Whether you are a man or a woman, God desires for you to be saved. The guardian impressed us this morning as we observed the dynamics of the flock of goats and how “their” dog did his job, warning us not to get too close.

Likewise, God’s word reminds us to stay under the protection of prayer. It will guide us and guard us in our understanding of God. The dignified presence of godliness helps us take the punches of life and remain supple. Those who become stiff necked will be broken and bitter.

In addition, Paul’s teaching about the roles of men and women in the church may be controversial. My understanding is that in Paul’s day, women were not educated (but men were). Therefore, this passage is not entirely applicable in our culture today.

To keep women “hidden” is not the intent but to keep them protected.

I feel that every church should be diverse, including the presence of a “senior pastor” for women-who is a woman. Why should women be subject to receive counseling/teaching only from men (or their “pastor’s wives” who may have no seminary education?) A man may understand the Bible but really has no understanding of women. The women of the church deserve a woman pastor who is educated (just as the men deserve a male pastor who is educated). No man (or woman) should take on tbe role of being “everything” to all genders.

In keeping with Paul, I feel that senior pastors (whether male or female) are under the authority of the elders of the church- to prevent a “cult- like” monopoly of power or kingdom building.

Elders are generally male (but God has allowed unique instances for a woman to step into that role of leadership, when necessary- i.e. Priscilla, Lydia and O.T., Deborah). Contrary to many who may bash Paul for his harsh choice of words, I feel that he is a proponent for women, by allowing for our protection. Do our church leaders do the same today?

We need each other in our own unique roles. By looking to our mediator, Christ Jesus, we are saved (or ransomed from a sin-induced separateness). -Teresa #savedinchildbearing #marsprotectsvenus #prayerandgoodworksunite

1 Timothy 2:1-15 (ESV)

2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man[a] Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

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Footnotes

1 Timothy 2:5 men and man render the same Greek word that is translated people in verses 1 and 4