Call to Feminize Society o Call to feminization

Call to Feminize Society o Call to feminization is throughout various forms of media. o Feminism: • (1) theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes • (2) organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests. ” • https: //www. merriamwebster. com/dictionary/feminism

Call to Feminize Society o Some advancements of women’s rights have been good: • Women can vote • Obtain a driver’s license • Lobby to receive equal pay for equal work, etc. . . o Along with the call to advance women’s rights however, have come challenges to the Lord’s church.

Feminization of the Church o Many perceive the need for social reform because imperfect men have instituted/enforced imperfect laws/social standards. o Many assume that the Lords’ church must conform, accordingly. o Some contend that women should be allowed to serve in the Lord’s church as elders (bishops), deacons, and evangelists.

Feminization of the Church o Christians must realize that God’s word is our Law (Jas. 1: 25, 2: 12). o God is the ultimate Lawgiver, and His law is perfect (Ps. 19: 7 -11; Gal. 1: 8 -10; Jude 3). o Let us consider some principles from God’s law that establish gender roles in the Lord’s church.

Men and Women’s Role in the Church 1 Timothy 2: 1 -15

Call to Please God o Our purpose and aim in worship must always be to please God. o Worship is not intended for men and women to do whatever is pleasing to us. o God’s ways and thoughts are higher than yours’ and mine (Isa. 55: 8 -9), therefore we need to approach God in the way He has directed in the Bible.

Order/Purpose of Authority/Headship o At the beginning, God established His design for conditions of the home, where man is the head (Gen. 1 -3). o Adam was created 1 st, out of the dust of the earth (Gen. 1: 26 -27; 2: 7). o God took a rib from Adam’s side to create Eve as a companion & helper (Gen. 2: 18, 21 -24).

Order/Purpose of Authority/Headship o Satan convinced Eve to disobey God; She in turn convinced her husband to disobey God (Gen. 3: 17). o After first sins committed; God approached them in the garden; God spoke to Adam 1 st (as the head of the household), not Eve (Gen. 3: 8 -10).

Order/Purpose of Authority/Headship • When God did address Eve, He told her to respect the authority of man (Gen. 3: 16). • This history between God, man, woman, and even Satan; would later be used to teach vital principles for God’s church to honor.

Order/Purpose of Authority/Headship o In the N. T. , Paul taught for women to wear a head covering while praying or prophesying. (1 Cor. 11: 5; 14: 34 -35). Why? (1 Cor. 11: 3, 8 -9). o The divine arrangement of authority (or headship): • God over Christ (1 Cor. 15: 24 -28) • Christ over man (Eph. 1: 20 -22) • Man over woman (1 Tim. 2: 12 -15)

Order/Purpose of Authority/Headship o Paul elsewhere referenced the order of creation; as well as order of the first sins committed. • Men to pray everywhere (1 Tim. 2: 1 -8) • Women to learn in silence with all submission, respecting authority (1 Tim. 2: 11 -15).

Order/Purpose of Authority/Headship o The reasons are rooted in the creation itself, & in the 1 st sin (1 Tim. 2: 1 -15). • Woman was created 2 nd (1 Tim. 2: 13). • Role of submission was one of the consequences placed upon Eve when she allowed herself to be deceived by the serpent (1 Tim. 2: 14).

Women in Leadership Roles • Paul clearly stated the prohibitions placed on women in leadership roles. • The priority of male leadership is stated that, “men pray everywhere. . . ”, women are therefore not to lead in prayers (1 Tim. 2: 1 -15). • The context of this verse relates to prayer and teaching. • In gathering for public worship, God gave men the role to lead.

Women in Leadership Roles o Regarding conduct of women during worship: • Women are to adorn themselves in modest apparel; they are not to teach, nor usurp authority over men. (1 Tim. 2: 9 -12). • Women are not forbidden to teach completely, however. Women can teach other women & children (1 Tim. 5: 14; Tit. 2: 4), but not over men.

Women in Leadership Roles o. Within assemblies, women are to learn in silence and submission (1 Tim. 2: 11; 1 Cor. 14: 34 -35). • Not speaking in the public worship assembly, per God’s law, places women under the leadership of men.

Women in Leadership Roles o Regarding specific roles, women cannot serve as elders (bishops). • The criteria listed in the Bible states that a bishop is to be “a man” and that he “must be” the “husband of one wife” (1 Tim. 3: 1 -7). o Deacons, likewise are to be men (1 Tim. 3: 8 -13). • The terms “husband”, “man”, and “he” do not apply to women.

Women in Leadership Roles • Both men and women are on equal spiritual footing with God (Gal. 3: 2629), but a woman is still to be in subjection to men (Eph. 5: 21 -24; 1 Tim. 2: 1 -15). • God has appointed only men to direct and lead the home and the church. • Women do have an important role to play in the home and in the church, but it does not include taking the lead.

Reasoning and Applications o Since women have God-given talents, shouldn’t they be allowed use them openly and freely? • God has granted women the ability to use their talents in many ways: • Teaching children and other women • Supporting the activities of the church such as evangelism, being the helper to the man, etc.

Reasoning and Applications o Women’s rights in various societies have come a long way. (Become Prime Ministers; Israel, India, etc. ). Shouldn’t they lead the flock with their talents? • God has forbidden such in His word. • Paul did not appeal to social custom. • God’s authority overrides ability & social customs in every subject.

Call to Feminize Society = Call to Feminize Church o The call to feminization is affecting the Lord’s church. o Do not be deceived into thinking that woman’s subjection to man makes her inferior (Gen. 1: 26 -27; Acts 8: 12; Gal. 3: 26 -29; 1 Pet. 3: 1 -2). o Honor God by serving Him (& each other) in accordance with His divine instruction.