Instructions for the Church concerning Worship. 1 Timothy chapter 2.

Pause for thought

Paul urges us to pray not only for ourselves but for all people pleading to God for mercy and with thanksgiving. We are to include those in Government also, by the way this includes those we wouldn’t vote for! When Paul wrote this he had already suffered at the hands of those in authority, yet he was reminded as we must also remind ourselves that God desires that all men be saved coming to the Knowledge of the truth 2:1-4, James 5:16.

Although God desires that all men become Christian’s, this does not take away anyone’s freedom to choose. We reject “universalism” that is that everyone will be saved in the end as a lie of the devil.

Lifting Holy hands in worship reveals a heart of surrender to God. 2:8.

Surrender describes an action of laying aside anything that would raise itself against the object of our worship.. Paul describes some of the things that can hinder full surrender, Men. stop doubting and don’t let anger control you. Women, observe a proper sense of modesty avoiding drawing attention to oneself 2:8-10.

Chapter 2 verse 12 seems to imply that like Eve the Women of Ephesus were more likely to be deceived by the many false teachers who Paul warns about in 1:3-7, and being deceived attempt to take the leadership role away from their husbands? Paul acknowledges in other scriptures the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of women Acts 2:17, Philippians 4:3, Romans 16:3. The prohibition most likely refers to the office of Apostolic teacher in the church, which Paul said was solely from God 1:1.

The matter of male headship is often one that can divide Christian’s! In creation Adam was made first, he was given the responsibility to rule Genesis 2:15-25, but it should be noted that while Eve was tempted by Satan to eat the forbidden fruit, it was Adam who listened to his wife and chose to sin. The result was the fall effecting all of Adams descendants who were given a life sentences of hard labour. For Eve because she believed the lie of Satan she and her female descendants would bear children in pain, ( and a desire to rule over her husband but he will rule over you) Genesis 3:16-17.There are several ways to understand 2:15 Both men and women are saved through trusting in Christ, and both men and women are blessed as they fulfil there God given roles by showing their commitment and surrender to Christ.

A verse to remember

For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus. 1Timothy 2:5 N.L.T.

Please send any feedback, questions, or prayer requests to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Please pray for Sugan and Emily Govener who have been given the vision for a carol service that includes a message about the true meaning of Christmas. The Guild Hall in Axminster has been booked for Sunday December 3rd for this Christian outreach service between 3:00 -5:00 PM. A Christian band from Axminster Waffle house will be supplying the music. Please support this event through prayer, and word of mouth, bring along your friends and family saved or unsaved all are very welcome.