Sermons

PREACHED BY JOHN GAINES
AT LEONARD STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST

A WOMAN'S PLACE

Introduction

1. The title of this study could be considered offensive to some today. The idea that there is any such thing as "a woman's place" in today's society is vehemently rejected by some. Our intent is not to offend anyone, but to point out that the New Testament does present distinct roles for men and women.

2. The "woman's place" is not necessarily inferior to the "man's place" but it is different. One well-known writer has said, "Christianity, like no other religious faith, elevated the position of women and children. Instead of criticizing Paul for these instructions, women ought to thank God for the blessing the Christian faith has been to women around the world."

a. In the context of salvation, Galatians 3:28 (NKJV) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. When Paul wrote, there were still Jews and Greeks, some were slaves and others were free. Obviously, gender differences existed then and they still exist today. Christianity does not obliterate those differences. From the standpoint of salvation (which is what Paul was discussing in Galatians 3), all are saved the same way. God does not have a different plan of salvation for Jews and Gentiles, or for men and women. We are all one in Christ Jesus!

b. However, in 1 Timothy 2, Paul teaches four great truths about "the woman's place" in their behavior as Christians. Both men and women need to remember these lessons as we enter the 21st century. This Bible truth has not changed as years passed and cultural ideas changed.

I. A WOMAN'S PLACE IS A PLACE OF MODESTY.

1 Timothy 2:9 (NKJV) in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing,

A. We're missing a lot of Paul's point if we limit our application of this verse to short shorts and miniskirts.

1. It is true that clothing should not be indecent (i.e., sexually provocative). If a woman's attire provokes a man's lust, she shares the guilt of his sin [Matthew 5:28 (NKJV) "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.]

2. However, modesty has a broader meaning.

a. One dresses modestly when one does not call undue attention to oneself.

b. Christian women should dress with propriety and moderation. The NASB says "modestly and discreetly." The NIV says "with decency and propriety." Expensive clothing, costly jewelry, and elaborate hair styles should be avoided whenever they interfere with the aim of dressing with propriety and moderation.

B. Christian women should understand that the beauty of the inner person is more important than outer appearance [1 Peter 3:1-6 (NKJV) Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward; arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel; 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.]

C. Whenever one dresses in a way that makes them look worldly instead of godly, they are giving a glimpse of the nature of their inner self.

1. Paul recognized the possibility of women becoming "wanton against Christ" [1 Timothy 5:11; NIV - "when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ,"]

2. Christian women should never dress in a way which could give that perception to those who observe them. "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you!" is sound advice about how all Christians should dress.

II. A WOMAN'S PLACE IS A PLACE OF PURITY.

1 Timothy 2:10 (NKJV) but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

A. Christian women profess godliness -- God-likeness.

B. Being a godly person does not prevent a woman from looking attractive. Some have gone to extremes such as wearing drab clothing, never styling their hair, or never wearing any kind of make-up. While we respect the conscience of those who make those choices, no one has the right to bind those restrictions on others.

C. Women and men need to live lives of purity [1 Timothy 5:22, "keep yourself pure."]

III. A WOMAN'S PLACE IS A PLACE OF SERVICE.

A. A godly Christian woman is decorated with good works [1 Timothy 2:10 (KJV) But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.]

B. The best way for a Christian woman to preach is with her life.

1. Women can teach, but not over men.

2. Women can devote themselves to a life of service to God and other people. The "widows indeed" are commanded for the good they have done [1 Timothy 5:9-10 (NKJV) Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.]

IV. A WOMAN'S PLACE IS A PLACE OF HUMILITY.

1 Timothy 2:11-15 (NKJV) Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

A. An immodest woman will assert herself in situations where she should be quiet. Thus, women are instructed to "learn in silence with all submission." The Greek word for silence here does not mean absolute quiet. Rather, it refers to "a quiet demeanor" or "quietly receiv[ing] instruction" [NASB]. Cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NKJV) that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.

B. Women may teach, but they are not permitted to teach OVER a man. She must not have authority over a man.

1. This is a galling prohibition for some women today.

2. Some expositors try to take away modern-day applications of this text by making it dependent on first-century cultural beliefs or limited to exclusively local situations. A good example is the book Paul, Women, and Wives by Craig Keener (Hendrickson, 1992). Keener labors hard to show that Paul didn't really mean what he said about the role of women. The book is useful only to show the manipulations pro-feminists will put the Scripture through to prop up their preconceptions.

C. Humility is a quality which resolves conflict over such matters. A humble woman will look for opportunities to use her talents in ways which do not conflict with the teaching of God's word.

CONCLUSION

Warren W. Wiersbe, New Testament Outlines, 624.

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