The Dynamic Church
2
We now begin 1 Timothy chapter 2 and we continue to look at the features of a dynamic church. We saw in chapter 1 that a healthy church focuses on the gospel. Other key features are found here in this second chapter.
There will be emphasis on prayer. The dynamic church is a praying church. Paul says in verse 1, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone”. We see here the ingredients of prayer. It includes requests. We are free to talk to God and ask him for anything that we need. He loves to provide for us in answer to prayer. Make your requests specific so when the answer comes he will receive the glory. Then there are general matters referred to here as prayers. The word “prayer” as it’s used here has the idea covering all aspects of life. There’s nothing you can’t bring to the Lord in prayer. Then there are intercessions. These are pleas on behalf of others. Prayer should also include thanksgiving. This is often the missing element in prayer. Be sure to thank the Lord when the answer comes. Paul says in verse 2 that we are to pray, “For Kings and for all in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”. It’s unlikely that there will ever be a government anywhere that is thoroughly Christian in all it does. We can pray, though, that regardless of the way a government behaves, the Christian church will be free to enjoy liberty and freedom of movement and of worship. Pray especially that Kings and leaders will become Christian. Paul says in verses 3 and 4, “This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth”. The chief mission of the church is to evangelize men and women from all classes and backgrounds. Paul says in verse 7, “And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle”. Pray for those in leadership in your country regularly.
The key to effective praying is a proper inner attitude. Paul says in verse 8, “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer”. Some people like to literally lift up their hands when they pray.
That’s fine, but it’s not really what this verse is asking. Does it mean that if we don’t physically lift our hands we’re not praying? Surely, Paul can’t be suggesting that! Lifting up holy hands to God can also be understood as a symbol of holiness. David asks a question in Psalm 24 verses 3, “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place”? In other words, who can approach the throne of grace and meet with God? He gives the answer in verse 4, “He who has clean hands and a pure heart”. Clean hands represent holy living. There’s a children’s song that says, “Be careful little hands what you do!” So, Paul says in 1 Timothy chapter 2 verse 8 that men must pray, “without anger or disputing”. The state of the heart is everything. In the same way Paul says to the women in verse 9, “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes”. Certainly a Christian woman should wear modest clothes. The apostle isn’t saying that a woman should never wear any of the other things he mentioned. What he is saying is that a Christian woman shouldn’t make these things her main concern. Her main concern should be to please God. Again, the heart must be right. He goes on to say in verse 10, “but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God”. It’s behaviour and character that God considers as we approach him in prayer.
The dynamic church will follow God’s order. The scriptures teach that men and women are equal before God in salvation. Paul says in Galatians chapter 3 verse 28, “There is neither ... male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”. The scripture also teaches the different role relationships between men and women. For example, we read in 1 Corinthians 11 verse 3, “Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man”. Paul shows one area where this is outworked in church life. It’s here in 1 Timothy chapter 2 verses 11 to 15. Since headship and rule is given to man it would be inappropriate for a woman to take on that role. Preaching and teaching to a congregation is an exercise of headship and authority. So, Paul says in verses 11 and 12, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man; she must be silent”. This is not absolute silence, because Paul has already given guidance on how women should pray in public. It’s silence in relation to any ministry which involves rule and authority.
Some argue that Paul was a man of his own time and culture and reflected the view of women held then. But Paul presents his argument from the Old Testament scriptures. First he refers to the order of creation.
He says in verse 13, “For Adam was formed first then Eve”. Eve was created to be Adam’s helper. The woman is to complement the man. They work together each in their own role. He also argues from the entrance of sin. He says in verse 14, “And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner”. In other words, Eve took the lead and when she did she acted contrary to the divine order and problems arose. True freedom and purpose is found by men and women as they each take up their place in the divine plan and arrangement in the home and in the church.
There will be many opportunities for women to serve in other ways in the life of the church. These include Sunday School teaching, Ladies meetings and ministries, evangelism, and teaching men and women who are young in the faith, or who need correction. Pricilla did this with her husband Aquilla when they both taught Apollos the correct meaning of baptism. Alongside church activities where there is real opportunity for ministry, Paul directs the woman to think about her influence in the home. This is where her godly influence will have the most impact. He says in verse 15, “But women will be saved through childbearing if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety”. He isn’t saying childbearing will save her soul - only faith in Christ can do that- but that childbearing would provide her with a place of ministry. She mustn’t think that because she is not involved in public preaching and teaching she has no opportunity to share the word. She is saved from this by being the main influence in the home, bringing her children up in the knowledge and instruction of the Lord. As she brings up her children her godly influence will impact them. The Greek word translated “saved” can also be translated “restored”. She mustn’t think that because of the result of the fall she is rejected by the Lord. No, Paul encourages her to see that there is restoration and usefulness in his service. She is restored through childbearing to be an evangelist to her own children! Never undervalue your role as a mother and homemaker. It’s a wonderful calling!
So, whether male or female, continue to pray faithfully, and continue to work diligently, in the role the Lord has given you.