“Coffee with Christ”

(1 Timothy 2:12)

“But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.”

Yesterday, Coffee with Christ was about God Breathed Scripture. Do you believe the Bible is the Word of God or the word of man? There is a lot of conversation going on, in baptist circles, about the subject of women filling pulpits, Pastoring and teaching men. Some say the verse above is archaic, Paul’s opinion, situationally specific and antiquated. But I say it is The Word of God, in whom is no variance nor shadow of turning. This is not the only reference to Bishops, Pastors and Deacons being an exclusively mans position. Here though, in the following two verses, Paul reveals the reason behind the Commandment for women not to teach nor usurp authority over the man as being the first time it took place in history. Adam and Eve. Adam was given authority and Eve usurped (took what was not given to her) that authority and in so doing, plunged mankind into sin. In Genesis 3 God pronounces the curse to the serpent, the woman, and to Adam because of their part in the fall. Verse 16, God speaking to Eve said, “Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee”. That desire to her husband is a desire to lead and rule over him. In verse 17, speaking unto Adam He said, “Because thou hast harkened unto the voice of thy wife” cursed is the ground, etc; etc. God Himself has set the standard and rank of authority in the home, family and yes, in the Church. Women have a wonderful part in that system. But when they rebel and step outside of God’s purpose and plan they not only fail in accomplishing their goal, they actually set themselves in opposition to God. The women’s liberation movement starting back in the late nineteen fifties has done more damage to our Nation, our families and our faith than any small benefit that may have been achieved. Birth control has freed women to be sexually promiscuous. Abortion has freed them from consequence and responsibility. The more women strive to rid themselves of the differences between themselves and their male counterparts, the deeper humanity falls into darkness. Men! Love your wives as Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself for it! Women! Submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto The Lord!