! Thank you for sharing.
3, In the same way, Peter says: “Likewise, wives be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives.” It is important to look at the word “Likewise.” Find what this is referring to in:
A. 1 Peter 2:13 – When we disobey authority, we are also disobeying God, for He has ordained the system of governing. It honors God when we are a good example. It complicates things if an authority is corrupt.
B. 1 Peter 2:18 We are to be respectful, even when masters are not good and gentle, but unreasonable.
C. 1 Peter 2:21-23 We are to continue to always entrust our selves to God, who is the righteous judge.
D. And later 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands are show their wives honor and grace. Men must honor their wives to have Spiritual fellowship with God.
4. What clarity does this bring? What has submission been like in your marriage and what have you learned?
My husband liked having his own way, yet when he gave his life to Christ, he grew in grace. He was an only child, but learned a lot having three children and working with lots of women (and men) teachers in his career. 😊 When he spent his last 20 years of teaching in a wonderful Christian school, he said he learned grace so clearly in this wonderful environment. Thank you Lord.
I smiled at your description of him. I’m so glad for your time at that school — I know you impacted many lives.
They all impacted our lives and I am so grateful for those years. Thank you Jesus.
5. Read Genesis 12:10-20.
A. What did Abraham tell Sarai to do and why? Abram told her to lie and say that she was his sister, not his wife. Sarai was very beautiful, and Abram was afraid that the Egyptians would kill him in order to take/keep Sarai for themselves.
B. What happened? Sarai’s beauty was reported to Pharaoh, and he took her into his household. He gave many gifts to Abram (sheep, oxen, donkeys, camels, servants) in exchange for Sarai (usual custom when taking a bride). The LORD plagued Pharaoh and his household, and the truth was revealed that Sarai was Abram’s wife. Pharaoh confronts Abram, tells him to take Sarai, all his belongings and leave Egypt.
C. If there is a positive outcome from lying or stealing or any sin, does that mean God approves of it? Explain. That is a very good question. I can imagine situations where I might lie to protect someone else. Example: Abusive huband asking about the location of his wife who has left/escaped him. If I knew her location, I’d probably say I didn’t know. I actually fostered a dog for someone who left an abusive relationship. The man did not know me at all, so I was never asked. I can also imagine desperate situations where someone might steal food or clothing. In the U.S. there are many avenues of help, but in other poor countries, there aren’t agencies/churches available. Imagine your child is hungry, would you steal food?
God never approves of sinful behavior, because He is Holy and Righteous. In the above scenarios the lies involved protecting the life of someone else. For my own sake, telling the truth is an absolute, I do not lie. I have told the truth even when it did not put me in a very good light. I found that instead of being criticized (even when it was my fault/mistake) people repect my integrity. I have never complained about any consequences for my actions.
6. How can considering the genre of this passage (a historical account) help you understand that God is not advocating submission to sin? (Principle of genre)
Historical passages just give us the facts of what happened. We can learn from the eamples of others’ mistakes (1Co. 10:11). We also need to remember the context. Something that took place at a certain time, with certaing people, for a specific reason, does NOT mean that it applies to believers today (5 Ws).
7. How does Acts 5:29 clarify a principle about submission? (Principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture)
Peter clearly states that he and the apostles were to obey God rather than men when they disobeyed the Jewish council/High Priest. The apostles had been told not to preach Christ, but they did anyway before this confrontation, during this confrontation, and afterwards. Their allegiance was to God’s authority first and foremost. **Interesting that the counsil’s reaction was the usual, plot to kill the apostles v.33**
We also should obey civil laws and others in authority unless we are told to do something that conflicts with God’s authority/Word.
8. Have you ever refused to submit? Was it because of your sin or your husband’s request being sinful? Explain. (If you are single, pass or share a story from a friend.) I don’t recall a time when I have refused to submit. That does not mean I haven’t questioned any decision or offerred my opinion about anything. My husband usually makes quick decisions, and I like to think on it awhile and how that decision will affect us and family/others. If we cannot agree we usually compromise, in some instances I will defer to him.
This reminds me of when we had an opportunity to rent a dairy farm. My husband’s family were dairy farmers, and he had managed a dairy farm. He quit when I became pregnant and went back to a better paying job with insurance. We owned a three bedroom home in a lovely village, church family/friends and we left that for a single wide trailer, very rural area, knew no one, with children aged 4 and 2. I recall my sister asking why I would want to do that. I still remember what I said, “If Gary is providing the income, he should be doing what he wants to do.” I did not want to be responsible for him always wondering “what if…”
Thanks for “listening” to me ramble. I am really kind of amazed that I had such wisdom when I was so young.
You were simply loving your husband!
I love your rambles, Cheryl. ❤️You were loving and supportive of your husband.
I like the irony you point out in the apostles desire to preach the gospel and disobey the Jewish council, while the council plots to kill -clearly disobeying scripture.
I also, like your story about your husband’s choice in jobs. Love that you supported him. I agree and did the same when my husband felt he needed to serve in the Army 7 months into our marriage -or he would always regret not doing so.
5. Read Genesis 12:10-20.
A. What did Abraham tell Sarai to do and why? Abram wanted Sarai to say she was his sister in order to spare his own life, thinking he would be killed so they could take Sarai if they knew the two were married. In fact, I believe Sarai was Abram’s half-sister, nevertheless he was asking her to deceive the Egyptians. I have to wonder what she was thinking-would this lie keep her safe? Didn’t she endanger herself being taken into Pharaoh’s household? Such a crazy story!
B. What happened? Pharaoh did take Sarai but the Lord afflicted him and his house with GREAT PLAGUES, for doing so and sent her and Abram away with all that they had.
C. If there is a positive outcome from lying or stealing or any sin, does that mean God approves of it? Explain. Abram was protected because of God’s covenant to him in the beginning of his call to him back in verse 2 where He says He will make him into a great nation, blessing those who bless him and cursing those who curse him. The irony here is that Abram believed God’s promise and left his home to go to a place God would show him, but he did not trust God to get him there safely. God does not approve of lying. We have the 10 commandments for a reason. Abram was looking out for himself. God did not need his help to make his plan come about. I remember a story in The Hiding Place where some of Corrie’s family are hidden under a kitchen table and the German officers come to find them. Her sister cannot lie and says where they are, but breaks into nervous laughter right after. The officers are offended and think she is trying to be silly when in fact they are under the floor boards. There are many other times in her story where deception is used to keep Jews safe, but it is out of love and much sacrifice to those who are lying. Abram’s lie seems to be more self-serving. I don’t believe God necessarily approves of such lies, but we see in the Bible many times where God looks at the heart, not the law. In the end, God is just whatever happens.
6. How can considering the genre of this passage (a historical account) help you understand that God is not advocating submission to sin? (Principle of genre) This is not the law in Exodus, but a historical account of Abram. We see his humanity here and God’s response. God blesses Abram as he promised. God’s promises do not depend on our good behavior or we would be doomed. God is unchanging and keeps his promises. We foolishly think we can help him fulfill these promises. Again, in The Hiding Place where Corrie is faced with her sin, she realizes she was trying to serve herself by keeping herself and Betsy protected from the harsh winter in the morning roll call. She would try to push to the middle of the group to get even a little break from the cold and wind and justifying it by thinking surely their ministry to the women with the bible study was important and their health was at risk with more exposure. She realized her small efforts to “help God” were mostly self-serving-in the horrendous conditions they faced, selfishness reared its ugly head. Surely, when she was in the middle, someone else suffered on the outside of the group.
7. How does Acts 5:29 clarify a principle about submission? (Principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture) it says we must obey God rather than men. This is seen again in The Hiding Place where Casper TenBoom is arrested and the guard has compassion and offers to let him go if he promises not to harbor any Jews. Casper says he will offer help to any one who comes to his door. We are called to obey authority, but not before obeying God.
8. Have you ever refused to submit? Was it because of your sin or your husband’s request being sinful? Explain. (If you are single, pass or share a story from a friend.) I need to think about this one. Nothing is standing out at the moment-but I am sure there is an example for we are both sinners and have 36 years of marriage between us.
“God is just whatever happens.” I am so glad that He is, and that I am not the Judge!
Such a great post, Chris. I love your details and the references to Corrie and Betsy.
Wednesday: Should Women Be Silent and Not Teach Men?
I have opinions here with which you are free to disagree in love. The following is confusing because there are verses that say women should be silent and not teach men, and yet we have biblical examples of women doing exactly the opposite and being blessed by God — women like Deborah, Priscilla, and Philip’s prophetic daughters. So this is a conundrum! Again, I think hermeneutics will help. When Scriptures seem to disagree, there is only an apparent conflict. I’ve heard so many explanations of these hard verses, but they don’t hold up like John Stott’s did to me. He was such a godly man, and an intellect, much like Keller.
9. Read Acts 18:24-27
A. What did Apollos teaching lack?
—The basis for his teaching was what John the Baptist had taught concerning repentance. According to Wiersbe he did not have the completed teaching of the Gospel involving the baptism of the Holy Spirit and founding of the church.
B. Who helped him understand the gospel and which name comes first of the two?
—It was Priscilla and Aquilla who took him aside and explained and taught him the way of God more accurately. Priscilla is named first.
C. How do you see diplomacy in verse 26?
—They didn’t confront Apollos publicly as to what his teaching lacked but took him aside privately and taught him.
10. Rarely, but at times, a passage will given eternal principal, but then some cultural examples that are only relevant for that time. One example is 1 Peter 3:3-4. What is the eternal principle? Do you think the examples might be cultural instead of eternal? (Stott says the strict interpretation would say it all should be eternally obeyed. Liberal interpretation would say none of it should be obeyed. He says the eternal principle should be obeyed, but we are not bound to the example.)
—The eternal principle concerns the heart and defines true beauty as having a gentle and quiet spirit. The outside appearance of a woman in how she does her hair and how nice her jewelry and her clothes are should not be considered the true measure of her beauty. I don’t see this as any kind of instruction to not do their hair or wear fancy jewelry and clothes but rather the issue was a vanity problem. Culturally when this was written there was an obsession with these things and it has continued in various other cultures down through the ages. I would say today in our culture this still is a huge problem. All you have to do is look at the advertising that bombards us daily. Our culture is obsessed with itself. Excess is never good. It can be consuming and very distracting.
11. Read 1 Timothy 2:8. Can you see both an eternal principle and a cultural illustration?
—I never thought of this scripture as a literal instruction to hold your hands up while praying but had thought of it as a posture of the heart. To have a right attitude and and a clean heart before God. And interestingly I never thought of it as gender specific. I grew up with the use of masculine pronouns often meaning men and women or addressing people in general including men and women. And I never thought of it as just a cultural practice issue either. I think the practice of raising hands then and raising hands now is a good idea but in no way a requirement because the eternal principle is the need to have a right heart before God when praying.
12. Read 1 Timothy 2:9-10. Can you see both an eternal principle and cultural illustrations? (Repeated in 1 Peter 3:3-4)
—it is interesting to observe over the ages how these scriptures have taken on cultural applications and even ridiculous rules imposed on women that have been really quite twisted when all is said and done. I can hear Paige Benton Brown ringing in my head and saying “It’s the heart, Stupid!!” I see the eternal principle as again coming back to having a clean heart before God that results in good character and edifying behavior.
13, Read 1 Timothy 2:11-14. This one is harder, but if you consider how part of it disagrees with other Scriptures concerning women you might be able to separate the eternal from the cultural. Or you may disagree. Tomorrow you’ll read John Stott’s exposition of it.
—Lots here and other scriptures that need to be considered. In the end I believe context of Scripture is important to bring balance and Scripture doesn’t nullify itself because of contrasting thoughts.
Look forward to Stott’s input.
Tuesday: The Distortions
5. Read Genesis 12:10-20.
A. What did Abraham tell Sarai to do and why?
To tell the Egyptians that she was his sister rather than his wife so they wouldn’t kill him, spare his life and treat him well because of their interest in her.
B. What happened?
Everyone noticed Sarai’s beauty and sang her praises to Pharaoh and she was taken into his palace.
Pharaoh gave her many gifts, but the LORD sent terrible plagues upon Pharaoh and his household because of Sarai.
Pharaoh sent for Abram and accused him sharply asking what he’d done to him. Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife instead of telling me she was your sister?
Pharaoh then told Abram to take her and get out and ordered some of his men to escort them…sending Abram out of the country along with his wife and all his possessions.
C. If there is a positive outcome from lying or stealing or any sin, does that mean God approves of it? Explain.
A resounding NO!
We serve a holy God who couldn’t even look upon His Son when He took on the sin of the world.
6. How can considering the genre of this passage (a historical account) help you understand that God is not advocating submission to sin? (Principle of genre)
I like what Matthew Henry says on this…
“The scripture is impartial in relating the misdeeds of the most celebrated saints, which are recorded, not for our imitation, but for our admonition, that he who thinks he stands may take heed lest he fall.”
7. How does Acts 5:29 clarify a principle about submission? (Principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture)
That God must be obeyed rather than human authority.
8. Have you ever refused to submit? Was it because of your sin or your husband’s request being sinful? Explain. (If you are single, pass or share a story from a friend.)
In the last few years I have really struggled submitting (and at times refusing) in going to the church we had been at for over 20 years because of theological differences and lack of Biblical teaching. There were several Sundays that my husband went alone…he too was struggling with leaving due to friendships and yet knew I had valid concerns. I didn’t push the issue, letting my husband take the lead and A LOT of prayer that God would open his eyes! Which He finally did.
Bev: Love your “It’s the heart, stupid.” And also the idea that they did go overboard — wealthy women employed someone just to do their hair for it took 3 or 4 hours. Good to ask, what is the cultural application today?
Oh Sharon, that must have been such a hard situation. I can see how you let the Holy Spirit guide and direct through your praying.
Love this, Sharon: A resounding NO!
We serve a holy God who couldn’t even look upon His Son when He took on the sin of the world.
Sharon, the church thing is so hard. We went through a similar situation, however, theology was not the problem. It was hard for me to continue to go after all our kids left, but my husband was elder and obligated to finish his term. I went physically, but my heart wasn’t in it. My husband felt unsupported. I didn’t really know how to support him in that other than prayer. Looking back, I might have done things differently, but I’m just not sure how-everything about it was hard and sad.
Sharon, such a good quote from Matthew Henry.
My posts are appearing in wrong places, but hope you see them!
Dee
Yes Dee I caught your comment to me.
Wednesday: Should Women Be Silent and Not Teach Men?
9. Read Acts 18:24-27
A. What did Apollos teaching lack?
“Since he only knew the baptism of John it is likely he preached that the Messiah had come and we must repent and respond to Jesus. He had little knowledge of of the full person and work of Jesus Christ. “(Guzik)
B. Who helped him understand the gospel and which name comes first of the two?
Priscilla and Aquila.
Priscilla’s name comes first in the (ESV, NLT, NIV, NASB).
Aquila comes first in the (KJV,NKJV).
C. How do you see diplomacy in verse 26?
They took him aside rather than in front of everyone and explained the way of God more accurately.
10. Rarely, but at times, a passage will given eternal principal, but then some cultural examples that are only relevant for that time. One example is 1 Peter 3:3-4. What is the eternal principle? Do you think the examples might be cultural instead of eternal? (Stott says the strict interpretation would say it all should be eternally obeyed. Liberal interpretation would say none of it should be obeyed. He says the eternal principle should be obeyed, but we are not bound to the example.)
The eternal principle is the heart.
Jesus said in Mark 7:20 to His disciples, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you.” Further up in this passage the Pharisees had questioned Jesus as to why the disciples didn’t follow the old-age tradition of eating without first performing the hand-washing ceremony. Jesus always had to point out to the Pharisees and religious teachers that it was about the heart. Just like He told Nicodemus he had a heart problem.
11. Read 1 Timothy 2:8. Can you see both an eternal principle and a cultural illustration?
Again the eternal principle is the heart…worshiping God free from anger and controversy.
The culture is, “In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted to God…”
12. Read 1 Timothy 2:9-10. Can you see both an eternal principle and cultural illustrations? (Repeated in 1 Peter 3:3-4)
Eternal principle…”Women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do,”…the heart!
Culture…women being modest in their appearance, wear decent and appropriate clothing. Not drawing attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair, their jewelry or expensive clothes.
(Were there not temple prostitutes who were wearing indecent and inappropriate clothing and adorning themselves to draw attention to themselves?). Reminds me of 1John 2:15, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers, for when you love the world,you do not have the love of the Father in you.”
13, Read 1 Timothy 2:11-14. This one is harder, but if you consider how part of it disagrees with other Scriptures concerning women you might be able to separate the eternal from the cultural. Or you may disagree. Tomorrow you’ll read John Stott’s exposition of it.
Culture…Women should learn quietly and submissively. I (Paul) do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly.
Eternal principle…It was through a woman that Jesus came into this world and through Jesus woman are saved (“assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness and modesty”) even though they were deceived by Satan.
I like your response to 13., Sharon.
Priscilla’s name often comes first in the New Testament (four out of six times), breaking the 1st-century custom of leading with the husband’s name, which scholars suggest indicates her active leadership in ministry.
I found this on the internet after reading your answer about Priscilla’s name coming second in some translations. It is curious and I’m sure means something for her name to be first. She must have been respected in the community.
Sharon and Chris — I thought it so interesting that her names comes first except in the KJV and NKJV! I suspect they were interpreting according to their beliefs, but it was corrected in the new translations.
Does it really matter what order the names are? When first introduced to this couple it’s Aquila and his wife Priscilla; Paul sought them out and stayed with them in Corinth (common craftsmen). They travel together as Paul’s companions to Syria, and now it’s Priscilla and Aquilla. Paul leaves them in Ephesus where they encounter Apollos in a synagogue where women would not have prominence, Aquila and Priscilla.
Priscilla and Aquilla; Aquilla and Priscilla. The wonderful thing to me is that her name is mentioned three times in this chapter in three ways: wife (hospitality to Paul), travel companion of Paul (the only female companion mentioned), teacher (of Apollos). The other outstanding thing is that she and Aquilla were a team, a cohesive unit, in life and service to the Lord.
Cheryl, I like the point you make and the careful note of her position in community. I do think custom comes into play as we look at women’s roles throughout history. I can remember when women were always put second in letter writing for example. If addressing a letter for mailing to a family, the husband’s name would be put first, always Mr. And Mrs. -not the other way around. I guess if we are looking for clues as to the acceptance of women teaching, this may not be a great help but a small clue as to the culture around women. Is that what you are getting at Dee?
5. Read Genesis 12:10-20.
A. What did Abraham tell Sarai to do and why?
Abram told Sarai to lie and say that she was his sister, for if the Egyptians knew she was his wife, they would kill him, then take Sarai for Pharoah’s harem.
B. What happened?
Sarai was taken into Pharoah’s house and Abram was given gifts. Then the Lord struck Pharoah and his house with great plagues. Abram’s lie was exposed and Pharoah had his men escort Abram, Sarai and their belonging away.
C. If there is a positive outcome from lying or stealing or any sin, does that mean God approves of it? Explain.
I don’t believe that God approves of lies or other sins. Yet, there can be circumstances, as Cheryl mentioned, where you might have to make a decision to lie to protect a person from harm. I think of Corrie ten Boom and protecting the Jewish people. We are living in a time when that could once again be a reality in some parts of the world.
6. How can considering the genre of this passage (a historical account) help you understand that God is not advocating submission to sin? (Principle of genre)
I think this historical account shows us the vulnerabilities of all of us…humans, even the heroes of the Bible. Abram was a telling a half-truth, yet it can’t have been a good thing for Sarai to be put into Pharoah’s harem. God brought the plagues to Pharoah’s household, and Pharoah figured out the lie. Yet, God used Abram, in spite of his deception, and gave him an heir through Sarai.
7. How does Acts 5:29 clarify a principle about submission? (Principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture)
We must obey God rather than men.
8. Have you ever refused to submit? Was it because of your sin or your husband’s request being sinful? Explain. (If you are single, pass or share a story from a friend.)”
This is about submitting to something that I did not want, but felt I should be submissive. My husband was not asking me to do anything wrong, but I thought he was using poor judgment. We were young, had three small children and were buying our first home. My husband wanted a brand new home for us. I wanted a home close to our church, school and friends. My dad came out and helped us look. He had lots of experience with buying and selling homes. We did not follow my dad’s advice of an older home in the neighborhood we knew (we had only lived in Seattle for 2 1/2 years). We ended up purchasing a home, that was not even finished yet, in a brand new area where there were only four homes so far, and it was way out in the country, a little closer to where my husband taught. I’m thankful that I did not put up a fuss, because God taught us both a huge lesson through this process. I prayed the whole time that we would be able to stay in our neighborhood. As they finished the house, nothing that was in the contract was done correctly, they put the wrong siding on the house and everything was going wrong. We had to go to the real estate board, which was terrifying, and could have lost the money we’d put down on the house, but praise God, we were able to get the company to return our down payment, and we learned a huge lesson! Pray for wisdom from God before making big or ANY decisions, (both of us!),listen to our parents, no matter how old we are! Think before you spend..…. we did get one of the older houses and we loved it. We looked back many times and thanked God for his answer “no”on the new house! we even drove out to that neighborhood years later, and it was a mess! It was one of our biggest life lessons as “early marrieds”.🙏❤️ And it set a good precedent for us to discuss how we spent our money.
That was a hard way to learn so many lessons, Patti. I can just imagine the inner turmoil and anxiety, especially with young children. Deferring to our husbands isn’t always an easy thing to do.
Patti, I definitely have remained quiet at times when I thought my husband was using poor judgement. That is hard-but if I voice my opinion and he sees differently, I have to trust the Lord to show him what is right. Starting a riff between us is not helpful. Thankfully, many times when I oppose his view he is willing to listen. In fact, sometimes he wants my opinion and I do not know how to answer and find he is wishing I did. Hard decisions are sometimes easier if someone else makes them for us.
I never knew that story, Patti. Was the home you bought the one on Queen Anne where we spent so much time?
Yes, Dee. On top of Queen Anne. We were there 17 years, until we moved to Issaquah.
Patti and all,
Your example about money matters, Patti, and the rest of the responses struck a chord with me. I am often hesitant about big items, like a house or a car. And I know my prayers were anxious before. Ultimately, I have submitted to my husband, determined not to say “I told you so” if we encounter difficulties or even failure. That is the last thing he needs from me at that point. God’s protection over you and Ron is evident in how this house situation turned out, Patti.
I think this is just one example of how, as wives, we can support our husbands, either through our prayers or wise counsel from God’s word, in knowing when to speak and to give our husbands the respect God has asked us to give. And to stand by them when things do not turn out the way we expected, trusting our sovereign God.
Wednesday:
9. Read Acts 18:24-27
A. What did Apollos teaching lack? The verses say he only knew the baptism of John-this then is the baptism of repentance, which lacks forgivesness we find in Jesus.
B. Who helped him understand the gospel and which name comes first of the two? Priscilla and Aquila-her name comes first.
C. How do you see diplomacy in verse 26? After hearing his bold teaching, they took him aside and explained the ways of God to him. This wasn’t done in a confrontational way, but in a way of teaching and leading their brother in Christ to a better way.
10. Rarely, but at times, a passage will given eternal principal, but then some cultural examples that are only relevant for that time. One example is 1 Peter 3:3-4. What is the eternal principle? Do you think the examples might be cultural instead of eternal? (Stott says the strict interpretation would say it all should be eternally obeyed. Liberal interpretation would say none of it should be obeyed. He says the eternal principle should be obeyed, but we are not bound to the example.) The eternal principle is that true, imperishable beauty comes from an internal quiet and gentle spirit and not the outward adornment of braided hair or jewelry. I see this as primarily about submission and as Christ gives in many examples, its about the heart (stupid-Paige).
11. Read 1 Timothy 2:8. Can you see both an eternal principle and a cultural illustration? Praying would be eternal, lifting hands cultural-it is not required for prayer.
12. Read 1 Timothy 2:9-10. Can you see both an eternal principle and cultural illustrations? (Repeated in 1 Peter 3:3-4) the cultural illustration would involve the type of dress/hair styles perceived as respectable for a woman who professes godliness. The eternal principle would be to exhibit modesty and self-control-with good works.
13, Read 1 Timothy 2:11-14. This one is harder, but if you consider how part of it disagrees with other Scriptures concerning women you might be able to separate the eternal from the cultural. Or you may disagree. Tomorrow you’ll read John Stott’s exposition of it. Boy. I can’t wait to hear the exposition. I’m going to pass on my understanding because I am not sure. I have always believed that women should submit to men’s teaching and women should not teach men, though it’s not that a woman cannot teach a man anything (as we see with Priscilla). The verses before this are on prayer and after are qualifications for elders and deacons. It seems to me this is how women fit in the role of the church.
Prayer request: My daughter, Madeline, who just had the baby on Sunday, was admitted last night for severe symptoms of post partum preeclampsia. I appreciate healing prayers. Also, a friend of the family took his life Monday-another funeral coming. We were not especially close with this man but neighbors with the extended family for many years and associations with them through cows, 4H, and haircuts from his mom and sister. Our hearts are broken for them. Their family has been through a lot before this. Lastly, my son’s court date tomorrow afternoon for the divorce. My sweet boy asked me this week about fasting. He’s hoping for that miracle, yet.
Chris, such sadness right now. I’m so sorry. I am praying right now for all of it. Please rest in Him today. ❤️🙏
Oh, so many things at one time. I will pray for your sweet Madeline to be totally healed, and for your son today, at his court date. May God be very close to your daughter and your son today, dear Chris. And may God uphold the family of this man who took his life.
Oh Chris. So much. Father please show your mercy to Madeleine and also Chris’s son.
Agreeing in prayer with the others here for these hard things affecting your lives.
”May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13
Chris, so many things to trust God for, but we know He is able and is for our good. We live in a fallen world, but we see God’s faithfulness to us, his children. Praying for Madeline, your friend’s family, and your son. God is our refuge in times like these.
In times like these, we need a Savior
In times like these, we need an Anchor
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.
Dear Lord, I join everyone and agree for healing, for Chris’s son, and for the grieving family. Thank You for Your great love and compassion, amen
Thank you all for prayers. Praise God our daughter is hopefully coming home today from hospital. She had to be monitored every hour the first night while on a magnesium drip, but her blood pressure is finally staying down and all other tests are coming back normal, thank God.
Now on to the court date. So strange, but my son and his wife are meeting for breakfast before. I’m not sure how to understand this-I guess he has tried to get her to make changes to show him remaining married was an option, but she has not. They have worked at forgiveness and acceptance and are able to meet together and talk. I don’t know how he is able to do this except through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you all for your prayers.
Praise God that Madeline is coming home and that her tests came back normal. Praying for the Holy Spirit to be very present when your son and his wife meet. May God be glorified. Praying for your neighbors after this great loss.
5. Read Genesis 12:10-20.
A. What did Abraham tell Sarai to do and why?
He told her to pretend she was his sister so the Pharaoh wouldn’t kill him. He said she was so beautiful that they would want her and have to get rid of him. If they thought he was her brother, they would spare him to get to her.
B. What happened?
At first, the Pharaoh gave him sheep and cattle and gifts. But God produced plagues on the land because of the lie. The Pharaoh figured out about the deception and questioned Abram. He told them to leave the land.
C. If there is a positive outcome from lying or stealing or any sin, does that mean God approves of it? Explain.
I have usually thought that telling a “white lie” to protect someone was ok. I could see how Abram would be afraid, but I suppose he should have trusted fully on God to take care of them. He tried to control the situation. Maybe his faith was not that strong at that point?
I suspect that God does not want us to sin at all. Even white lies. But alas! We are human and do. I’m thinking of Corrie Ten Boom here, since we spoke of her last week. She basically snuck her Bible into the camp and was blessed by God by the soldiers not finding it! He protected her. Was her action a type of sin? She was breaking the rules for good. I don’t know. They hid Jews. That was lying to save someone. Was that okay? If they didn’t, harm would have come to those people. God allowed it for a time.
I agree on the ideas you have about doing wrong to protect others-we should at all cost find a way to help without sin, but in the end we obey God over man with regard to laws and so we might have to disobey authority. No one would say Moses mother was wrong to hide her baby in a basket rather than follow the orders to have him killed. Same goes for hiding Jews or lying to authorities to protect someone. Corrie’s sister could not speak a lie and yet she deceived the authorities and lived a lie by hiding her boys from the soldiers-Such hard times.
I agree that God would have us protect others. Rahab is in the Hebrews Hall of Fame for her “friendly welcome ot the spies” which must mean her protection of them. Tertullioa said the gospel is ever crucified between two thieves: legalism and antinomianism. A legalist would tell Rahab not to lie, and antinomianism (against the law) would tell her not to worry about the law of not deceiving – -the gospel would say look to the Spirit of the Law, which she did! She could have been killed by the spies, but she was willing to lay down her life for the lives of the spies.
I agree with you Dee…Rahab was the first person that came to my mind. I remember telling my kids that lying was wrong and their response was,”Rahab lied when she hid the spies!” 😜
Sharon, you have such smart kids! Hahaha.
Thank you for this, Dee. It is such a good way to analyze 0ur choices! Look to the Word of God first. I love the story of Rehab! It is so important to stay in the Word, especially at our time in history.
Sharon, Your answer makes me smile. Amen to Chris…smart kids…they know the Word.☺️
L.aura, I also wondered about Abram’s faith at this point. All he knew of God was that he needed to leave Haran and travel, and God’s promises of blessing to come. Abram did not really know much at all
Read Acts 19: 24-27
A. What did Apollos teaching lack?
Apollos was only teaching of the baptism of John. He did not know of the Holy Spirit or the baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus.
B. Who helped him understand the gospel and which name comes first of the two?
Priscilla and Aquila helped Apollos to understand the true gospel. Priscilla is mentioned first.
C. How do you see diplomacy in verse 26?
Priscilla and Aquila did not speak out in front of others. They too Apollos aside and explained the way of God through Jesus more thoroughly.
10. Rarely, but at times, a passage will given eternal principal, but then some cultural examples that are only relevant for that time. One example is 1 Peter 3:3-4. What is the eternal principle? Do you think the examples might be cultural instead of eternal? (Stott says the strict interpretation would say it all should be eternally obeyed. Liberal interpretation would say none of it should be obeyed. He says the eternal principle should be obeyed, but we are not bound to the example.)
The eternal principle is about the heart. The quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, is precious to God, and it starts in the heart. If the heart sees God rightly, the beauty of Christ will be seen in the love of the Lord filling the woman’s being, her countenance, her behavior, her speaking and mostly her love of God and others. It is an inner beauty that shines for the Lord and has nothing to do with her hair do, her dress and embellishments. The adornments may be different in each culture, but the principle of inner beauty and a heart for God are eternal…even to old age.
11. Read 1 Timothy 2:8. Can you see both an eternal principle and a cultural illustration?
Yes, it seems to speak to men taking the responsibility of having clean, repented hearts and a Christ-like attitude, reflecting a life committed to Jesus in their sincere prayer life, rather than a ‘show’ of prayerful attitude, which may not represent who they are in their hearts and homes. These are cultural and eternal principles of how men should pray, without wrath and dissension.
12. Read 1 Timothy 2:9-10. Can you see both an eternal principle and cultural illustrations? (Repeated in 1 Peter 3:3-4
I love this and it also speaks to the inner beauty and love of Jesus, from the heart. The heart controls our desires, and incorruptible beauty and love of God. If the heart and soul are right with Jesus, our works will reflect our love of and interest in others, rather than conceited self interest. Eternal and cultural. The outer embellishments may change with the times, but the heart is always what determines who and what we are in Jesus.
13, Read 1 Timothy 2:11-14. This one is harder, but if you consider how part of it disagrees with other Scriptures concerning women you might be able to separate the eternal from the cultural. Or you may disagree. Tomorrow you’ll read John Stott’s exposition of it.
I follow the Words of Jesus first. This says it all for me:
Jesus did not directly address the topic of women teaching, nor did He explicitly restrict it. However, he challenged cultural norms by teaching women, including them in his ministry, and commissioning them as the first witnesses to his resurrection.
Women teachers have a wisdom and viewpoint that is different than men. I have learned much from both. Woman understand women, so it is very important to have women teaching Bible. The two viewpoints of men and women can blend to make a strong union and wise decisions. Marriage combines these two viewpoints and if Jesus is the most important person in the lives of both husband and wife, there is a better chance for wise decisions. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. Jesus has to be more important that “I” even if you are single. His wisdom overrides mine daily. Thank you Lord!
Patti, I love your answer to 13 🙂
Such a good answer. Stott says that if women are not supposed to teach men because of a propensity to being deceived, they shouldn’t be teaching women or children either. The order of creation points more to covering and submission to authority.
Wednesday: Should Women Be Silent and Not Teach Men?
I have opinions here with which you are free to disagree in love. The following is confusing because there are verses that say women should be silent and not teach men, and yet we have biblical examples of women doing exactly the opposite and being blessed by God — women like Deborah, Priscilla, and Philip’s prophetic daughters. So this is a conundrum! Again, I think hermeneutics will help. When Scriptures seem to disagree, there is only an apparent conflict. I’ve heard so many explanations of these hard verses, but they don’t hold up like John Stott’s did to me. He was such a godly man, and an intellect, much like Keller.
9. Read Acts 18:24-27
A. What did Apollos teaching lack? The death, burial, and resurrection oj Jesus. Apollos knew the OT scriptures/prophecies and that John had pointed to Jesus as the Messiah. Apollos believed that Jesus was the Messiah. It is apparent that Apollos was a Jew, well educated, persuasive speaker, and he was preaching to Jews in the synagogue.
B. Who helped him understand the gospel and which name comes first of the two? Priscilla and Aquilla who had been taught by Paul with further revelation than John the Baptist.
C. How do you see diplomacy in verse 26? Priscilla and Aquilla did not approach Apollos publicly in the synagogue, where women especially were not allowed to speak. They spoke to him privately and related the gospel of grace (death, burial, resurrection of Jesus). I can just imagine the excitement of Apollos hearing this for the first time. The three of them must have spent hours discussing it, and Apollos was included in the meetings of the asembly at Ephesus.
10. Rarely, but at times, a passage will given eternal principal, but then some cultural examples that are only relevant for that time. One example is 1 Peter 3:3-4. What is the eternal principle? Do you think the examples might be cultural instead of eternal? (Stott says the strict interpretation would say it all should be eternally obeyed. Liberal interpretation would say none of it should be obeyed. He says the eternal principle should be obeyed, but we are not bound to the example.)
Taken in context this verse is speaking directly to women who are believers mariied to men who are not believers. It’s not saying women shouldn’t ever fix their hair, wear jewelry, or wear expenisve or beautiful clothes. It’s a comparison of what will be attractive to the husband, thereby drawing hime towards Jesus, physical attractiveness vs. inner character (quiet spirit, submission, etc.).
11. Read 1 Timothy 2:8. Can you see both an eternal principle and a cultural illustration? This is Paul addressing public woship to men. The eternal principle of praying for all (verse 1), without anger from a pure heart (holy/clean hands). Cultural illustration is the raising of hands in prayer which was a common practice among both heathens/Jews/believers at this time.
12. Read 1 Timothy 2:9-10. Can you see both an eternal principle and cultural illustrations? (Repeated in 1 Peter 3:3-4) Still talking about public worship now addressed to women, “in like manner…” Eternal principle of joining in prayer publically, also with an open heart and modest appearance (not distracting). Cultural illustration is the fancy dress, hair, and jewelry worn by women at that time to draw attention to themselves.
13, Read 1 Timothy 2:11-14. This one is harder, but if you consider how part of it disagrees with other Scriptures concerning women you might be able to separate the eternal from the cultural. Or you may disagree. Tomorrow you’ll read John Stott’s exposition of it. Eternal principle is not to disrupt the teaching/message in public worship with outbusrts/arguments, but to listen and learn. Cultural is the silence of women and the restriction that they are not to teach/speak publicly. At this time men were the exclusive teachers.
Tuesday: The Distortions
In the 70’s and 80’s, Bill Gothard had a huge following, but he distorted many Scriptures. Some were very strange, such as his strong view of complete submission “even when the authority is wrong.” He told wives to submit to everything and that if it was wrong, God would deliver them in the nick of time, as He did Sarah in the following situation. I will always remember a letter I received from a woman who obeyed her husband who asked her to get an abortion. She said, “I thought God would deliver me in the nick of time, but HE DIDN’T! HOW CAN I TRUST GOD ANYMORE?” She could trust God, but not Gothard, and he had made two big mistakes in interpreting Scripture. He didn’t consider the genre of the Abram and Sarai story which is history. This is an account of the many ways God’s people both obeyed and disobeyed. It is not to be a model for us, otherwise we’d be practicing polygamy. Second, Scripture interprets Scripture. Men are to be servants leaders (Ephesians) and if man goes against God, we are to obey God. (Acts)
When Steve and I wrote Building Your House on the Lord, we addressed the distortion of headship. My editor, and late poet Luci Shaw gave us this great quote: “My husband Harold is the head of our home, and I submit to him. But in thirty years of marriage, it’s only come up twice.”
5. Read Genesis 12:10-20.
I have read Bill Gothard’s books on character sketches in the world of nature. I was so sad when I later heard the news about him from Richard.
A. What did Abraham tell Sarai to do and why?
He told Sarai to say that he is her brother (basically to lie on his behalf). He was afraid the Egyptians would kill him and take Sarai since she is beautiful.
B. What happened?
The Lord inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Sarai.
C. If there is a positive outcome from lying or stealing or any sin, does that mean God approves of it? Explain.
No. He has given me/us choices, and if we choose to sin, it has its consequences. God is holy; He cannot approve of sin.
6. How can considering the genre of this passage (a historical account) help you understand that God is not advocating submission to sin? (Principle of genre)
History is how it happened because of the choice man made. Just because God in His sovereignty has allowed the circumstances does not mean He approves of them.
7. How does Acts 5:29 clarify a principle about submission? (Principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture)
Peter responded to the high priest by saying, ” We must obey God rather than human beings.
8. Have you ever refused to submit? Was it because of your sin or your husband’s request being sinful? Explain. (If you are single, pass or share a story from a friend.)
Yes, it was because of my sin of anger and selfishness. I watched my parents’ relationship dynamics, and I have learned the “cold shoulder” treatment from my mother. My poor husband would often want to iron things out through open communication. But me? I was an immature Christian who thought I was always right and it was always his fault. Therefore, he needs to be the one to say he is sorry. Ugh. I am grateful God has shown me my sin and His truth.
Bing, I cannot picture you giving the cold shoulder from what I know of you here. That must have been ages ago! Aren’t we all glad for the love of Jesus. The old cold shoulder has been around a long time and definitely played its part in my marriage in the past. I’m glad we have been able to move past that and improve our skills to repair relationships.
Thank you for sharing your “cold shoulder” story, Bing. There are so many things we have learned kind of by “ osmosis” from our parents and friends. It’s easy to fall into patterns, and is why it’s so good to do Bible study and to know the entire Word of God. I know I have been guilty of this.
6. How can considering the genre of this passage (a historical account) help you understand that God is not advocating submission to sin? (Principle of genre)
A historical account is factual. It is what happened. I’m sure God doesn’t advocate a lot of what humans do. That’s why we needed a Savior.
7. How does Acts 5:29 clarify a principle about submission? (Principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture)
We must do what God says, not authority. But, didn’t Jesus say to obey the Roman laws? “Give to Caesar…”
8. Have you ever refused to submit? Was it because of your sin or your husband’s request being sinful? Explain. (If you are single, pass or share a story from a friend.)
Yes, I will say that I am a strong willed person. Not necessarily proud of it, but it is what it is…I own it. He is a good man, and there is just one or two things I struggle with on submission. One is his sin. The other is mine. Anything else is usually silly things (paint colors, loading the dishwasher, etc.)
15. What did you learn about God this week? About Bible interpretation? What was helpful to you?
—I was gone yesterday all day until late last night and I am involved with preparation today for a celebration tonight for my sweet sister’s 80th birthday.
I regret I just haven’t had time to enter onto answering the rest of the questions for this week because it is all so good to consider and delve into.
Dee, I wasn’t aware of you ever speaking at Founders Week at Moody Bible institute. When our two youngest children attended and graduated from there we attended most every Founders week. So did my widowed Mom and her younger sister. It was a time of great spiritual input and we heard many amazing Christian leaders and speakers there. That was from 2000 to 2006.
Joe Stowell is a wonderful and godly man who moderated those sessions at that time because he was president of the Institute. We loved his demeanor, his wisdom and his winsome way for Christ. A few years ago we used some of his video teaching in our small group. What a privilege for you to know him.
I heard Elizabeth Elliot and Joni both but at different times speak at Founders Week. I didn’t realize there was actual opposition to having a woman speak. In other words that there were men who actually walked out. I knew it was Elizabeth Elliot’s habit to make known she was speaking under the authority of the leadership. She did the same when she was invited to speak at Dallas Theological Seminary. That seemed to me to be the appropriate biblical position to take. Which I appreciate you practiced as well.
There is so much more I could relate but this whole discussion about the role of women regarding submission and authority and what is cultural and what is biblical gets pretty involved. Making spiritual applications based on eternal principles can get thorny for sure. As I’ve read through this lesson and considered the comments I do feel that men & women, male and female have different God given roles but they spiritually stand completely equal before God. Biblically there seems to clearly be an order of headship for the sake of order and even administration. God over man, husband over wife, parents over children and masters over their workers. We all know nothing really ever gets done by committee. 😊 But there is great responsibly on the part of the one who is at the position of headship and the ultimate example is God. Jesus lived out the heart of God in how He loved and led those under him. I really liked Patti’s approach to this discussion when she stated
“I follow the Words of Jesus first. This says it all for me.”
As we consider how Jesus lived and practiced his headship over his followers both men and women
He practiced within the culture in the time he lived but I believe it is significant and not cultural that He chose only men to be his disciples. I personally think it is because men and women are intrinsically and distinctly different in how God made us as male and female. So because of that our roles are different. As women we need men over us in a protective way but conversely to be truly effective men need us along side of them. One is not better than the other. And one is not more effective without the other. I just don’t have time to enter into more of this thought and I apologize for not entering in to the specifics of scripture that have been highlighted in this discussion. I think man (and woman) have greatly complicated the basics of what Jesus and the Biblical writers have given us. Cultural influences put aside eternally principles stand on their own over the course of time.
I’m not sure what year I spoke, but Steve was with me and he died in 2004. I know I was after Ann and Elisabeth and before Joni. I loved Joseph Stowell too.
9. Read Acts 18:24-27
A. What did Apollos teaching lack?
He didn’t know the way of Jesus.
B. Who helped him understand the gospel and which name comes first of the two?
Two women helped him understand; Priscilla and Aquila.
C. How do you see diplomacy in verse 26?
They took him aside. They didn’t confront him in front of everyone.
10. Rarely, but at times, a passage will given eternal principal, but then some cultural examples that are only relevant for that time. One example is 1 Peter 3:3-4. What is the eternal principle?
I suppose it is to look within people, not at their outward appearance.
Do you think the examples might be cultural instead of eternal? (Stott says the strict interpretation would say it all should be eternally obeyed. Liberal interpretation would say none of it should be obeyed. He says the eternal principle should be obeyed, but we are not bound to the example.)
I’m not sure what you are asking here. Do I think the 1 Peter verses are about the culture? Maybe. But “normal” people of the time probably didn’t have much to “adorn” themselves with, right? We, today, have lots of adornment to discuss. With respect to the eternal, I still think the verses pertain because God looks at our hearts.
11. Read 1 Timothy 2:8. Can you see both an eternal principle and a cultural illustration?
Would the cultural be the prayer hands and the eternal be no anger?
12. Read 1 Timothy 2:9-10. Can you see both an eternal principle and cultural illustrations? (Repeated in 1 Peter 3:3-4)
The cultural would be the fancy hair and such. The eternal would be the good ways in which they act.
13, Read 1 Timothy 2:11-14. This one is harder, but if you consider how part of it disagrees with other Scriptures concerning women you might be able to separate the eternal from the cultural. Or you may disagree. Tomorrow you’ll read John Stott’s exposition of it.
My translation says that Jesus’ followers all spoke and prophesied. But, in Ephesus the no believing women spoke about the false god Artemis. Paul was cautioning Timothy about this. So, this was a cultural thing. The eternal bit is that everyone should follow Jesus.
Silly me, I guess I’m very tired. Aquila was a man of course…
Laura I just inserteda picture of one typical 1st century hairdo above just for you. Wealthy women had a slave for their hairdos which took hours each day.
Haha! Funny. I guess I was thinking the average “Joe” like me.
This has been an interesting discussion with all of you. One of you said, “But I’ve always heard…” we really need to slow down and see what it really says. I know discerning the eternal principle (such as modesty) from the cultural (such as braiding hair) is hard, and if you are confused, God looks on the heart, the heart that wants to please Him, and each of us will stand alone before God.
ˆ12. Summarize the restrictive and the liberal view of verses 8-9. (Stott disagrees with both.)
The restrictive takes the verses quite literally. The liberal does not.
13. Have you experienced either?
Yes, we are having this issue in our church currently. Our pastor’s wife is graduating from seminary soon and the church leadership does not believe she should preach in our church. We have had several solid members leave the church in the past 2 years. It has divided the church.
13. Let’s take this slowly:
Stott says verse 11 is the eternal principle, based on the order of creation. What is that principle?
Women should be “quiet.” Eve didn’t and it got her into trouble.
Stott says verse 12 are cultural illustrations that are not normative, but for that time. What are they?
That women should not preach to men. This must go back to what I said about 👆. Non believing women spoke about Artemis. Paul warned about this. He didn’t want the believing women to be misjudged.
How would this interpretation fit with the preceding context of verses 8 and 9?
There should not be any display of adornment as to be misjudged regarding their alignment with God.
Do you agree or disagree with this interpretation? Explain.
I can see where we, as a modern society, would not understand the culture of that time and get confused compared to our time today. I’ve never heard this thought about non-believing women preaching about the god Artemis. I read it in my related content of the YouVersion Bible. I would need to do more research to make a knowledgeable commitment one way or another.
Thursday: John Stott (Chew, chew, chew!)
12. Summarize the restrictive and the liberal view of verses 8-9. (Stott disagrees with both.)
That in every place of worship men should pray with holy hands raised to God and women shouldn’t adorn themselves with jewelry, expensive clothes and fancy hairstyles.
13. Have you experienced either?
Thankfully no, but we do have churches in our county where the women wear their hair in a bun, long dresses and long sleeved tops are worn as arms and legs must be covered, no jewelry and no makeup and are to be seen but not heard. The sad part is I know woman who have left these churches and want nothing to do with God because they saw the hypocrisy lived out outside of Sunday.
14. Let’s take this slowly:
Stott says verse 11 is the eternal principle, based on the order of creation. What is that principle?
Let women learn quietly with all submissiveness.
Stott says verse 12 are cultural illustrations that are not normative, but for that time. What are they?
Not letting a woman teach or exercise authority over a man but rather remain quiet.
How would this interpretation fit with the preceding context of verses 8 and 9?
Cultural…Men praying with holy hands lifted to God.
Eternal…Woman to be modest in their appearance.
Do you agree or disagree with this interpretation? Explain.
This is interesting to me because out of this passage the main thing it seems most churches take away from it is, women shouldn’t teach men but nothing about men should pray with holy hands lifted to God!
Men should be the spiritual leaders within the home and church and when women do teach it should be under the covering and leadership of a man.
So true from Sharon: This is interesting to me because out of this passage the main thing it seems most churches take away from it is, women shouldn’t teach men but nothing about men should pray with holy hands lifted to God!
Friday: Translations versus Paraphrases
15. Which paraphrase did you think was more accurate and why?
I agree with The Message as it aligns with the translation. Taylor’s paraphrase aligns more with his feelings.
Saturday:
16. What did you learn about God this week?
He looks upon the heart and the eternal.
About Bible interpretation?
It needs to be interpreted through the lens of history, culture. the eternal and other scripture.
What was helpful to you?
I appreciate you doing this study Dee as it was helpful to separate the cultural from the eternal. Also, to see how legalism has blinded so many to the truth.
Amen, to Sharon. I am sorry I did not get finished, but it is so good to look through the various lenses to see what is cultural and what is eternal.
I”m having trouble getting back to my lesson-busy days. Wanted though to let you all know answer to prayer. Our son stopped home with his now ex-wife after divorce court. She came to apologize to my husband and myself for all that has happened. The two of them are getting appointments at Set Free Ministries and she is counseling with our pastor and seeking therapy. They will take some time apart to work on their own things and then see if getting back together might be an option with a counselor involved. I am cautiously optimistic for them. A lot of work needs to happen but we know the Lord can do anything. Prayers continue. Thank you all for your prayer.
This is such a great answer to prayers, Chris. I will continue to pray for reconciliation and good results from counseling. 🙏
Continued prayers…may God be glorified!
Amazing.
I think that is such good news, Chris — even though the divorce went through there is hope!
Wednesday: Should Women Be Silent and Not Teach Men?
I have opinions here with which you are free to disagree in love. The following is confusing because there are verses that say women should be silent and not teach men, and yet we have biblical examples of women doing exactly the opposite and being blessed by God — women like Deborah, Priscilla, and Philip’s prophetic daughters. So this is a conundrum! Again, I think hermeneutics will help. When Scriptures seem to disagree, there is only an apparent conflict. I’ve heard so many explanations of these hard verses, but they don’t hold up like John Stott’s did to me. He was such a godly man, and an intellect, much like Keller.
9. Read Acts 18:24-27
A. What did Apollos teaching lack?
He only knew of the baptism of John but was not aware of the full gospel in Christ Jesus.
B. Who helped him understand the gospel and which name comes first of the two?
Priscilla and Aquila, with Priscilla mentioned first.
C. How do you see diplomacy in verse 26?
They talked to him in private at their home instead of in the synagogue.
10. Rarely, but at times, a passage will given eternal principal, but then some cultural examples that are only relevant for that time. One example is 1 Peter 3:3-4. What is the eternal principle? Do you think the examples might be cultural instead of eternal? (Stott says the strict interpretation would say it all should be eternally obeyed. Liberal interpretation would say none of it should be obeyed. He says the eternal principle should be obeyed, but we are not bound to the example.)
Beauty for women is of the inner self, a gentle and quiet spirit. The examples of elaborate hairstyles, gold jewelry, and fine clothes are cultural. I was reading Isaiah 3 and realized I missed some of the ornaments of the women in OT times are ornaments that are pretty much sought after by women today! Bangles, headbands, necklaces, headdresses, anklets, sashes, perfume, signet rings, nose rings, tiaras, shawls, capes, purses (ahem!) Rabbit trailing…
11. Read 1 Timothy 2:8. Can you see both an eternal principle and a cultural illustration?
Men to pray…without anger or disputing-eternal
Lifting holy hands-cultural
12. Read 1 Timothy 2:9-10. Can you see both an eternal principle and cultural illustrations? (Repeated in 1 Peter 3:3-4)
Dress modestly, with decency and propriety, with good deeds-eternal
Elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, expensive clothes-cultural
13, Read 1 Timothy 2:11-14. This one is harder, but if you consider how part of it disagrees with other Scriptures concerning women you might be able to separate the eternal from the cultural. Or you may disagree. Tomorrow you’ll read John Stott’s exposition of it.
Cultural- I do not permit a woman to teach. Perhaps this was in the setting of the church. Women, then, perhaps were given other responsibilities, and Paul also desired order among the brothers and teachers.
Eternal(?) not exercise authority over a man as it contradicts God’s order based on Genesis. I think Eve and Adam both did not fulfill their roles and therefore gave way to their sin, though. Eve did not ask Adam first, and then Adam just gave in to Eve’s enticement without using his God-given leadership.
I think it was Chris who expressed her observation about a lot of Christian men not fulfilling their role as head of the household. As a result, women take over because of either necessity or impatience (not praying and not waiting on God).