1 Timothy 2:1-15 [NLT] BIG IDEA — Paul is troubleshooting the church infiltrated by tension & distortion. CHURCH CULTURE CRISIS #1 — Roman oppression & injustice leading to a bitter church. COUNTER-CULTURE CHURCH FAMILY 1 Timothy 2:1–15 (NLT) I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority… First of all, pray for all authorities to be . ...so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior,…4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time… CHURCH CULTURE CRISIS #2 — Personal conflicts & disputes between angry men. COUNTER-CULTURE CHURCH FAMILY 8 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. Refocus on your anger & disputes. CHURCH CULTURE CRISIS #3 — Social arrogance & cultural infiltration. (ostentation) Paul’s instructions to Ephesian Christians, *Complementarian approach: men & women have distinct God-given roles w/equal value that complement each other. Paul’s gender specific corrections are timeless mandates. *Egalitarian approach: men & women are equal in status & function within a church. Paul’s gender specific corrections are temporary measures. **NCC — this is a non-essential / peripheral doctrine. NOT essential enough to divide our church over. COUNTER-CULTURE CHURCH FAMILY 9 And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. 10 For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. Humbly focus on your beauty & learning. CHURCH CULTURE CRISIS 11 Women should learn quietly and submissively. 12 I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. only use of this word for “ “ in Bible = “abusive domination” PAUL: “…at this time, in light of our unusual cultural circumstances…, I do not permit these heretical women to have domineering authority over our church men.” Q:? How can you single out these women and accuse them of being deceived & damaging our gospel church? 13 For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty. underscores importance of salvation through continuing on in faith, love, & holiness. What now? 1. Everyone: Pray & pursue peace with authorities. 2. Resolve your conflicts before leading our church. 3. Never neglect your character & humble learning.