Anchor Devotional

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Our Precious Roles

“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve.” 1 Timothy 2:11-13

The words of today’s 1 Timothy passage are shocking to our ears at first and even more challenging than yesterday’s. But I want to impress upon you that God is not chauvinistic. He does not oppress women or stifle them from using their gifts.

When Paul says, “A woman should learn,” he’s blowing the top off first-century thinking which deemed women intellectually inferior to men. Paul pushes against it, insisting now that along with men who were to learn with submissive teachability, women would learn as well. This is a call to discipleship for all.

Yet Paul does restrict church teaching and preaching to men. Our culture mocks the idea of male headship, viewing it as outdated and cruel to women. Admittedly, many men both in the home and in the church have abused the idea of headship, dominating for their own sinful purposes. Male headship, understood rightly, is one of God’s means for sacrificial and loving care for the family and the church. Within that structure, God’s Word empowers women to be immeasurable blessings in His kingdom.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
1 Timothy 2:11-15

INSIGHT
Father, help us understand Your Word. We want to celebrate the good gifts You give us, many of them designed uniquely for men and women. Amen

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
1 Samuel 22-23
Psalm 131
2 Corinthians 13

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