by David Brenneman
"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything." 2 Timothy 2:1-7
"Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” 14-19
"Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will." 2 Timothy 2:22-26.
"Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint." 1 Timothy 2:9-15
Whether you think that this is debating or not, seek the Lord in your questioning of it rather than pointing any angst at me. These instructions that were written to Timothy and in a sense to Titus were about how the Church was to be with regards to church leadership and those whom should be preaching and who should not be...and why. If there's any arguments let them be settled in this: this is the inspired Word of God. It matters not who does or doesn't agree with what's written because this has been the words of God under the protection of the Spirit of God for several thousand years.
There also is now this, that elder/pastor/teacher are the same word in the original language. They are also in the male only context. While there are Deacons and Deaconesses there are no female versions of Elders.
That being said, Paul, throughout his writings pointed churches and church leadership towards an orderly manner in the Lord.
Next is that this order and orderly manner is of God Himself in the person of the Spirit of God.
"But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired." 1 Corinthians 12:18.
The positions within the Church are and always will be by the direction of the Spirit of God until the Rapture of the Church.
As men of God, we're to be living in the character of Christ Jesus. We're to be among those who both learn and are able to teach. We're to be doing whatever part is ours in the Lord. Just as the Spirit saw fit for us to be doing.
Likewise there is a roll and sound Biblical reasoning for the roll of women in the Church. Women are permitted and encouraged to teach other women as well as children. This does not make them Pastors. This makes them teachers of women and teachers of children.
They are as subject to the Elders of the Church as are all men within the Church.
This orderly manner is from the Lord through His Spirit.
Why bring this up today? In his writing to the Thessalonians, Paul gave clear direction to them and us that there was to be a falling away of the Church from sound doctrine. A falling away from what the Spirit says that the Church of Jesus Christ was to be and be like. Part of that is playing out before our very eyes and is part of the evidences that we indeed are living in the last days. That we, way more than those original written these letters we read in our Bibles, should be daily looking and being ready for the return of Jesus.
There's many so-called churches in this world who've drifted away from sound doctrine. Teaching and actually advocating doctrines of demons. Among those doctrines of demons is that there can and should be women preachers. That there could and should be female elders. That a practiced life of homosexuality has a place in the church.
Scripture is clear that there's no heavenly future for those who practice-live daily-in sin, that is also referred to as lawlessness.
"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
Again, as you read through this, and especially the Scriptures, you need to turn your attention to prayer and seeking the Lord for your answers.
We are supposed to be living lives in readiness for the return of Jesus Christ. Living life in accordance with the Word of God and not worldly opinion. Not opinion that makes us feel good or justifies our sins.
As someone once said "Sin is sin, no matter what anyone says about it. If God says it's sin then it's sin. End of discussion.".
The Spirit places you in the body of Christ as He sees fit. It's not for us to choose. If He's not called a man to be a Pastor then he shouldn't strive to be one...and so on.
We were given a specific, special, roll in the body of Christ and what we will be standing before Jesus giving an account of is how well we did what was ours to be doing in the Lord.
We absolutely do NOT want to be among those laying claim to having done this or that in His Name and then being told to depart for He never knew you.
We are to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. We are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. To love your neighbor as yourself. To grow in respect to your salvation in Christ Jesus.
We aren't here to seek or to create what sounds like Godly positions or responsibilities that are not ours to have. We are to be the best we can be in that which we've been called to be in Christ as the Spirit directs us to be. No more no less.
We're to be faithful in what is approved by God for which we've been called to be in Christ.
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
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