Women Teaching Men

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
(1 Timothy 2:9-15)

These particular verses would probably turn all women libbers against Paul. These are also verses that have even cause some denominational churches to be very legalistic in regards to a woman's position in the church and go as far as totally forbidding women to wear makeup or jewelry. If we approach any verse in the bible without considering the whole counsel of scripture it is very easy to get off track.

Modest Apparel

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
(1 Samuel 16:7)

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
(1 Timothy 2:9)

Here is where we start having problems. If you approach scripture as a book of dos and don'ts you miss the main benefit of scripture.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
(Hebrews 4:12)

Scripture helps us weigh the status of our heart. In the previous scripture, Paul is telling women to avoid having a heart that is willing to use their attire to be seductive or sensually alluring; not whether you should wear jewelry or not. Also, a prideful heart can somtimes be revealed in the selectiveness of how we dress. Consider this if you refuse to wear anything that is not name brand. The next scripture helps us understand this is matter of the heart.

But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
(1 Timothy 2:10)

Suffer Not a Woman to Teach

Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
(1 Timothy 2:11-12)

This portion of scripture definitely brings up a lot of controversy. Unfortunately, a legalistic point of view ends up sending most people totally off track. First off let me state that I don't believe this has anything to do with a woman being a teacher or a preacher.

I believe it is referring to a man and a wife. You will notice that is says "man" not "men". Have you ever heard the saying, "She wears the pants in the family." I believe that this has to do with avoiding a spiritually imbalanced marriage. If a woman tries to fill the spiritual position of a husband then she might as well forget about hoping her husband ever will.

A man is supposed to be the spiritual head, but that doesn't mean he is the boss. A true spiritual head is nothing more than a keeper of that which belongs to God. God is the boss. God compares marriage to Christ's relationship with His Church. A man should always be willing to lay his life down for his wife.

A wife's position is not the lesser position, but she should never feel responsible to taking up the slack of her husband or feel that she should mold him into what she feels he should be. She will have much more influence over the outcome of her marriage if she focuses on learning of her blessed position in Christ rather than her position in her marriage.

But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
(Mark 10:43-45)

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
(Isaiah 55:8-9)

It might be helpful to some women if they consider that God always knows what he is doing, even if their husband don't. By the way, a key ingredient to a balance marriage is that both spouses are Christians.

Adam was not deceived

For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
(1 Timothy 2:13-15)

These verses have such great spiritual truth, but it is easy miss it because there are men who would use this scripture to belittle their spouse. There are even some men that might go as far as believing this scripture supports the saying that "Women should be barefoot and pregnant." I totally disagree, of course.

Again, these verses are emphasizing the importance of respecting the spiritual authority that God has designed, but if we can keep it from ruffling our feathers, it might just lead us to some amazing truths. The comparison between Adam and Eve in this scripture also helps us understand a significant spiritual difference between a man and a women and probably deserves its own separate blog. Just as a teaser, consider that fact that Christ had to be born of the seed of a woman not the seed of a man.

She shall be saved in childbearing

Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
(1 Timothy 2:15)

At first glance, this scripture might appear to connect salvation with childbearing. It might even lead some to believe that a woman's lot in life is just to make babies. Hopefully, I can help bring this scripture into a better light (The light of God's Word, that is).

Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
(Genesis 3:16)

I actually believe that this scripture is a promise to women, that if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety, that they can escape the curse that was placed on Eve in regards to conception. Basically, childbirth doesn't have to be a major pain.

A humble heart will enjoy being filled with the truths found in God's word, but a haughty soul will choke on them.

Clay in the Hands of the Potter.