As we come together for worship this Lord’s Day, we will focus our attention upon the words of 1 Timothy 2:9-10.  Verse 9 begins a paragraph in which the Apostle Paul turns from his teaching on the duties of “the men” in worship and in the home, to address the divinely ordered duties of the “women” of the Church (vv. 9-15).

It will come as no surprise to you that the verses found in this section of Paul’s letter are the very epicenter of vigorous debate. In fact, one New Testament scholar has noted that virtually every single word in this paragraph is disputed among the critics of Paul.  Admittedly, even those of us who receive these words as the inspired Word of the Lord recognize the difficulties with interpreting and applying Paul’s teaching to in today’s Church and home (note especially verse 15). Consequently, our study of this section of the Epistle will be slow and methodical, and bathed in much prayer.

As we begin our messages on these verses, I want to set forth my assumptions (and those you will find among theological conservatives):

First, what is set forth here by Paul represents the will of the Lord Himself. These are the Words of our God.

Second, what Paul teaches here has universal applicability for all Christians and Churches everywhere, at all times, and in all cultures.

Third, when this teaching is followed carefully and faithfully, it results in the glory of our Savior, the health of the family and the Church, and the good of His people.

Finally, despite the charges leveled by the critical scholars and other voices in our world, what is promoted here regarding women is something most beautiful and fulfilling.

On Sunday, we will discover that while the men are responsible to “pray” (v. 8), the women are called to “adorn themselves” in a way that is distinctly Christian (vv. 9-10). That is, with “good works” (v. 10).