Divine Order

New Testament

Man’s Role: headship

• Gen 3:16 – “rule”• 1 Cor 11:3 – “head”• Eph 5:23-25 – “head”• Eph 6:4 – “discipline and instruction”• Gen 18:19 – “command children/household”

Woman’s Role: subjection

• Eph 5:22 – “as to the Lord” • Eph 4:24 – “in everything”• Eph 4:33 – “respect” • Col 3:18 – “as is fitting ”• Titus 2:4-5 – to not “dishonor” God’s word

God’s Divine Order

• 1 Corinthians 11:33 But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, & the man is the head of a woman, & God is the head of Christ.

1 Cor 14:34-35

• The women are to keep silent [sigao; to hold peace] in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.

1 Cor 14:34-35

• Spiritual gifts in the assembly– Temporary (1 Cor 13:8-10), conferred by apostles

(Acts 8:14-17), to bring us to unity (Eph 4:11-13)

– Principles still apply (1 Cor 14:26, 33, 40).

1 Tim 2:8, 11-12

• 8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath & dissension. ....11 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet [hesuchia; stillness].

1 Tim 2:8, 11-12

• “In every place” during a mixed assembly– Men lead prayer & provide instruction.

– Women quietly receive instruction in submissiveness.

Why different words?

• 1 Cor 14 – hold one’s peace

• 1 Tim 2 – stillness, quietness

Why different words?

• 1 Cor 14 – hold one’s peace– Confusion in the assembly (26-33)

– Some men were to be silent (28, 29)

Why different words?

• 1 Tim 2 – stillness, quietness– Divine Order in the assembly

– No contradiction (1 Cor 14:34-35)

Summary

• Col 3:16 – Congregational singing

• Titus 2:3-4 – Teach other women

• Acts 18:24-26 –Teach unlearned men privately with husband present

Summary

• 1 Cor 14:34-35– A role that is not in subjection

• 1 Tim 2:11-12– A role that usurps authority

Summary

• 1 Timothy 2:1515 But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith & love & sanctity with self-restraint.

Summary

• 1 Timothy 5:55 Now she who is a widow indeed & who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God & continues in entreaties & prayers night & day.

Summary

• Beware of gimmicks that alter divine order.

• 2 Tim 1:13 – “Hold fast the form of sound words.”

• Psa 11:3 – “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do.”

Summary

• Proverbs 31:30-31Charm is deceitful & beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, & let her own works praise her in the gates.