In May and June, we are going to study the book of 1 and 2 Timothy. These two letters are written by Paul to Timothy. They are instructions on building up the church. Here is a brief outline of the message from 1 Timothy 2.
What is worship? Prayer for all people (v.1-4)
Why worship? Jesus is mediator between God and man (v.5-6)
How to worship? Order in the family of God (v.7-15)
What is worship?
To worship means to pray. Prayer is conversation with God. We can confidently and freely approach God because we belong to God. The local church is a family of believers gathering together. This is your spiritual home. Worship service is like a family gathering where we all engage in worship to God. Prayer is to be made for all people, especially for kings and all those in authority. God is sovereign over the government, the corporations, the social media, etc, we pray for the Gospel to be shared in those in authority.
Why worship?
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. We can approach God solely because of Jesus Christ. As child of God, we received Jesus by repentance from sin. We accept what Christ has done on the cross, he was a ransom for all people. By having this faith, we submit to Jesus Christ as lord over our lives.
How to worship?
We are going to touch on some sensitive issues in today's passage. It is important for everyone to be on a solid ground regarding the theology of human being.
Theology of human being:
-Humans are made in the image of God.
-Male and female are equally valuable before God.
-God created male and female for different roles. (Man = head, Woman = helper)
-Men and women living out God’s design gives glory to God.
Exposition of verse7-15
v.7 God appointed Paul to be an apostle.
And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle —I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
Why did God choose Moses, Samuel, David, Peter, John, Paul… Francis Chan, David Platt, Rick Warren, Rev. Siu to be his special servants? We will never know, we may find out in heaven. But nonetheless, they are called by God to teach the Word of God with God’s authority. We are called to submit to their teachings because they are speaking on behalf of God’s authority.
v8. I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
If you call yourself man after God’s heart, or man on a mission, do not be ashamed in lifting up hands to pray and worship God. We are to pray everywhere: in your school, work place, family, amongst your friends. The attitude is important, not with anger and disputing, be in peace with God and people. If you want to be a real man, you are to be unashamed in your worship to God. You worship God by leading under Christ’s guidance and authority.
v9-10 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
What you dress communicates a message of who you are. If you dress with elaborate hairstyles, fancy jewelry, sexy clothing, and expensive clothes, what kind of message are you trying to tell people around you? If you dress modestly and appropriately, how would people look at you. Your good deeds will set a good witness as a follower of Christ. Immodest clothing is a stumbling block and a poor witness for Christ.
v.11-12 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.
In ancient culture, women were not allowed to learn as they were labelled as inferior. Biblical based Christianity actually treats women with dignity as they are encouraged to learn. The attitude of learning is important. A student who learn with a humble attitude will reap benefits, whereas a prideful student who dispute his/her teacher would not reap much benefits. A woman according to God’s design is to be the helper in the church.
v.13-14 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
We know that Adam was with Eve in the garden. When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Adam failed by not taking up leadership in protecting Eve against temptation, and he gave in to Eve’s temptation. There is positive light for women in this passage. Women find fulfillment as wife and mother, as they are saved through the good news of Christ. The calling of nurturing the next generation is a high calling.
Conclusion and reflections:
1. Pray for all people. Crossroad is a house of prayer!
Is prayer is central to everything in Crossroad: worship, fellowship, lessons, discipleship…?
2. Jesus Christ is mediator between God and human
Is Christ in the center of all your relationships (God, family, friends, coworkers)?
3. Do you respect leaders with God’s authority?
4. Are you clear on God’s design on manhood and womanhood for God’s glory?
5. Young men: Are you taking up God’s call to lead and accept responsibility?
6. Young women: Are you taking up God’s call as a helper by submitting to leadership?
