There are two passages assigned for today!
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 2
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. [1 Timothy 2:1-4]
Paul reminded Timothy that the goal of his command (not to get sidetracked by myths and genealogies) is love – love for God and love for people.
This is also the goal of what he commands in this chapter: pray for leaders, live quiet and peaceful lives, worship without bickering, dressing modestly, and honouring the cultural relations between husband and wife.
This kind of quiet, humble, gracious living pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. [1 Timothy 2:1-4]
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. [Mark 10:45]
I do not read Paul’s words regarding how wives are to relate to their husbands as a universal principle for all times and places, but as a application of the gospel in that time and culture.
Paul would advise the same thing in Iran and Saudi Arabia today, where women are to be in submission to their husbands, and to dress with modesty.
When a missionary comes to that culture, they are not to advocate rebellion against these practices, but to fill them with grace and purpose.
In that context, wives submit to their husbands – and if necessary, even call them ‘master’ – in order to win their husbands to Christ [see 1 Peter 3:1-6].
Paul would advise them: Though (you are) free and belong to no man, make (your)self a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. [1 Corinthians 9:19]
For even Jesus, Who had every right to assert Himself, did not, but willingly submitted Himself to people in order to save them.
Yes, I know Paul roots his ideas in the creation account – for Adam was formed first, then Eve [1 Timothy 3:13].
He also ties the need for head-coverings for women to the same source, and because of the angels (whatever that means) [1 Corinthians 11:7-10].
Yes, Adam was formed first, then Eve; yes Eve sinned first, not Adam.
These are good reasons why wives ought to honour their husbands, in whatever culture or context they live in; they are also good reasons why husbands ought to honour their wives, in any and every culture.
In that context (where women did not hold positions of authority, wore head coverings, and called their husbands ‘master’, Paul urges them to honour their husbands in line with that practice.
The key thing is – for men and women, for slaves, for citizens of a country – is to submit, honour, love and serve everyone, so that they might be won to Christ.
Though (you are) free and belong to no man, make (your)self a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. [1 Corinthians 9:19]
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. [Mark 10:45]
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to live the kind of life towards others in my culture and context that wins them to Christ as well.