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The Church (Men and Women)
In this episode of Know and Do, we dive into the often-debated topic of gender roles in the church. We explore what Scripture teaches about who should hold teaching authority and examine the link between teaching and authority in the church. Our focus is on 1 Timothy 2:8-15, where Paul addresses the conduct of men and women during worship, and how that connects to God’s design for a healthy, thriving church.
Preliminary truths about women in Scripture:
• Women are affirmed in their intrinsic value (Gal. 3:28).
• Women ministered well to Jesus during his earthly ministry (Luke 8:1-3).
• Women played a crucial role as primary witnesses of both Jesus’ death and resurrection.
• The book of Acts touts several women in their faithful service to the church—Dorcas (Acts 9), Lydia (Acts 16), Priscilla (Acts 18), and godly women in the Berean and Thessalonian churches (Acts 17:12).
• Paul greeted at least eight women in Romans 16, singling out Phoebe in particular for her service (Rom. 16:1).
1. God Cares About What Happens in His Church (1 Tim. 2:8–10)
2. God Cares How People Learn in His Church (1 Tim. 2:11–12)
3. God Cares Who Teaches in His Church (1 Tim. 2:12–14)
4. The Great Teaching Responsibility of Women:
• Women should teach younger women (Titus 2:3-4)
• Women should teach their children: (2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:14)
• Women and men can teach together (Acts 18:26)
• In addition, women could/should: 1) Proclaim Christ to non-believers 2) Hold positions of authority outside 3) Serve in other ministries inside the church
5. The Privilege of Women in the Church (1 Tim. 2:15)
Final Thoughts: God’s design for men and women in the church is not about restriction but about order and flourishing. When men and women function according to their good design, the church thrives, and both genders are most fulfilled.
Additional Resources:
• Why We Can't Think Biblically About It: Women In Ministry by Mike Winger
• Handout