From 1 Timothy 2:8-15

These verses contain a message that has been dismissed by some and misused by others.  It also might be difficult to adequately address in a single devotion, but we’re going through Timothy and I don’t want to skip it, so we’ll give it a try.

These verses speak to how Christians should engage in worship.  It begins by saying that men should pray in a peaceful and sanctified man – which doesn’t inspire much disagreement.  It then says that women should dress respectably and modestly in church – again, I don’t think there is much disagreement there, both men and women should dress modestly and respectfully in general.  Then Paul writes the verses that are more controversial for some.  He writes that women should learn quietly and gives the role of spiritual leadership to men.  The following verse points back to the order of creation and the fact that Adam came first.

Part of the reason people sometimes get upset by this comes from the idea that men and women are the same. That’s not true though, whether from a scientific or biblical or experiential point of view.  Men and women are different and God has given them different, complementary roles.  This isn’t a burden or a tragedy, but a blessing! Men are called to spiritual leadership, and women have other callings in their lives.  This is part of the reason that the LCMS (our church body) does not ordain women into pastoral ministry, because we trust in God’s design for the relationships between men and women, we trust that He knows what He’s doing when He puts men in this role.  That isn’t to say anything negative about men or women, just an acknowledgement that we are different and that God has given us different roles in His community.

Focus on God

We are reminded in these verses that God graciously blesses us with different people to fill different roles.

Function in Our Lives

We are encouraged to live with modesty and respect for one another.

Topics to Pray About                                                               

  • Thank God for the wisdom in His Word.
  • Confess to God the times where you don’t live with modesty or respect.
  • Ask God to bless the people He has given authority in this world with wisdom and righteousness.

In His Service,

J. LeBorious